Mortality rates for mental disorders by gender in urban and rural areas in China from 2006 to 2020: An age-period-cohort analysis

This study was to explore the trends of mortality rates for mental disorders by gender in urban and rural areas in China (2006-2020) and estimate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort on the mortality of mental disorders. This study employs data from the China Health Statistical Yearbook. The data were analysed using joinpoint regression analysis as well as age-period-cohort analysis. Results revealed the age-standardized mor-tality rates of mental disorders in China showed a downward trend, and women had a faster rate of decline than men over the years 2006-2020. Age, period, and birth cohort effects were statistically significant in the trend analysis of mental disorder mortality, and compared with period and cohort effects, age effects were the leading correlate of mental disorder mortality. The risk of death increased with advancing age. Our findings suggest that the mortality of mental disorders showed a downward trend, but some effective measures, especially regarding mental disorders, need to be taken to protect people with these disorders and prevent their occurrence in the setting of an ageing population.