Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients are highly susceptible to respiratory infections due to immunosuppression from both the disease and its treatments. Understanding mortality trends and disparities in this population is crucial for improving care and reducing the burden of coexisting conditions. This study analyzed death certificates from the Center of Disease Control Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database for individuals aged ≥ 25 years who died between 1999 and 2020 with both NHL and respiratory infections. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent change were computed by year, gender, age group, race/ethnicity, geographic region, and urbanization status. From 1999 to 2020, 66,986 deaths were related to coexisting NHL and respiratory infections. AAMR decreased from 17.1 to 14.6 per 1,000,000 individuals. A significant decline in AAMR occurred between 1999 and 2018, followed by a significant rise from 2018 to 2020. Men had nearly double the AAMR compared to women. Older adults had the highest AAMRs, followed by middle-aged adults and young adults. Among racial and ethnic groups, non-Hispanic (NH) White individuals had the highest AAMR, followed by NH American Indian or Alaska Natives, Hispanic or Latino, NH Asian or Pacific Islanders, and NH Black or African American populations. Non-metropolitan areas had a higher AAMR than metropolitan areas. The overall AAMR decreased from 1999 to 2020, but a significant rise was observed in recent years. Mortality disparities were notable among men, older adults, NH White individuals, and residents of non-metropolitan areas, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.