Low-middle Socio-demographic Index Research Articles

Global burden of rheumatic heart disease and its association with socioeconomic development status, 1990-2019.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains an important health issue, yet global attention to RHD is diminishing. This study aimed to investigate the global burden of RHD and its relationship with socioeconomic development status. Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. Incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality numbers and rates for RHD were extracted and stratified by sex, level of socio-demographic index (SDI), country, and territory. In addition, the burden of RHD was compared across age groups. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of RHD increased by 14.4% (11.2-17.0%) and 13.8% (11.0-16.0%), respectively. Incidence and prevalence rates showed an increasing trend in low SDI and low-middle SDI locations, while high-middle SDI and high SDI locations showed a decreasing trend. The age-standardized DALYs and mortality rates of RHD decreased by 53.1% (46.4-60.0) and 56.9% (49.8-64.7%), and this downward trend was more prominent in high-middle SDI and middle SDI locations. In addition, the age of incidence and prevalence rates were concentrated between 5-24 years and 15-49 years, predominantly in poor regions, and RHD appeared to be more common in women than in men. The burden of RHD is negatively correlated with socioeconomic development status. In particular, the burden of RHD among children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age in poorer regions requires more attention. Policymakers should use the 2019 GBD data to guide cost-effective interventions and resource allocation for RHD.

Epidemiological trends of low back pain at the global, regional, and national levels

PurposeWe aimed to assess the global, regional, and national burdens of low back pain (LBP) from 1990 to 2019 by gender, age, and the sociodemographic index (SDI) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study.MethodsThe number of incident cases, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized incidence rates, and age-standardized DALY rates during 1990–2019 were obtained from the GBD 2019 study. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in the age-standardized incidence rates and age-standardized DALY rates were determined to measure the temporal trends of LBP.ResultsIn 2019, there were an estimated 223.5 million cases of LBP and 63.7 million LBP-related DALYs worldwide. During 1990–2019, the age-standardized incidence rate [EAPC = − 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.46 to − 0.36] and age-standardized DALY rate decreased (EAPC = − 0.51; 95% CI − 0.56 to − 0.46) globally. The age-standardized incidence rate of LBP decreased the most in low-middle SDI regions. The age-standardized incidence rate of LBP decreased the most in South Asia (EAPC, − 1.51), East Asia (EAPC, − 0.68), and Australasia (EAPC, − 0.26). The incidence in male subjects was lower than that in female subjects. The largest decreases in the age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized DALY rate of LBP were observed in India, and China.ConclusionsThe global age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized DALY rate of LBP showed a downward trend, especially in East and South Asia. In addition, a heavier burden of LBP was observed in older and female populations.

Projection of global burden and risk factors for aortic aneurysm – timely warning for greater emphasis on managing blood pressure

Rationale Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a serious condition that largely increases the risk of aortic dissection and sudden death. Exploring the global burden of disease and changes in risk factors for AA is essential for public health policy development. Objective To project the death burden from AA and its attributable risk factors in the following decade based on the epidemiological data over the past 30 years. Methods and Results We analysed the death burden of AA and trends of four risk factors from 1990–2019 using the updated 2019 Global Burden of Disease study database by Joinpoint regression analysis. Furthermore, we project the AA-related death burden for the next decade using the Bayesian age-period-cohort model. This study discovered that the global burden of death attributable to AA began to increase after decreasing for two decades. This upward trend will continue in the subsequent decade (average annual percent change: 0.318%, 95% CI: 0.288 to 0.348). Meanwhile, the disease burdens in all economic regions except high-middle socio-demographic index (SDI) regions will continuously increase in the next decade, with the fastest acceleration in the low-middle SDI region (average annual percent change: 1.183%, 95% CI: 1.166 to 1.200). Notably, high systolic blood pressure will surpass the contribution of smoking to become the most important risk factor for mortality due to AA. Conclusion This study discovered a rebounding trend in the aortic aneurysm-related death burden globally. High systolic blood pressure will be the top risk factor attributed to death from AA. Therefore, it should be considered as the first-degree risk factor in the guidance of AA management and criteria for population-based screening programs. Key messages The death burden of aortic aneurysms is beginning to rebound globally, and the trend will continue for the next decade. High systolic blood pressure will replace smoking as the most important risk factor associated with aortic aneurysm death.

