Trends in the disease burden of inflammatory bowel disease among the working-age population (20-64 years) from 1990...

OBJECTIVE: As a major demographic within the workforce, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a unique and significant burden on society’s productivity. The impact of IBD on this population is substantial, with serious long-term consequences. However, the trend of this disease burden remains unclear. This study aims to comprehensively assess the current status and changing trends of the disease burden associated with IBD in the working population, with the goal of providing valuable insights for the prevention, treatment, and formulation of healthcare policies. METHODS: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we conducted a stratified analysis of IBD data based on demographic characteristics, year, country/region, and the Social Development Index (SDI). We also employed various statistical techniques, including Joinpoint regression analysis, inequality analysis, frontier analysis, decomposition analysis, and Bayesian age-period-cohort predictive modeling. RESULTS: In 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of IBD in the global working population was 6.48 (95% UI: 4.95, 8.32) per 100,000 person-years, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) was 62.37 (95% UI: 49.68, 77.50) per 100,000, the age-standardized Disability-Adjusted Life Year rate (ASDR) was 19.54 (95% UI: 15.64, 24.17) per 100,000 person-years, and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 0.23 (95% UI: 0.20, 0.27) per 100,000. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized ASIR of IBD in the working population showed a gradual increase, whereas the age-standardized ASPR, ASDR, and ASMR consistently decreased. Specifically, the burden of the disease increased with age. The ASIR, ASDR, and ASMR were higher in males compared to females, whereas the ASPR was higher in females. However, the trends were similar between the sexes. Additionally, with increasing SDI, the age-standardized ASIR and ASPR gradually increased, while the ASMR decreased. It is projected that by 2050, the age-standardized ASIR and ASPR of IBD in the working population will improve, while the ASMR and ASDR will show an increasing trend. CONCLUSION: Although the ASPR, ASDR, and ASMR in the working population have shown a downward trend, the ASIR continues to rise. This highlights both the advancements in healthcare and the need to strengthen prevention and early screening efforts to address this increasingly significant public health challenge.