Age-specific Prevalence Rates Research Articles

Global burden of anemia and cause among children under five years 1990-2019: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019.

Anemia represents a significant global health issue affecting numerous children and women, characterized by diminished hemoglobin levels that may impede cognitive and developmental progress. Although commonly attributed to iron deficiency, the etiology of anemia in this demographic is multifaceted, encompassing nutritional, genetic, and infectious contributors. Nonetheless, there is a lack of high-quality data on anemia prevalence and causes analysis among children under 5 years. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive global assessment of the burden of anemia and its causes among children under 5 years, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. This investigation utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 to assess the prevalence and years lived with disability (YLD) attributable to anemia in children under five from 1990 to 2019. Analyses were conducted to delineate age-specific YLD, prevalence rates, and etiological factors, with stratification by gender and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). In 2019, anemia imposed a substantial global burden on children under five, with a reported YLD of 1,252.88 (95% UI: 831.62-1,831.34) per 100,000 population. The prevalence of moderate anemia was highest at 985.46 (95% UI: 646.24-1,450.49) per 100,000, surpassing both severe anemia at 197.82 (95% UI: 132.53-277.80) per 100,000 and mild anemia at 69.59 (95% UI: 24.62-152.53) per 100,000. Globally, the total prevalence was 39,517.75 (95% UI: 38,784.81 - 40,239.62) cases per 100,000 population. Notably, disparities were evident between genders, with males demonstrating higher YLD and prevalence rates than females. Iron deficiency emerged as the leading cause globally, with significant contributions from hemoglobinopathies and other nutritional deficiencies. Regions with a low Socio-Demographic Index, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, exhibited the most pronounced burdens. Despite a declining trend over three decades, persistent regional and gender-based disparities highlight the necessity for continuous and focused public health interventions. The burden of anemia among children under five continues to be considerable, marked by stark regional and socioeconomic disparities. These findings underscore the urgent need for advanced nutritional and healthcare strategies tailored to alleviate anemia in this vulnerable population, with a particular emphasis on regions exhibiting low SDIs. The sustained prevalence of high anemia rates in these areas underscores the imperative for persistent, localized intervention efforts.

Global burden of dementia in younger people: an analysis of data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study

Dementia among younger people is rapidly emerging as a global health concern; however, comprehensive research on its shifting burden trends remains insufficient. Data on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with dementia occurring in individuals <70 years were extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated to assess trends in age-specific rates (ASRs), including age-specific prevalence rates (ASPRs), age-specific incidence rates (ASIRs), age-specific mortality rates (ASMRs), and age-specific DALY rates (ASDRs) while young-onset dementia (YOD) burden trends were analyzed. The correlation between ASR/AAPC and the sociodemographic index (SDI) was evaluated. In 2021, the global prevalence of dementia in individuals <70 years increased by 122.33%, with a 128% increase in new cases since 1990. Concurrently, deaths and DALYs of individuals <70 years with dementia rose by 119.28% and 119.77%, respectively. The AAPCs of YOD ASRs during 1990-2021 initially increased and then decreased with increasing SDI levels, with the highest AAPCs of ASPR (2.20 [95%CI: 2.08-2.32] per 100,000), ASIR (2.25 [95%CI: 2.06-2.45] per 100,000), ASMR (2.04 [95%CI: 1.93-2.15] per 100,000), and ASDR (2.06 [95%CI: 1.99-2.13] per 100,000) observed in middle-SDI levels. Additionally, females <70 years bore a higher burden of dementia globally, and gender differences are still widening. The growth rate of YOD is accelerating, particularly in the middle to high SDI region with females bearing a disproportionately higher burden of YOD. This work was supported by grants from the National High level Hospital Clinical Research Funding, CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Global, regional and national burdens of acne vulgaris inadolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years from 1990 to 2021: a trend analysis.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition affecting adolescents and young adults worldwide, yet data on the burden and trends of this disease remain limited. We aimed to investigate trends in the burden of acne vulgaris among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years at global, regional and national levels. We retrieved data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 for individuals aged 10-24 years in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We analysed the numbers, age-standardized rates and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of the prevalence, incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for acne vulgaris at the global, regional and national levels. Additionally, we examined these global trends by age, sex and Sociodemographic Index (SDI). Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate of acne vulgaris among adolescents and young adults increased from 8563.4 per 100 000 population [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 7343.5-9920.1] in 1990 to 9790.5 (95% UI 8420.9-11 287.2) per 100 000 population in 2021, with an AAPC of 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-0.46]. The age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized DALY rate also showed a similar upward trend. Regionally, Western Europe had the highest age-standardized prevalence, incidence and DALY rates, while North Africa and the Middle East had the largest increase in these rates. By SDI quintile, the high SDI region had the highest age-standardized prevalence, incidence and DALY rates from 1990 to 2021, whereas the low-middle SDI region had the lowest burden of acne vulgaris but experienced the most significant increase in these rates. Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate of acne vulgaris in 2021 was approximately 25% higher in young women than in young men (10 911.8 per 100 000 population vs. 8727.8 per 100 000 population). Among all age groups, adolescents aged 15-19 years had the highest age-specific prevalence rate, while adolescents aged 10-14 years experienced the largest increase from 1990 to 2021 (AAPC 0.50, 95% CI 0.48-0.52). The burden of acne vulgaris among adolescents and young adults has continued to increase in nearly all countries since the 1990s. Managing this condition remains a significant challenge, necessitating more effective and targeted interventions to control the acne burden.

