Trends in Parkinson's Disease Mortality in China from 2004 to 2021: a Joinpoint Analysis

Background: This study aimed to analyze the trends of Parkinson's disease (PD) mortality rates among Chinese residents from 2004 to 2021, provide evidence for the formulation of PD prevention and control strategies to improve the quality of life among PD residents.

Methods: Demographic and sociological data such as gender, urban or rural residency and age were obtained from the National Cause of Death Surveillance Dataset from 2004 to 2021. We then analyzed the trends of PD mortality rates by Joinpoint regression.

Results: The PD mortality and standardized mortality rates in China showed an overall increasing trend during 2004-2021 (average annual percentage change [AAPC] = 7.14%, AAPC=3.21%, P < 0.001). The mortality and standardized mortality rate in male (AAPC = 7.65%, AAPC=3.18%, P < 0.001) were higher than that of female (AAPC = 7.03%, AAPC=3.09%, P < 0.001). The PD standardized mortality rates of urban (AAPC = 5.13%, AAPC=1.76%, P < 0.001) and rural (AAPC = 8.40%, AAPC=4.29%, P < 0.001) residents both increased gradually. In the age analysis, the mortality rate increased with age. And the mortality rates of those aged > 85 years was the highest. Considering gender, female aged > 85 years had the fastest mortality trend (annual percentage change [APC] = 5.69%, P < 0.001). Considering urban/rural, rural aged 80-84 years had the fastest mortality trend (APC = 6.68%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The mortality rate of PD among Chinese residents increased from 2004 to 2021. Male sex, urban residence and age > 85 years were risk factors for PD-related death and should be the primary focus for PD prevention.