Mortality Trend of Cerebrovascular Disorders: A Cross-sectional Study in Northern Iran (2016-2023).

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular disorders (CeVDs) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. This study aims to analyze the trends in mortality due to CeVDs in northern Iran between 2016 and 2023. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included all documented Deaths due to CeVDs in Babol County, north of Iran, from 2016 to 2023. The crude mortality rate (CMR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) were used to assess the trends in CeVDs mortality. The Cochran-Armitage trend test and Joinpoint regression were employed to analyze the changes in disease trends. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 1,798 deaths from CeVDs were reported, with a mean age of 76.8±13.2 years. The CMR and ASMR for CeVDs decreased from 38.4 and 28.3 per 100,000 population in 2016 to 30.9 and 23.3 per 100,000 in 2023 (P<0.001). The trend decreased in both genders and urban and rural populations (P<0.05). Joinpoint regression indicated a break point in 2018. Between 2018 and 2023, the ASMR trend decreased, with an annual percentage change of -7.98% (95% CI, -18.72% to -4.88%). CONCLUSION: This study reveals a significant decrease in CeVDs mortality in the region, indicating progress in therapeutic interventions. However, death rates in rural areas remain high. Addressing this condition requires targeted approaches and increased resource allocation.