DALY Estimation Approaches: Understanding and Using the Incidence-based Approach and the Prevalence-based Approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) estimates are influenced by various factors, including standard life expectancy, age weighting, and discount rates.
• Three primary DALY estimation approaches exist: incidence-based, pure prevalence-based, and hybrid, each offering unique perspectives on disease burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare different Disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) estimation approaches.
• To guide researchers in selecting appropriate DALY methods based on study objectives.
• To enhance the critical interpretation of burden of disease studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on DALY estimation methodologies.
• Analysis of the characteristics and applications of incidence-based, prevalence-based, and hybrid DALY approaches.
• Comparison of international (e.g., Global Burden of Disease) and national (e.g., Korea National Burden of Disease) study methodologies.

Main Results:

• The Global Burden of Disease studies transitioned from incidence-based to hybrid DALY approaches in 2010.
• Korean National Burden of Disease studies predominantly utilize the incidence-based approach.
• A need exists for more prevalence-based DALY studies in Korea to improve international comparability.

Conclusions:

• Selecting the appropriate DALY estimation approach is crucial and depends on the study's purpose.
• Further research in Korea using prevalence-based DALY methods and a suitable disease classification system is recommended.
• Establishing robust data sources is essential for diverse DALY estimation approaches and accurate burden of disease assessment.