Prevalences and trends of chronic diseases in Shaanxi Province, China: Evidence from representative cross-sectional surveys in 2003, 2008 and 2013.

Chronic diseases are highly prevalent and continuously increasing in the adult population in Shaanxi Province from 2003 to 2013. Given its large aging population, China may face a greater chronic disease burden. A national chronic disease surveillance system and screening program should be established to acquire comprehensive information regarding the distribution and trends of chronic diseases.