Epidemiological transition and distribution of stroke incidence in Tianjin, China, 1988-2010

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the trends in epidemiological transition of stroke over the last two decades in Tianjin, and investigate the subtypes of stroke.

Study design: A population-based epidemiological study using data from the Stroke Incidence Surveillance System of the Tianjin Centres for Disease Control and Prevention from 1988 to 2010.

Methods: Almost 500,000 cases were analysed to examine changes in the incidence of stroke between 1988 and 2010 by age, sex, subtype, year and urban/rural status.

Results: The incidence of stroke amongst males increased from 136.8/100,000 in 1988 to 387.0/100,000 in 2010, and the incidence amongst females increased from 65.9/100,000 in 1988 to 249.7/100,000 in 2010. Over the study period, the proportion of haemorrhagic strokes decreased and the proportion of ischaemic strokes increased sharply in both men and woman; the differences were significant.

Conclusion: The distribution of stroke subtypes changed dramatically over the study period. Changes in trend and subtypes of stroke have raised new challenges and there is a need for adjustment for stroke prevention in Tianjin.

Keywords: Epidemiological transition; Incidence; Stroke.