Mortality trend and leading causes of death in Kunshan, Jiangsu, 1981-2014

Objective To understand the changes of all-cause mortality, including death cause constitute, and average expectancy life in residents in Kunshan, Jiangsu province during 1981-2014, and provide evidence for the decision making of health department. Methods The all-cause mortality data in Kunshan during this period were obtained from all-cause mortality surveillance system. The gender specific all-cause mortality and average life expectancy were calculated respectively, the age standardized all-cause mortality was calculated by using the data of national census in 2000, and the annual percentage changes (APC) of the data were estimated. Results The age standardized all-cause mortality decreased from 726.26/100 000 in 1981 to 258.40/100 000 in 2014 (APC:-3.33%, 95%CI:-3.54%--3.12%), and the gender specific all-cause mortality decrease from 830.16/100 000 to 289.30/100 000 in males (APC:-3.44%, 95%CI:-3.68%--3.20%)and from 654.63/100 000 to 226.40/100 000 in females (APC:-3.38%, 95%CI:-3.60%--3.16%)during this period. For contrast, the average life expectancy increased from 69.67 years to 82.26 years (APC:0.57%,95%CI:0.53%-0.61%). The major death causes included cancer (30.33%), cerebrovascular disease (17.22%), cardiovascular disease (9.09%), respiratory disease (15.30%) and injury/poisoning (8.08%). Conclusion The all-cause mortality decreased and average life expectancy increased in residents in Kunshan. Cancer, circulatory disease, respiratory disease and injury/poisoning were the leading health problems in local residents.