3. Results
3.1. Nationwide sepsis mortality
In the 2003, the crude sepsis mortality gradually increased
from major cities to small and medium-sized cities and then to
rural areas (Figure 1). Among subgroups, the highest mortality
was 0.83 per 100,000 persons among the male population in
rural areas. Interestingly, in the 2007, the crude mortality was
dramatically decreased in small and medium-sized cities and
rural areas. The differences between rural areas and major cities
became smaller. In contrast, compared to 2003, the 2007 mor-
tality in the major cities increased among both males and
females. Among all subgroups, males had higher sepsis
mortality than females, with the only exception being in the
2003 in major cities.