Spatiotemporal trend of sensory impairments in China and its provinces from 2011 to 2018: insights from CHARLS

Sensory impairments impact public health both the health and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults. However, in China there is little awareness of the impact of sensory disabilities. In this study, we rates were assessed for isolated visual impairments, isolated hearing impairments, and dual sensory impairments among elderly Chinese from 2011 to 2018 using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for sensory impairments. Spatial statistical analyses were conducted to assess the differences in sensory impairments across Chinese provinces. Our study highlights significant variations in the prevalence of sensory impairments across different provinces in China, with notable improvements in visual impairments over time but persistent or worsening trends in hearing impairments and dual sensory impairments. The spatial clustering of these impairments, particularly in western regions such as Xinjiang, underscores the need for targeted public health interventions. We also found that Gender consistently associated with sensory impairments, while diabetes and digestive system diseases significantly affecting visual impairments. Government should consider enhancing public health initiatives focused on the prevention and treatment of sensory impairments, especially in regions with higher prevalence rates, to improve the overall health and quality of life of the aging population.