Anemia Related Mortality in Inner Mongolia in 2008–2012

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the characteristics of anemia-related deaths and the relationship between socio-demographic status and mortality risk of anemia in Inner Mongolia from 2008 to 2012.

METHODS: We obtained our data for 2008–2012 from the Death Registry System of Inner Mongolia. We calculated the mortality, percentage, and potential years of life lost (PYLL) of anemia in diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism (DBDIM). We collected socio-demographic status of case and control, including marital status, education level, area of residence, and occupation. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze which factor has effect to mortality risk of anemia.

RESULTS: The total mortality from anemia was 0.66/105, and the mortality rates in male and female were 0.74/105 and 0.57/105, respectively (χ2 = 1.270, P = 0.260). No significant differences in the mortality of anemia were observed from 2008 to 2012 (χ2 = 6.003, P = 0.199). In DBDIM approximately 80% of these deaths were caused by anemia. Among the various types of anemia, aplastic and other anemias (AOA) showed the highest PYLL and mortality. The age-specific mortality curve for anemia, which increased with age, is similar in both genders. Moreover, a high education level increased the mortality risk of anemia.

CONCLUSION: Among the various types of anemia, AOA showed the highest PYLL and mortality, and the burden of premature death resulting from AOA is possibly more serious than other anemia. Moreover, high education level increased the mortality risk of anemia.