The burden attributable to risk factors in Mexico, 1990-2021. Summary of the findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study Carga atribuible a factores de riesgo en México, 1990-2021. Resumen de los hallazgos del estudio Global Burden of Disease 2021 Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Background: Over the past decades, Mexico¿s health landscape has shifted from infectious to non-communicable diseases and violence, mirroring lifestyle, urbanization, and developmental changes. Objective: To describe the impact of risk factors on health in Mexico from 1990 to 2021. Material and methods: Using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study estimates, we describe risk factor-related mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in Mexico (1990-2021) by age, sex, and state of the country. Results: In 2021, risk factors led to 14.9 (12.9-16.7) million DALYs, which accounted for 32.4 % of Mexico¿s burden. Metabolic risks, with 19.8% (17.0-21.9 %) were the main contributors. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized all-cause mortality rate associated with metabolic risks increased by 6.5%, while behavioral and environmental risks decreased by more than 50%, with marked variations between states. The predominant risk factors shifted from malnutrition and unsafe water and sanitation in 1990 to high glucose and body mass index in 2021. Malnutrition-related risks have the highest impact on health loss in children younger than 5 years. Conclusions: Mexico faces a dual health challenge: childhood malnutrition persists, and adult metabolic risks are on the rise, particularly in less developed states, with targeted interventions for traditional and emerging health threats being required. © 2023 Academia Nacional de Medicina de México, A.C.

publication date

  • November 1, 2023