Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To analyze the disease burden of meningitis among Chinese residents from 1990 to 2021 and its future evolution trend.
METHODS Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study database in 2021, relevant data on the disease burden, etiology and attributable risk factors of meningitis in China were retrieved. The Joinpoint regression model was applied to analyze the disease burden of meningitis in China from 1990 to 2021. the Bayesian age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to predict the changing trend of the disease burden of meningitis among Chinese residents from 2022 to 2031.
RESULTS In 2021, the standardized incidence rate, standardized mortality rate and age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year rate (ASDR) of meningitis in the total population in China were 5.79/100 000, 0.48/100 000 and 27.95/100 000, respectively. Compared with those in 1990, the average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were −5.31%, −6.31% and −7.15%, respectively. The age group under 5 years old had the heaviest disease burden and the largest decrease. From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and ASDR of meningitis caused by all pathogens showed a decreasing trend, with the largest decreases in the disease burden caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. During the same period, the overall disease burden of meningitis caused by various risk factors decreased among children under 5 years old in China, with the largest decreases in mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) rates associated with household air pollution caused by solid fuels. The Bayesian APC model predicted that the standardized incidence rate, standardized mortality rate and standardized DALYs rate of meningitis among Chinese residents will continue to decrease from 2022 to 2031.
CONCLUSIONS From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of meningitis in the total population in China continues to decrease. The disease burden caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis shows the largest decreases, but antimicrobial drug resistance poses new challenges. Children under 5 years old are the key population for disease burden, and their main risk factors include preterm birth and low birth weight.