Diabetes mortality and trends before 25 years of age: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

SummaryBackgroundDiabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, at younger ages can be a largely preventable cause of death with the correct health care and services. We aimed to evaluate diabetes mortality and trends at ages younger than 25 years globally using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019.MethodsWe used estimates of GBD 2019 to calculate international diabetes mortality at ages younger than 25 years in 1990 and 2019. Data sources for causes of death were obtained from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and other surveillance systems for 1990–2019. We estimated death rates for each location using the GBD Cause of Death Ensemble model. We analysed the association of age-standardised death rates per 100 000 population with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and a measure of universal health coverage (UHC) and described the variability within SDI quintiles. We present estimates with their 95% uncertainty intervals.FindingsIn 2019, 16 300 (95% uncertainty interval 14 200 to 18 900) global deaths due to diabetes (type 1 and 2 combined) occurred in people younger than 25 years and 73·7% (68·3 to 77·4) were classified as due to type 1 diabetes. The age-standardised death rate was 0·50 (0·44 to 0·58) per 100 000 population, and 15 900 (97·5%) of these deaths occurred in low to high-middle SDI countries. The rate was 0·13 (0·12 to 0·14) per 100 000 population in the high SDI quintile, 0·60 (0·51 to 0·70) per 100 000 population in the low-middle SDI quintile, and 0·71 (0·60 to 0·86) per 100 000 population in the low SDI quintile. Within SDI quintiles, we observed large variability in rates across countries, in part explained by the extent of UHC (r2=0·62). From 1990 to 2019, age-standardised death rates decreased globally by 17·0% (−28·4 to −2·9) for all diabetes, and by 21·0% (–33·0 to −5·9) when considering only type 1 diabetes. However, the low SDI quintile had the lowest decline for both all diabetes (−13·6% [–28·4 to 3·4]) and for type 1 diabetes (−13·6% [–29·3 to 8·9]).InterpretationDecreasing diabetes mortality at ages younger than 25 years remains an important challenge, especially in low and low-middle SDI countries. Inadequate diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is likely to be major contributor to these early deaths, highlighting the urgent need to provide better access to insulin and basic diabetes education and care. This mortality metric, derived from readily available and frequently updated GBD data, can help to monitor preventable diabetes-related deaths over time globally, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Targets, and serve as an indicator of the adequacy of basic diabetes care for type 1 and type 2 diabetes across nations.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

SummaryBackgroundIn estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15–39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults.MethodsUsing the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15–39 years to define adolescents and young adults.FindingsThere were 1·19 million (95% UI 1·11–1·28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000–425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15–39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59·6 [54·5–65·7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53·2 [48·8–57·9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14·2 [12·9–15·6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13·6 [12·6–14·8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23·5 million (21·9–25·2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2·7% (1·9–3·6) came from YLDs and 97·3% (96·4–98·1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally.InterpretationAdolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, St Baldrick's Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute.

Significant regional inequalities in the prevalence of intellectual disability and trends from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis of GBD 2019.

Policymakers and researchers have little evidence on prevalence rates of intellectual disability (ID) or their changes over time to tailor healthcare interventions. Prevalence rates and trends of ID are especially lacking in regions with lower socio-demographic development. Additionally, the assessment of inequalities in the prevalence of ID across regions with varying socio-demographic development is understudied. This study assessed variations in prevalence rates of ID from 1990 to 2019 and the related inequalities between low and high socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. This study used global data from 1990 to 2019 for individuals with ID from the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases study. Data analyses were performed from September 2021 to January 2022. Prevalence for individuals with ID was extracted by sex, age groups and SDI regions. Annual percentage change (APC) was estimated for each demographic group within SDI regions to assess their prevalence trends over 30 years. Relative and absolute inequalities were calculated between low and high SDI regions for the various age groups. In 2019, there were 107.62 million (1.74%) individuals with ID, with an APC of -0.80 (-0.88 to -0.72). There was a slightly higher prevalence among males (1.42%) than females (1.37%). The highest prevalence rates were found in the low-middle SDI regions (2.42%) and the lowest prevalence rates were in the high SDI regions (0.33%). There was a large reduction in the prevalence rate between the youngest age group v. the oldest age group in all the SDI regions and at all time points. The relative inequalities between low and high SDI regions increased over three decades. While an overall decrease in global prevalence rate for ID was found, relative inequalities continue to increase with lower SDI regions needing more comprehensive support services. The demographic trends indicate a significantly higher mortality rate among those with ID v. the rest of the population. Our study highlights the necessity for policies and interventions targeting lower SDI regions to mobilise resources that better support individuals with ID and achieve sustainable development goals proposed by the United Nations.

Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups From 2010 to 2019

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) provided systematic estimates of incidence, morbidity, and mortality to inform local and international efforts toward reducing cancer burden. To estimate cancer burden and trends globally for 204 countries and territories and by Sociodemographic Index (SDI) quintiles from 2010 to 2019. The GBD 2019 estimation methods were used to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 and over the past decade. Estimates are also provided by quintiles of the SDI, a composite measure of educational attainment, income per capita, and total fertility rate for those younger than 25 years. Estimates include 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). In 2019, there were an estimated 23.6 million (95% UI, 22.2-24.9 million) new cancer cases (17.2 million when excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 10.0 million (95% UI, 9.36-10.6 million) cancer deaths globally, with an estimated 250 million (235-264 million) DALYs due to cancer. Since 2010, these represented a 26.3% (95% UI, 20.3%-32.3%) increase in new cases, a 20.9% (95% UI, 14.2%-27.6%) increase in deaths, and a 16.0% (95% UI, 9.3%-22.8%) increase in DALYs. Among 22 groups of diseases and injuries in the GBD 2019 study, cancer was second only to cardiovascular diseases for the number of deaths, years of life lost, and DALYs globally in 2019. Cancer burden differed across SDI quintiles. The proportion of years lived with disability that contributed to DALYs increased with SDI, ranging from 1.4% (1.1%-1.8%) in the low SDI quintile to 5.7% (4.2%-7.1%) in the high SDI quintile. While the high SDI quintile had the highest number of new cases in 2019, the middle SDI quintile had the highest number of cancer deaths and DALYs. From 2010 to 2019, the largest percentage increase in the numbers of cases and deaths occurred in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles. The results of this systematic analysis suggest that the global burden of cancer is substantial and growing, with burden differing by SDI. These results provide comprehensive and comparable estimates that can potentially inform efforts toward equitable cancer control around the world.

Health Effects of Tobacco at the Global, Regional, and National Levels: Results From the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study.

The purpose was to quantify the health effects of tobacco using data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. We collected detailed information on tobacco consumption overall as well as its individual aspects (smoking, secondhand smoke, and chewing tobacco) for the deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for all-cause disease, cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, and chronic respiratory diseases, and their age-standardized rates (ASRs). Tobacco was responsible for 8.71 million deaths and 229.77 million DALYs globally in 2019. The ASRs of all tobacco-related deaths and DALYs declined from 1990 to 2019, to 108.55 deaths per 100 000 population and 2791.04 DALYs per 100 000 population in 2019. During any year the ASRs of all tobacco-related deaths and DALYs were higher in males than in females. The ASRs of all tobacco-related deaths and DALYs were highest in countries with a low-middle sociodemographic index (SDI) and lowest in high-SDI countries in 2019. Cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, and chronic respiratory diseases were the three leading causes of tobacco-related mortality. Although the ASRs of deaths and DALYs related to tobacco have declined, the absolute number remain high. Tobacco control policies need to be strengthened further in order to reduce the heavy health burden of tobacco. This study provides a detailed description on the health effects of tobacco, including maps of the current global burden of tobacco-related disease. Although the ASRs of tobacco-related deaths and DALYs have declined, the absolute numbers remain high-tobacco was responsible for 8.71 million deaths and 229.77 million DALYs globally in 2019. The findings may have implications for tobacco control. Countries where progress has been slower in reducing tobacco-related disease burden should study and consider implementing policies and strategies that have been applied in countries like Singapore which show the greatest declines for recent decades.