Comparative analysis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden between ages 20–54 and over 55 years: insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BackgroundTo systematically analyze differences in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) burden between young and older adults.MethodsWe estimated the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of ASCVD, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), in individuals aged 20–54 and > 55 years from 1990–2019, utilizing data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. The annual percentage changes (EAPCs) for age-specific prevalence, mortality, or DALY rates were calculated to quantify the temporal trends of ASCVD burden. We also analyzed population attribution fractions (PAF) of premature ASCVD mortality and DALYs for different risk factors and compared the burden of extremely premature, premature, and non-premature ASCVD cases based on clinical classifications.ResultsFrom 1990–2019, the global prevalence rates of IHD, IS, and PAD in the 20–54 years age group increased by 20.55% (from 694.74 to 837.49 per 100,000 population), 11.50% (from 439.48 to 490.03 per 100,000 population), and 7.38% (from 384.24 to 412.59 per 100,000 population), respectively. Conversely, the ASCVD prevalence in > 55years age group decreased. Adverse outcome burdens, including mortality and DALYs, varied among ASCVD subtypes. The decrease in the mortality/DALY burden of IHD and IS was lower in the 20–54 years group than in the > 55 years group. For PAD, DALYs among those aged 20–54 increased but decreased among those aged > 55 years. When grouped according to socio-demographic index (SDI) values, lower SDI regions exhibited a higher proportion of young ASCVD burden. The prevalence of young IHD, IS, and PAD in low SDI regions reached 20.70%, 40.05%, and 19.31% in 2019, respectively, compared with 12.14%, 16.32%, and 9.54%, respectively, in high SDI regions. Metabolic risks were the primary contributors to the ASCVD burden in both age groups. Increased susceptibility to ambient particulate matter pollution and inadequate control of high body-mass index and high fasting plasma glucose in young individuals may partially explain the differing temporal trends between young and older individuals.ConclusionsThe ASCVD burden in young individuals may become a growing global health concern, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic development levels that require more effective primary prevention strategies.

Impact of aging on acute myeloid leukemia epidemiology and survival outcomes: A real-world, population-based longitudinal cohort study.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe and fatal form of leukemia that is prevalent in the older population. In this longitudinal retrospective study, we investigated the epidemiology and survival rates of patients diagnosed with de novo acute myeloid leukemia in South Korea from Jan 1, 2011, to Aug 31, 2020. We used real-world data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. We observed an increase in the number of acute myeloid leukemia cases, with age-specific incidence rates escalating in older patients. In contrast a long-term decrease from 1.94 to 1.77 per 100,000 individuals was found in the age-standardized incidence rates. Meanwhile, age-standardized prevalence rates ascended from 8.93 to 9.67 per 100,000 individuals, with a remarkable increase in the age-specific prevalence rate for those aged 80 years and above. Survival rates were notably better in younger or treated patients, and in those who underwent Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The time of diagnosis did not affect the survival of patients younger than 65 years. However, the most recent survival rates were significantly lower for patients 65 or older, as shown in the unadjusted Cox survival analysis. After adjustments in the analysis, it was found that the overall survival rates of the most recently diagnosed group improved significantly compared with those diagnosed earlier, with a hazard ratio of 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.97). This improvement may potentially be influenced by the enhanced treatment alternatives available for newly diagnosed older patients aged 65 years or older. In conclusion, aging appears to fuel an increase in the number of acute myeloid leukemia cases and mortality. Further studies are warranted to understand the impact of aging on acute myeloid leukemia treatment outcomes and devise efficacious care strategies for older patients.

