This study published in top Nature journal Nature Communications, mainly focuses on the overwhelming global burden due to chronic care needs. In this paper co-authored by many global scientists (GBD 2019 Acute and Chronic Care Collaborators), 297 diseases and injuries along with 379 sequelae have been categorized based on their need for either chronic or acute care. A GlohMed investigator (Dr. Suraj Bhattarai) is among GBD collaborators contributing to this important paper.
This study aggregates health burden metrics from 204 countries and territories which are organized into 21 regions and 7 super regions. Distinct classification of condition according to care needs was ensured. Data were analyzed based on age, sex, socio demographic index showing both total figures and their contribution to burden measures like Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years Lived with Disability (YLD), and Years of Life Lost (YLL).
This global analysis reveals that chronic conditions account for approximately 68% of the global DALY which is significantly higher than that of acute conditions which contribute around 27% DALYs. The demand of chronic care grows with age, making 86% of YLD and 71% YLL and comprising 93% YLDs caused by sequelae. High SDI (Socio-demographic Index) countries had the highest share of DALY and YLL from chronic condition and low SDI countries had highest share of DALY and YLL caused by acute care conditions.
This study offers essential insights to help shape national and global policies aimed at tackling the current and growing impact of chronic diseases.
Citation:
GBD 2019 Acute and Chronic Care Collaborators. Characterising acute and chronic care needs: insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Nat Commun 16, 4235 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56910-x