Global Burden of Respiratory Diseases Attributable to Ambient Particulate Matter Pollution: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: Exposure to ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) is a global health issue that directly affects the human respiratory system. Thus, we estimated the spatiotemporal trends in the burden of APMP-related respiratory diseases from 1990 to 2019.Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, data on the burden of APMP-related respiratory diseases were analyzed by age, sex, cause, and location. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to analyze the temporal trends in the burden of different respiratory diseases over the 30 years.Results: Globally, in 2019, APMP contributed the most to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with 695.1 thousand deaths and 15.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); however, the corresponding age-standardized death and DALY rates declined from 1990 to 2019. Similarly, although age-standardized death and DALY rates since 1990 decreased by 24% and 40%, respectively, lower respiratory infections (LRIs) still had the second highest number of deaths and DALYs attributable to APMP. This was followed by tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer, which showed increased age-standardized death and DALY rates during the past 30 years and reached 3.78 deaths per 100,000 persons and 84.22 DALYs per 100,000 persons in 2019. Among children aged < 5 years, LRIs had a huge burden attributable to APMP, whereas for older people, COPD was the leading cause of death and DALYs attributable to APMP. The APMP-related burdens of LRIs and COPD were relatively higher among countries with low and low-middle socio-demographic index (SDI), while countries with high-middle SDI showed the highest burden of TBL cancer attributable to APMP.Conclusions: APMP contributed substantially to the global burden of respiratory diseases, posing a significant threat to human health. Effective actions aimed at air pollution can potentially avoid an increase in the PM2.5-associated disease burden, especially in highly polluted areas.

Covid-19 Infection in Hematological Malignancies: Registry Data from India

Background: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been highly heterogeneous across the globe and different regions within the country. The differences in the outcome of these patients is related to their demographic profile, genetics, socio-economic conditions, and government health policies. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index for hematological malignancies (HAQ index <30) in a low-middle socio-demographic index(SDI) country like India was less than the mean HAQ index for all other diseases (HAQ index 41) with a significant regional disparity.(1)Several national and international registries from high socio-demographic Index (SDI) countries have reported worse short-term outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients with hematologic as compared to other solid cancers. The outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancies from a low-middle SDI country are yet unknown. The COVID-19 Hematologic Cancer registry of India reports these outcomes from India.Methods: Ten tertiary referral hospitals across India reported the demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with hematological malignancies. The registry was retrospective from March 21, 2020, and prospective from November 1, 2020, till March 20, 2021. Risk factors associated with severity and mortality were evaluated using the penalised logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model.Findings: Data from 565 patients was included in this study. Among these, 429 (76%) patients were hospitalized, 186 (33%) patients had moderate/severe COVID-19.There were 116 (20.5%) non-survivors at a mean follow up of 147 (95% CI : 142-153) days. Age >60 years (HR 2·55, 1·23 - 5·27), diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (HR 2·85, 1·58 - 5·13), interruption or alteration of anticancer therapy (HR 2·78, 1·65 - 4·68), and post hematopoietic cell transplant status (HR 3·68, 1·82 - 7·45) predicted mortality. In contrast, increasing age [20-40 years (OR 2·54, 1·32 - 4·90), 41-60 years (OR 3·51, 1·84 - 6·71), >60 years (OR 6·04, 3·01 - 12·10), comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (OR 1·89, 1·18 - 3·04), hypertension (OR 1·94, 1·17 - 3·19), diagnosis of AML (OR 3·70, 2·06 - 6·67), indolent non-hodgkin lymphoma (OR 3·20, 1·68 - 6·09), multiple myeloma (OR 2·88, 1·64 - 5·05), malignancy not being in remission (OR 1·71, 1·12 - 2·60)were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 on univariate analysis. Of these, only increasing age [20-40 years (OR 2·60 (1·31 - 5·15), 40-60 years (OR 3·44, 1.60 - 7·41), more than 60 years (OR 5·70, 2·43 - 13·35)] , AML (OR 2·73, 1·45 - 5·12), and malignancy not being in remission (OR 1·85, 1·18 - 2·89) were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 on multivariable analysisConclusion: The overall mortality from COVID-19 infection of the entire cohort was 20.5%; the mortality was 46.2% in patients who had moderate to severe disease COVID-19 illness. Similar to previous studies, age, diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia and a post stem cell transplant status was associated with mortality. In addition, interruption or de-escalation of anticancer therapy during Covid-19 infection was identified as an important factor associated with higher mortality on follow up in the current study.