Gender inequality and burden of orofacial clefts in the Eastern Mediterranean region: findings from global burden of disease study 1990–2019

BackgroundGender inequality may be associated with the burden of orofacial clefts (OFCs), particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). To investigate the OFCs’ burden and its association with gender inequality in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR).MethodsCountry-specific data on the OFCs’ prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 were gathered from the Global Burden of Disease database by age and gender. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPCs) was used to investigate the OFCs’ trends. The association of the Gender Inequality Index (GII) with prevalence and DALY rates was determined using multiple linear regression. Human Development Index (HDI), Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) were also considered as potential confounders.ResultsIn 2019, the overall regional OFCs’ prevalence and DALYs (per 100,000 person-years) were 93.84 and 9.68, respectively. During the 1990–2019 period, there was a decrease in prevalence (EAPC = -0.05%), demonstrating a consistent trend across genders. Moreover, within the same timeframe, DALYs also declined (EAPC = -2.10%), with a more pronounced reduction observed among females. Gender differences were observed in age-specific prevalence rates (p-value = 0.015). GII was associated with DALYs (βmale= -0.42, p-value = 0.1; βfemale = 0.48, p-value = 0.036) and prevalence (βmale= -1.86, p-value < 0.001, βfemale= -2.07, p-value < 0.001).ConclusionsDespite a declining prevalence, the burden of OFCs remained notably significant in the EMR. Gender inequality is associated with the burden of OFCs in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Countries in the region should establish comprehensive public policies to mitigate gender inequalities in healthcare services available for OFCs.

The long-term spatio-temporal trends in burden and attributable risk factors of major depressive disorder at global, regional and national levels during 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for GBD 2019.

Caused by multiple risk factors, heavy burden of major depressive disorder (MDD) poses serious challenges to public health worldwide over the past 30 years. Yet the burden and attributable risk factors of MDD were not systematically known. We aimed to reveal the long-term spatio-temporal trends in the burden and attributable risk factors of MDD at global, regional and national levels during 1990-2019. We obtained MDD and attributable risk factors data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We used joinpoint regression model to assess the temporal trend in MDD burden, and age-period-cohort model to measure the effects of age, period and birth cohort on MDD incidence rate. We utilized population attributable fractions (PAFs) to estimate the specific proportions of MDD burden attributed to given risk factors. During 1990-2019, the global number of MDD incident cases, prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) increased by 59.10%, 59.57% and 58.57%, respectively. Whereas the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) of MDD decreased during 1990-2019. The ASIR, ASPR and ASDR in women were 1.62, 1.62 and 1.60 times as that in men in 2019, respectively. The highest age-specific incidence, prevalence and DALYs rate occurred at the age of 60-64 in women, and at the age of 75-84 in men, but the maximum increasing trends in these age-specific rates occurred at the age of 5-9. Population living during 2000-2004 had higher risk of MDD. MDD burden varied by socio-demographic index (SDI), regions and nations. In 2019, low-SDI region, Central sub-Saharan Africa and Uganda had the highest ASIR, ASPR and ASDR. The global PAFs of intimate partner violence (IPV), childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and bullying victimization (BV) were 8.43%, 5.46% and 4.86% in 2019, respectively. Over the past 30 years, the global ASIR, ASPR and ASDR of MDD had decreased trends, while the burden of MDD was still serious, and multiple disparities in MDD burden remarkably existed. Women, elderly and populations living during 2000-2004 and in low-SDI regions, had more severe burden of MDD. Children were more susceptible to MDD. Up to 18.75% of global MDD burden would be eliminated through early preventing against IPV, CSA and BV. Tailored strategies-and-measures in different regions and demographic groups based on findings in this studywould be urgently needed to eliminate the impacts of modifiable risk factors on MDD, and then mitigate the burden of MDD.

