Trend analysis of stroke mortality in China from 2002 to 2021

Problem considered: This study aims to analyze trend of stroke mortality in China in recent 20 years in rural and urban area between male and female, to focus on specific regions and population that need to improve treatment and health promotion to reduce mortality.Methods: We analyze the mortality in urban and rural area from China Health Statistics Yearbook (2003-2022).The trend of crude mortality and age-standardized mortality were analyzed by region, gender and age.Joinpoint 5.3.0.0 was used to analyze the trend.Results: Crude mortality in urban and rural area showed a fluctuating increase from 2002 to 2021.Mortality in rural area was higher than in urban area, and males' mortality was higher than females (P < 0.05).The average annual decrease rate of age-standardized mortality in urban area was 1.25 % (P < 0.05), while 0.71 % (P > 0.05) in rural area.Stroke mortality increased with age, especially 60+ years old.Mortality of 85+ years old reached 3447.32/100,000 and 3803.66/100,000 in urban and rural area, respectively.Age-standardized mortality in urban and rural area decreased generally, but it showed an upward trend for 85+ years old, with an average annual increase rate of 1.40 % (P < 0.05) in rural area.Conclusion: In rural area, male and the elderly, especially 85+ years old, are high-risk population.Comprehensive prevention and control should be continuously strengthened.Health education could develop healthy lifestyles.First aid training could recognize the early syndromes.Establishing Stroke Alliance can integrate medical resources between urban and rural areas.