The global burden and trends of maternal sepsis and other maternal infections in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019

BackgroundMaternal sepsis and other maternal infections (MSMI) have considerable impacts on women’s and neonatal health, but data on the global burden and trends of MSMI are limited. Comprehensive knowledge of the burden and trend patterns of MSMI is important to allocate resources, facilitate the establishment of tailored prevention strategies and implement effective clinical treatment measures.MethodsBased on data from the Global Burden of Disease database, we analysed the global burden of MSMI by the incidence, death, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the last 30 years. Then, the trends of MSMI were assessed by the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of MMR as well as the age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence, death and DALY. Moreover, we determined the effect of sociodemographic index (SDI) on MSMI epidemiological parameters.ResultsAlthough incident cases almost stabilized from 1990 to 2015, the ASR of incidence, death, DALY and MMR steadily decreased globally from 1990 to 2019. The burden of MSMI was the highest in the low SDI region with the fastest downward trends. MSMI is still one of the most important causes of maternal death in the developed world. Substantial diversity of disease burden and trends occurred in different regions and individual countries, most of which had reduced burden and downward trends. The MMR and ASR were negatively correlated with corresponding SDI value in 2019 in 204 countries/territories and 21 regions.ConclusionThese findings highlight significant improvement in MSMI care in the past three decades, particularly in the low and low-middle SDI regions. However, the increased burden and upward trends of MSMI in a few countries and regions are raising concern, which poses a serious challenge to maternal health. More tailored prevention measures and additional resources for maternal health are urgently needed to resolve this problem.

Global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attributable to ambient ozone in 204 countries and territories during 1990-2019.

Ambient ozone becomes one of significant environmental threats to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in recent decades. To date, however, few systematic analyses have been performed to quantify ozone-attributable disease burden, globally and regionally. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively depict the global trend of ozone-related COPD premature deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We derived estimates of COPD burden attributable to ambient ozone for 204 countries and territories during 1990-2019 from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We examined the number of deaths and DALYs, as well as age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and DALYs rate (ASDR) by sex, socio-demographic index (SDI), countries, and regions. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were adopted to identify age groups vulnerable to ozone-related COPD. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess the temporal trend of ozone-attributable COPD burden (e.g., ASMR and ASDR) between 1990 and 2019, using generalized linear models. Spearman rank correlation was applied to measure the relationships of estimated ASMR, ASDR, and EAPC with SDI. In 2019, COPD attributable to ambient ozone gave rise to 365.22 (95% uncertainty interval: 174.93 to 564.27) thousand deaths and 6.21 (2.99 to 9.63) million DALYs globally, representing a corresponding increase of 76.11% and 56.37% versus 1990. During 1990-2019, however, a yearly decline of 1.07% (0.81 to 1.33) was observed for ASMR and 1.30% (1.07 to 1.52) for ASDR. Considerable gender inequality continues in ozone-attributable COPD burden, with much greater impacts among men, and the gap is enlarged with the increase of age. In all age groups, the fractional contribution of ozone to COPD burden exhibited an overall increasing trend globally for both deaths (8.22% in 1990 versus 11.13% in 2019) and DALYs (6.70% in 1990 versus 8.34% in 2019). The burden of COPD caused by ambient ozone varied substantially by geographical and socioeconomic regions. In 2019, the greatest ASMR and ASDR were seen in South Asia, followed by East Asia and Central Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the clear drop of age-standardized rates (EAPC<0) in high, high-middle, and middle SDI regions, ASMR and ASDR in low and low-middle SDI regions continuously raised between 1990 and 2019. Higher SDI was found to be associated with lower EAPCs in ASMR (rs=-0.4405, p<0.001) and ASDR (rs=-0.4510, p<0.001). Although the global ASMR and ASDR of COPD attributable to ambient ozone have decreased from 1990 to 2019, there has been an unnegligible increase in some low and low-middle SDI regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Andean Latin America. Findings may have some implications for formulating targeted plans and policies for future COPD prevention and ambient ozone management in different regions.