Riding high: seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 after 4 pandemic waves in Manitoba, Canada, April 2020–February 2022

BackgroundCanada is emerging from the largest SARS-CoV-2 Omicron wave to date, with over 3.3 million confirmed cases. Unfortunately, PCR confirmed cases illuminate only a small portion of infections in the community and underestimate true disease burden. Population based seroprevalence studies, which measure antibody levels against a virus can more accurately estimate infection rates in the community and identify geographical and epidemiological trends to inform public health responses.MethodsThe Manitoba COVID-19 Seroprevalence (MCS) study is a population-based cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across the province. Residual convenience specimens (n = 14,901) were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike IgG antibodies from April 1, 2020 to February 31, 2022. We estimated the monthly and cumulative prevalence using an exponential decay model, accounting for population demographics, sensitivity/specificity, and antibody waning. This approach generated estimates of natural infection as well as total antibody including vaccine-induced immunity within the community.FindingsAfter four waves of the pandemic, 60.1% (95%CI-56.6–63.7) of Manitobans have generated SARS-CoV-2 antibodies due to natural exposure independent of vaccination. Geographical analysis indicates a large portion of provincial prevalence stems from increased transmission in the Northern (92.3%) and Southern (71.8%) regional health authorities. Despite the high mortality rates reported by Manitoba, infection fatality ratios (IFR) peaked at 0.67% and declined to 0.20% following the Omicron wave, indicating parity with other national and international jurisdictions. Manitoba has achieved 93.4% (95%CI- 91.5–95.1) total antibody when including vaccination.InterpretationOur data shows that more than 3 in 5 Manitobans have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 after four waves of the pandemic. This study also identifies key geographical and age specific prevalence rates that have contributed greatly to the overall severity of the pandemic in Manitoba and will inform jurisdictions considering reduction of public health measures.

Analysis of the disease burden of cardiomyopathy in children aged 0-14 years in China from 1990 to 2019.

To assess the disease burden and changing trend of cardiomyopathy in children aged 0-14 years in China from 1990 to 2019. This study was based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019; the age-specific prevalence rate, mortality rate and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate were used for analysis. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in burden rate and its 95% confidence interval were calculated. The data of China were compared with the global average level. In 2019, the numbers of prevalence, deaths, and DALYs of cardiomyopathy in children aged 0-14 years in China were 4,493 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 2687 ~ 6,838], 434 (95%UI: 337 ~ 565) and 37,522 (95%UI: 29,321 ~ 48,891), with declining amplitudes of 16.32, 70.56, and 70.74%, compared with 1990, respectively. In 2019, the prevalence rate of cardiomyopathy in Chinese children aged 0-14 years was 2.00/100,000 (95%UI: 1.2/100,000 ~ 3.04/100,000), higher than 1990 [1.66/100,000 (95%UI:1.00/100,000 ~ 2.53/100,000)]; mortality rate was 0.19/100,000 (95%UI: 0.15/100,000 ~ 0.25/100,000), significantly lower than 1990 [0.46/100,000 (95%UI: 0.25/100,000 ~ 0.95/100,000)]; DALY rate was 16.69/100,000 (95%UI: 13.04/100,000 ~ 21.75/100,000), also significantly lower than 1990 [39.71/100,000 (95%UI: 22.06/100,000 ~ 82.8/100,000)]. All burden rates of cardiomyopathy in Chinese children aged 0-14 years old were all lower than the global averages of 2019; the burden rates of male children were higher than female children. In all calendar years from 1990 to 2019, the mortality and DALY rates of children younger than 1-year-old were significantly higher than in the other age groups of 0-14 years old. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence rate of cardiomyopathy aged 0-14 years old gradually increased, with EAPC of 0.82 (95%CI: 0.71-0.93); mortality rate and DALY rate decreased [EAPC = -2.32 (95%CI: -2.59 to -2.05)]. From 1990 to 2019, the disease burden of cardiomyopathy in children of China aged 0-14 years was heterogeneous; the burden of male children was higher than females; and the burden of cardiomyopathy in children younger than 1 year old needs more attention.

Prevalence Rates in Schoolchildren According to the Results of Comprehensive Medical Examinations

