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Review
. 2022 Jan;55(1):10-18.
doi: 10.3961/jpmph.21.597. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

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

Young-Eun Kim  1 , Yoon-Sun Jung  2 , Minsu Ock  3   4 , Seok-Jun Yoon  5
Affiliations
Review

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

Young-Eun Kim et al. J Prev Med Public Health. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) estimates may vary according to factors such as the standard life expectancy, age weighting, time preference and discount rate, calculation of disability weights, and selection of the estimation method. DALY estimation methods are divided into the following 3 approaches: the incidence-based approach, the pure prevalence-based approach, and the hybrid approach. These 3 DALY estimation approaches each reflect different perspectives on the burden of disease using unique characteristics, based on which the selection of a suitable approach may vary by the purpose of the study. The Global Burden of Disease studies, which previously estimated DALYs using the incidence-based approach, switched to using the hybrid approach in 2010, while the National Burden of Disease studies in Korea still mainly apply the incidence-based approach. In order to increase comparability with other international burden of disease studies, more DALY studies using the prevalence-based approach need to be conducted in Korea. However, with the limitations of the hybrid approach in mind, it is necessary to conduct more research using a disease classification system suitable for Korea. Furthermore, more detailed and valid data sources should be established before conducting studies using a broader variety of DALY estimation approaches. This review study will help researchers on burden of disease use an appropriate DALY estimation approach and will contribute to enhancing researchers' ability to critically interpret burden of disease studies.

Keywords: Disability weight; Disability-adjusted life-year; Incidence; Prevalence.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflicts of interest associated with the material presented in this paper.

Figures

Figure. 1.
Figure. 1.
A hypothetical case to explain the disability-adjusted life-year estimation approaches.
Figure. 2.
Figure. 2.
An example of disability-adjusted life-year estimation using the incidence-based approach. YLD, years lost due to disability; YLL, years of life lost.
Figure. 3.
Figure. 3.
An example of disability-adjusted life-year estimation using the pure prevalence-based approach. YLD, years lost due to disability; YLL, years of life lost.
Figure. 4.
Figure. 4.
An example of disability-adjusted life-year estimation using the hybrid approach. YLD, years lost due to disability; YLL, years of life lost.
None
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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