From the Editor’s Desk…

From the Editor’s Desk…

Global burden of COPD attributable to ambient PM2.5 in 204 countries and territories, 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

The global spatiotemporal pattern of the COPD burden attributable to ambient PM2.5 is unknown in the context of the continuing increase in exposure to ambient PM2.5. Data on COPD burden attributable to ambient PM2.5 from 1990 to 2019 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Cases and age-standardized rates of COPD mortality (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life years (ASDR) were estimated by age, sex, region, and country. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to quantify the secular trends of ASMR and ASDR from 1990 to 2019. Globally, the number of COPD deaths and DALYs attributable to ambient PM2.5 both increased by over 90% from 1990 to 2019, but ASMR and ASDR both slightly decreased, with EAPC of −0.58 (95% CI: −0.72, −0.44) and −0.40 (95% CI: −0.51, −0.29), respectively. Most COPD deaths and DALYs attributable to PM2.5 occurred in the middle sociodemographic index (SDI) region, but the fastest growth of ASMR and ASDR occurred in the low SDI region, with EAPCs of 2.41 (95% CI: 2.23, 2.59) and 2.34 (95% CI: 2.16, 2.52), respectively. East Asia and South Asia were the high-risk areas of COPD deaths and DALYs attributable to PM2.5, among which China and India were the countries with the heaviest burden. COPD deaths and DALYs attributable to PM2.5 mainly occurred in individuals 70–89 years old and 60–84 years old, respectively. The age-specific rates of mortality and DALYs had a rapid increase in low and low-middle SDI regions from 1990 to 2019. The ASMR or ASDR had a reverse V-shaped relationship with SDI. In summary, the ambient PM2.5-attributable COPD burden is socioeconomic- and age-dependent, and it mediates the heterogeneity of spatial and temporal distribution. Low- and middle-income countries endure the highest ambient PM2.5-attributable COPD burden due to the high exposure to PM2.5 and poor availability and affordability of medicines and diagnostic tests.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Myocarditis From 1990 to 2017: A Systematic Analysis Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

Objective: The global trends in myocarditis burden over the past two decades remain poorly understood and might be increasing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic. This study aimed to provide comprehensive estimates of the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for myocarditis globally from 1990 to 2017.Methods: Data regarding the incidence, mortality, DALY, and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) between 1990 and 2017 for myocarditis worldwide were collected and calculated from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study. We additionally calculated the myocarditis burden distribution based on the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) quintile and Human Development Index (HDI).Results: The incidence cases of myocarditis in 2017 was 3,071,000, with a 59.6% increase from 1990, while the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was slightly decreased. The number of deaths due to myocarditis increased gradually from 27,120 in 1990 to 46,490 in 2017. The middle SDI quintile showed the highest number of myocarditis-related deaths. On the contrary, the global age-standardized death rate (ASDR) decreased with an overall EAPC of −1.4 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) = −1.8 to −1.0]. Similar to ASDR, the global age-standardized DALY rate also declined, with an EAPC of −1.50 (95% UI = −2.30 to −0.8) from 1990 to 2017. However, there was a 12.1% increase in the number of DALYs in the past 28 years; the middle SDI and low-middle SDI quintiles contributed the most to the DALY number in 2017. We also observed significant positive correlations between the EPAC of age-standardized rate and HDI for both death and DALY in 2017.Conclusions: Globally, the ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rate of myocarditis decreased slightly from 1990 to 2017. The middle SDI quintile had the highest level of ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rate, indicating that targeted control should be developed to reduce the myocarditis burden especially based on the regional socioeconomic status. Our findings also provide a platform for further investigation into the myocarditis burden in the era of COVID-19.

The Global Trends and Regional Differences in Incidence of Dengue Infection from 1990 to 2019: An Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

