Using the GBD 2021 dataset, a team of researchers conducted a study comparing disability-adjusted life-year rates for the top 20 causes of disease burden in individuals over the age of 10, globally and across seven world regions, from 1990 to 2021. The study aimed to identify differences in health outcomes between male and female individuals. The results showed that mental, musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders were more burdensome for females, while COVID-19, road injuries, ischemic heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and tuberculosis were more prevalent among males.
Regional analyses revealed similar trends in health disparities between males and females as observed at the global level. The study also found that these differences in health outcomes between genders appeared at an early age and continued to widen throughout the lifespan. Overall, the research highlights the need for tailored policies that consider sex and age to address these disparities and promote health equity.