Introduction: The educational process is one of the leading factors determining health of schoolchildren. Identification of pathologic afflictions among students can contribute to targeted development of health promotion activities and significantly reduce risks of diseases related to learning. Objective: To compare prevalence rates in elementary, secondary and high school students. Materials and methods: In January 2021 to October 2022, 498 schoolchildren passed comprehensive medical examinations. They were subdivided into three cohorts: cohort 1 consisted of 132 elementary school students (median age = 8 (7; 9) years), cohort 2 included 257 secondary school students (13 (11; 14) years), and cohort 3 comprised 109 high school students aged 16 (16; 17) years. The prevalence was assessed based on doctors’ statements; the data and statistics were analyzed using Jamovi. Results: Diseases of the musculoskeletal and digestive systems and endocrine disorders were found to be the most prevalent among the students (68.9–87.5 per 100 examined). The highest fold difference was established between high and elementary school students for the prevalence rates of tension-type headache (32.1), chronic gastritis and duodenitis (22.9), myopia (5.1), and scoliosis (2.9). We observed a direct relationship between educational stages and the development of those diseases. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the need of including additional examinations by neurologists and otolaryngologists at different ages in the procedure for conducting health checkups of minors. The focus, content and scope of health promotion, disease prevention, and outreach activities of pediatricians and preventive medicine physicians should be determined taking into account age-specific prevalence rates and the established association between stages of school education and certain health disorders.

Global, Regional, and National Advances Toward the Management of Rheumatic Heart Disease Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background Population growth, aging, and major alterations in epidemiologic trends inadvertently modulate the status of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) epidemiology. This investigation predicted RHD burden pattern and temporal trends to provide epidemiologic evidence. Methods and Results Prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years data for RHD were obtained from the GBD (Global Burden of Disease) study. We performed decomposition analysis and frontier analysis to assess variations and burden in RHD from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, there were >40.50 million RHD cases worldwide, along with nearly 0.31 million RHD-related deaths and 10.67 million years of healthy life lost to RHD. The RHD burden was commonly concentrated within lower sociodemographic index regions and countries. RHD primarily affects women (22.52 million cases in 2019), and the largest age-specific prevalence rate was at 25 to 29 years in women and 20 to 24 years in men. Multiple reports demonstrated prominent downregulation of RHD-related mortality and disability-adjusted life-years at the global, regional, and national levels. Decomposition analysis revealed that the observed improvements in RHD burden were primarily due to epidemiological alteration; however, it was negatively affected by population growth and aging. Frontier analysis revealed that the age-standardized prevalence rates were negatively linked to sociodemographic index, whereas Somalia and Burkina Faso, with lower sociodemographic index, showed the lowest overall difference from the frontier boundaries of mortality and disability-adjusted life-years. Conclusions RHD remains a major global public health issue. Countries such as Somalia and Burkina Faso are particularly successful in managing adverse outcomes from RHD and may serve as a template for other countries.

Epidemiology and risk factors of atopic dermatitis among children in Basrah, Iraq

Atopic dermatitis is a major public health problem, especially among children and has an economic burden at family and community levels. The present research aimed to study the frequency, distribution and determinants of atopic dermatitis in Basrah city, Iraq. A cross-sectional study was carried out between December 2020 and March 2021 at the dermatology outpatient clinic of Alfayhaa Hospital in Basrah, Iraq. The overall prevalence of the disease among children was 21.3 %. The age-specific prevalence rate among infantile, childhood and adolescent groups were 40.7%, 21.7%, and 12.1%, respectively. One hundred Four children who attended the dermatology outpatient clinic were diagnosed with Atopic dermatitis. The mean age of the patients was 6.6±2.8 years. In 87.5% of the cases, the onset of disease was before two years of age. Using objective scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD), the disease was classified into mild, moderate and severe with a percentage of 10.6, 83.6, and 5.8, respectively. There was no significant association between the severity of atopic dermatitis with early-onset, positive family history of atopy, nor a high body mass index (BMI). We recommend further large-scale and community-based studies to estimate the real burden of the disease with emphasis on preventive measures.

Age Trends in Bias-Based Bullying and Mental Health by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Disparities in mental health and bullying between SGM youth and their heterosexual, cisgender peers are well-established. There remain questions about whether the onset and progression of these disparities differ across adolescence-knowledge critical for screening, prevention, and intervention. To address this, the current study estimates age-based patterns of homophobic bullying, gender-based bullying, and mental health across groups of adolescents defined by sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Data are from the 2013-2015 cycle of the California Healthy Kids Survey (n = 728,204). We estimated the age-specific prevalence rates of past-year homophobic bullying, gender-based bullying, and depressive symptoms using three- and two-way interactions by (1) age,sex, and sexual identity and (2) age andgender identity, respectively. We also tested how adjustments for bias-based bullying alter predicted prevalence rates of past-year mental health symptoms. Results showed that SOGI differences in homophobic bullying, gender-based bullying, and mental health were already present among youth aged 11 and younger. SOGI differences by age were attenuated when adjusting models for homophobic and gender-based bullying, particularly among transgender youth. SOGI-related bias-based bullying and mental health disparities were present early andgenerally persisted throughout adolescence. Strategies that prevent exposure to homophobic and gender-based bullying would significantly reduce SOGI-relateddisparities in mental health across adolescence.