IntroductionDengue, as a neglected tropical disease, brings a heavy socioeconomic burden. To provide tailored global prevention strategies, we analyzed the global trends and regional differences in incidence of dengue infection from 1990 to 2019.MethodsWe obtained data on annual dengue episodes and incidence rates, which reflected the epidemic status of dengue infection from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study. The changes in dengue episodes and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) of the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) were calculated to quantify the temporal trends of dengue infection.ResultsGlobally, dengue ASR increased by 1.70% (95% CI 1.62%–1.78%) per year from 1990 to 2011; subsequently, it decreased by 0.41% (95% CI 0.20%–0.62%) per year from 2011 to 2019. However, the global number of dengue episodes increased steadily by 85.47% from 30.67 million in 1990 to 56.88 million in 2019. Against the global trend of decreasing ASR from 2011 to 2019, an increasing trend was reported in Oceania (EAPC 11.01, 95% CI 8.79–13.27), East Asia (EAPC 4.84, 95% CI 2.70–7.03) and Southeast Asia (EAPC 0.38, 95% CI 0.13–0.62). For socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, ASR continued to have an increasing trend in the middle (EAPC 0.26, 95% CI 0.07–0.45) and high-middle (EAPC 1.70, 95% CI 0.98–2.42) SDI regions from 2011 to 2019. In contrast to the global peak age of dengue incidence rate (10 to 25 years), the dengue incidence rate of older people (> 65 years) was higher than in other age groups in low and low-middle SDI regions. Additionally, the proportions of dengue episodes in the > 70-year-old age group increased in 2019 (using the baseline in 1990 or 2011) in most GBD regions.ConclusionsGlobal dengue episodes have increased tremendously in 3 decades. Although global dengue ASR decreased in the last decade, it is still increasing in hyperendemic regions including Oceania, East Asia and Southeast Asia, and also in the middle and high-middle SDI regions. More attention should be paid to the elderly because of the higher dengue incidence rate among them in low and low-middle SDI regions and the increased proportions of dengue episodes among the elderly in most GBD regions. Therefore, more efforts should be undertaken to develop targeted prevention strategies for crucial regions and older populations.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00470-2.

The global, regional, and national burden of cancer among adolescents and young adults in 204 countries and territories, 1990\u20132019: a population-based study

BackgroundAccurate appraisal of burden of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) cancers is crucial to informing resource allocation and policy making. We report on the latest estimates of burden of AYA cancers in 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019 in association with socio-demographic index (SDI).Patients and methodsEstimates from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 were used to analyse incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to AYA cancers at global, regional, and national levels by sex. Association between AYA cancer burden and SDI were investigated. Burdens of AYA cancers were contextualized in comparison with childhood and older adult cancers. All estimates are reported as counts and age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years.ResultsIn 2019, there were 1.2 million incident cases, 0.4 million deaths, and 23.5 million DALYs due to AYA cancers globally. The highest age-standardized incidence rate occurred in Western Europe (75.3 [Females] and 67.4 [Males] per 100,000 person-years). Age-standardized death (23.2 [Females] and 13.9 [Males] per 100,000 person-years) and DALY (1328.3 [Females] and 1059.2 [Males] per 100,000 person-years) rates were highest in Oceania. Increasing SDI was associated with a higher age-standardized incidence rate. An inverted U-shaped association was identified between SDI and death and DALY rates. AYA cancers collectively is the second leading cause of non-communicable diseases-related deaths globally in 2019. DALYs of AYA cancers ranked the second globally and the first in low and low-middle SDI locations when compared with that of childhood and older adult cancers.ConclusionThe global burden of AYA cancers is substantial and disproportionally affect populations in limited-resource settings. Capacity building for AYA cancers is essential in promoting equity and population health worldwide.

The global burden of 29 cancer groups from 2010 to 2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

10577 Background: Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and global efforts to reduce health loss from cancer require systematic estimates that can measure progress from national to global levels. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019), we examined global cancer burden in order to highlight areas where cancer burden is inequitably distributed and to inform cancer control efforts around the world. Methods: Using estimation methods from GBD 2019, we analyzed the incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 29 cancer groups and 204 countries and territories from 2010 to 2019. Cancer burden was compared to health burden from other categories of diseases and injuries in the GBD. Results were assessed globally and by socio-demographic index (SDI), a summary measure of income per capita, average educational attainment, and total fertility rate. Point estimates and 95% Uncertainty Intervals (UIs) are reported. Results: There were 23.6 million (95% UI 22.2-24.9 million) incident cancer cases globally in 2019 (17.2 [15.9-18.5] million excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), and 10.0 (9.36-10.6) million cancer deaths. There were 250 (235-264) million DALYs globally due to cancer, 97% of which came from years of life lost. The leading five cancers by DALYs in 2019 were: tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (45.9 [42.3-49.3] million); colon and rectum cancer (24.3 [22.6-25.7] million); stomach cancer (22.2 [20.3-24.1] million); breast cancer (20.6 [19.0-22.2] million; and liver cancer (12.5 [11.4-13.7] million). Compared to other diseases and injuries in the GBD, cancer was responsible for the second-highest number of deaths, YLLs, and DALYs globally in 2019. These rankings of cancer burden differed by SDI quintile: cancer was the leading cause of absolute DALYs in high SDI countries but was ranked 10th in low SDI countries. From 2010-2019, the number of global cancer cases increased by 26.3% (20.3-32.3%), deaths by 20.9% (14.2-27.6%), and DALYs by 16.0% (9.29-22.8%). The largest annualized rate of change in absolute cases and deaths over this period occurred in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles. Conclusions: Cancer cases and deaths are growing globally, with the largest relative growth over the last decade occurring in low to middle SDI countries. Improvements in cancer prevention efforts and ensuring access to timely diagnosis and care will be necessary to make equitable progress in reducing the global burden of cancer.

