Trends in Stroke Mortality Among Adults in Southern Brazil: A Time Series Study (2000-2021)

Background Updated data on stroke mortality covering the period of the COVID-19 pandemic are needed. Therefore, this study analyzed the temporal trend of stroke mortality among adults in Paraná State, southern Brazil, between 2000 and 2021.

Methods A time series study was conducted using secondary data from adults. Joinpoint regression calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and annual percentage change (APC) of mortality rate and proportional mortality from stroke.

Results There was a decrease in the time trend of mortality rate (AAPC: -2.1; P < 0.05) and proportional mortality (AAPC: -4.0; P < 0.05) due to stroke in adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sharp decline in proportional mortality (APC: -16.1; P < 0.05) in all adults, with a higher decrease in men (APC: -17.8; P < 0.05) and in the 40-49 years age group (APC: -27.4; P < 0.05).

Conclusions There was a reduction in the mortality rate and proportional mortality from stroke among adults aged 20 years and older. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp decline occurred in the proportion of stroke deaths among all-cause deaths.