Case Identification and Characterization of Migrants with Dementia in the Lazio Region Using Health Administrative Data.

A crucial step for planning effective public health policies for migrants with dementia is the collection of data on the local dimensions of the phenomenon and patients' characteristics. This study aimed to identify and characterize migrants with dementia in the Lazio region using health administrative databases. Residents with dementia aged 50 years or older, living in the Lazio region as of December 31, 2018, were identified using a validated algorithm based on hospital discharge(s), claims for antidementia drugs, and co-payment exemption for dementia. Migrants were defined as people born abroad and grouped in migrants from High Migratory Pressure Countries (HMPCs) and Highly Developed Countries (HDCs). Overall and age-specific prevalence rates were estimated in native- and foreign-born patients. Dementia was ascertained in 38,460 residents. Among them, 37,280 (96.9%) were born in Italy, 337 (0.9%) were migrants from HDCs, and 843 (2.2%) from HMPCs. Dementia prevalence was higher among natives (1.15%, 95% CI 1.14-1.16) relative to migrants from HDCs (0.60%, 95% CI 0.54-0.67) and HMPCs (0.29%, 95% CI 0.27-0.31). The prevalence of comorbidities did not differ between groups. Migrants with dementia had a lower likelihood of receiving antidementia treatments compared with natives (51.6% in migrants from HDCs, 49.3% in migrants from HMPCs, and 53.5% among Italians). Routinely collected data in healthcare administrative databases can support the identification of migrants with dementia. Migrants exhibited a lower age-standardized prevalence of registered dementia and lower access to dedicated treatments than Italians. These findings are suggestive of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of dementia in migrants.

Burden of liver complications related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in China from 2005 to 2019: Observations from the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019.

To assess the burden of liver complications related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (LC-NAFLD) from 2005 to 2019 in China. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, 2019, to present contemporary and varying profiles of China's LC-NAFLD burden. The Joinpoint Regression model and Gaussian process regression were, respectively, used to estimate the annual percentage change in prevalence rates and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates, and the relationship between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and age-standardized rates of LC-NAFLD. In 2019, China had 293.42 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 263.69-328.44) LC-NAFLD cases with a prevalence rate and DALYs of 20.63 (95% UI: 23.09-18.54) per 1000 people and 591.03 thousand (95% UI: 451.25-737.33), respectively. North China had the highest prevalence but the lowest DALYs of LC-NAFLD, whereas Southwest China had the lowest prevalence but the highest DALYs. LC-NAFLD were more common in men than in women (male: female ratio, 1.27) in 2019. From 2005 to 2019, the prevalence of NAFLD cases increased by 68.32% (from 174.32 million in 2005 to 293.42 million in 2019), mainly because of an age-specific prevalence rate increase. The LC-NAFLD burden in China is substantial and has increased markedly over the past 15 years. Effective measures for low SDI regions and men are needed to address the rapidly increasing NAFLD burden.

Estimation of the population, death, and quality of life in Shaanxi Province, western China: a cross-sectional study.

Measuring the health of the population is of great significance to the development of a region. We aimed to estimate the population, probability of death, and quality of life in western China. We calculated the age-specific mortality rate and prevalence rate of diseases and injuries using the Full Population Database and the Home Page of Inpatient Medical Record. We used multiple interpolation methods to insert missing information from the death data and the model of Kannisto to adjust the mortality rate for elderly individuals. The age-specific prevalence rate of diseases and injuries was adjusted according to the standard ratio of age and methods of equal proportional allocation. Life expectancy was calculated by a life table, and the quality of life was estimated using the Sullivan method. The total population continued to increase in 2015 to 2019 in the Shaanxi Province, China. The mortality rate of children under five has improved, and the mortality rate of people over 65 is decreasing year by year. Life expectancy increased from 74.66 years in 2015 to 77.19 years in 2019. Even with the total risk of disease and injury, the health-adjusted life expectancy increased by 1.90 years within 5 years, and the number of unhealthy years significantly improved. Health-adjusted life expectancy increased by 1.75 years when only considered the ten major disease systems (tumors; endocrinology, nutrition and metabolism; mental and behavioral disorders; nervous system; sensory diseases; circulatory system; respiratory system; digestive system; genitourinary system; musculoskeletal system and connective tissue), and the number of unhealthy years increased slightly. In the past five years, Shaanxi Province has made progress in improving life expectancy and controlling the development of chronic diseases. It is necessary to take specific preventive measures and improve the quality of basic public health services.

