Evaluating the regional and demographic variables in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality trends in the United States from 1999 to 2020: A cross sectional study

Alcoholism-related liver diseases are becoming one of the leading causes of cirrhosis- related deaths in the United States. Analyzing the temporal trends in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality among individuals, identifying the populations at high risk, and guiding the implementation of tailored interventions to address the escalating effects of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) on public health. Data extracted from death certificates via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database was examined from 1999 to 2020 for ALD related age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs). The data was stratified by year, age, gender, race and geographical region. Annual percentage changes were calculated using Joinpoint Regression Program. A total of 373,302 deaths occurred due to ALD from 1999 to 2020. ALD related AAMRs declined from 1999 to 2006, followed by an initial slow rise till 2018, and then rising rapidly from 2018 to 2020. Individuals aged 55 to 64 had the highest mortality rates. Males had higher AAMRs than females. American Indians or Alaskans exhibited the highest AAMRs, and Asians or Pacific Islanders had the lowest. Western America having the highest mortality rate. New Mexico had the highest AAMR among states. Rural United States was a hotspot for ALD related mortality. There is an overall increase in ALD-related deaths in the United States from 1999 to 2020. The highest AAMRs were observed in American Indians or Alaskan, males, 55 to 64 years of age, in the Western region, in New Mexico state, and rural areas.