Global burden of acute viral hepatitis and its association with socioeconomic development status, 1990–2019

Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) represents an important global health problem; however, the progress in understanding AVH is limited because of the priority of combating persistent HBV and HCV infections. Therefore, an improved understanding of the burden of AVH is required to help design strategies for global intervention. Data on 4 major AVH types, including acute hepatitis A, B, C, and E, excluding D, were collected by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. Age-standardized incidence rates and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for AVH were extracted from GBD 2019 and stratified by sex, level of socio-demographic index (SDI), country, and territory. The association between the burden of AVH and socioeconomic development status, as represented by the SDI, was described. In 2019, there was an age-standardized incidence rate of 3,615.9 (95% CI 3,360.5-3,888.3) and an age-standardized DALY rate of 58.0 (47.3-70.0) per 100,000 person-years for the 4 major types of AVH. Among the major AVH types, acute hepatitis A caused the heaviest burden. There was a significant downward trend in age-standardized DALY rates caused by major incidences of AVH between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, regions or countries located in West and East Africa exhibited the highest age-standardized incidence rates of the 4 major AVH types. These rates were stratified by SDI: high SDI and high-middle SDI locations recorded the lowest incidence and DALY rates of AVH, whereas the low-middle SDI and low SDI locations showed the highest burden of AVH. The socioeconomic development status and burden of AVH are associated. Therefore, the GBD 2019 data should be used by policymakers to guide cost-effective interventions for AVH. We identified a negative association between socioeconomic development status and the burden of acute viral hepatitis. The lowest burden of acute viral hepatitis was noted for rich countries, whereas the highest burden of acute viral hepatitis was noted for poor countries.

Trends in burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in countries, regions, and worldwide from 1990 to 2017: results from the Global Burden of Disease study

BackgroundAntituberculosis-drug resistance is an important public health issue, and its epidemiological patterns has dramatically changed in recent decades. This study aimed to estimate the trends of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which can be used to inform health strategies.MethodsData were collected from the Global Burden of Disease study 2017. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess the trends of MDR-TB burden at global, regional, and national level from 1990 to 2017 using the linear regression model.ResultsGlobally, the age-standardized rate (ASR) of MDR-TB burden including incidence, prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) had pronounced increasing trends from 1990 to 1999, with the EAPCs were 17.63 [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.77–24.92], 17.57 (95% CI 11.51–23.95), 21.21 (95% CI 15.96–26.69), and 21.90 (95% CI 16.55–27.50), respectively. Particularly, the largest increasing trends were seen in areas and countries with low and low-middle sociodemographic index (SDI). However, the trends in incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs of MDR-TB decreased globally from 2000 to 2017, with the respective EAPCs were − 1.37 (95% CI − 1.62 to − 1.12), − 1.32 (95% CI − 1.38 to − 1.26), − 3.30 (95% CI − 3.56 to − 3.04) and − 3.32 (95% CI − 3.59 to − 3.06). Decreasing trends of MDR-TB were observed in most regions and countries, particularly that of death and DALYs in Slovenia were − 18.96 (95% CI − 20.82 to − 17.06) and -19.35 (95% CI − 21.10 to − 17.55), respectively. Whereas the pronounced increasing trends of MDR-TB occurred in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia.ConclusionsThe ASR of MDR-TB showed pronounced decreasing trends from 2000 to 2017. However, the MDR-TB burden remains a substantial challenge to the TB control globally, and requires effective control strategies and healthcare systems.