The Use of Extended Reality and Computer Vision to Aid Reminiscence Therapy in Persons with Dementia

Abstract: It is estimated that, in 2019, 55.2 million people worldwide were living with dementia, a number that, when applied to the UN population forecast and assuming no change in age-specific prevalence rates, is slated to increase to 78 million people by 2030 and 139 million people who have dementia by 2050 [1]. While WHO acknowledges that, due to multiple factors, calculating the exact economic cost of dementia is not possible, it estimates the global cost of dementia in 2019 to be USD 1.3 Trillion, which is expected to increase to USD 1.7 Trillion by 2030 and $2.8 Trillion by 2050 [1]. These statistics indicate the necessity to develop more accessible and affordable ways to improve the quality of life of people who have dementia and help them maintain autonomy for longer to minimise the economic and social costs associated with it. Reminiscence therapy, the use of life histories – written, oral, or both – to improve psychological well-being [2], is a relatively inexpensive approach to helping elderly people cope with depression and dementia. The objective of this paper is to review past research on how Extended Reality technologies (Virtual and Augmented) have been used in the treatment of dementia and, in the end, suggest a way to aid Reminiscence therapy by leveraging the advancements in the field of Extended Reality and real-time Computer Vision.

Rising incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based study over four decades

ObjectivesTo determine the trends in incidence, prevalence and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a US population over four decades.MethodsWe identified all the patients with SLE in Olmsted County,...

Forecasting chronic diseases in Africans – Evidence from an immigrant population cohort experience

Background: Many African countries have seen a decline in communicable diseases and infant mortality with a concomitant emergence of Western-type, resource-draining, chronic diseases in a growing mid-aged population. This poses a threat to countries with very limited resources and points to the urgent need for data to predict the impact of this emerging trend on health and economy.Methods: A cohort of 76,356 unselected immigrants to Israel, from the Gondar area in Ethiopia, was studied for patterns of non-communicable diseases emergence following their move to a Western environment. Age-specific prevalence rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and important risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, BMI and smoking) were calculated by time since immigration and compared to those of 767,082 same period immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and to the Israeli Jewish population, using the Clalit Chronic Disease Registry.Results: Prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and smoking all increased significantly in every age-group among the Ethiopian immigrants. The increase started within 5 years of immigration and sometimes exceeded the rate in the local Israeli population, most notably with diabetes. Disease rates among the FSU immigrants were lower in magnitude and different in trend. Rates of malignancies changed differentially by type and etiology of disease.Conclusion: Major temporal increases of chronic diseases morbidity were documented in immigrants from semi-rural Ethiopia to a Western environment. African countries undergoing gradual Westernization need to take immediate preventive measures to tackle the emerging problem. These can involve health education measures or the use of risk reducing drugs as possible approaches.

Trends in happy life expectancy in Russia, 1994–2015

Although the physical health status of the Russian population has improved over time, limited attention has been paid to the role of subjective well-being (SWB), and even less is known about its relationship with objective health conditions. Using the concept of health expectancy, this study estimates the number of years expected to be satisfied with life (happy life expectancy [LE]) for Russian men and women aged 50 years and older between 1994 and 2015. Data on age-specific prevalence rates of life satisfaction were obtained from the Russian Longitudinal Study of Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE), and the life tables were from the Human Life Table Database. We also tested the correlation between macroeconomic indicators and happy LE at age 50. Results based on the Sullivan method demonstrated substantial increases in happy LE at age 50 for both genders during the study period. Changes in happy LE and the percentage of happy life were significant for both genders. Furthermore, happy LE fluctuated during the 1990s but increased in the early 2000s. Importantly, the results from more recent years show stagnation and slight declines in happy LE for men and women. We also noted correlations between happy LE at age 50 and macroeconomic indicators, including gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates. Taken together, the findings suggest that Russian men and women are becoming more satisfied with life as they live longer. While health has mainly been measured by mortality and morbidity in the Russian context, the finding suggests the importance of focusing more on the positive aspect of population health.