Burden of disease in adolescents and young people in Spain

Objective: This article analyses the burden of disease in adolescents and young people in Spain in 2008. Material and methods: A cross-sectional population-based study. We estimated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by sex and cause for subjects aged 15-29 years. Data sources were used: 1) National death records by age, sex and cause; 2) Population data (both in July 2008); and 3) Estimates of the disability pattern for European countries with very low mortality. Results: In 2008, adolescents and young people lost 786,479 DALYs (414,346 in males). Non-communicable diseases generated 661,282 DALYs (84% of the total). The main specific causes of disease burden were: unipolar depression (16% of DALYs), alcohol use disorders (11%), migraine (9%), bipolar disorder (7%), schizophrenia (6%), road traffic accidents (5%) and drug addiction disorders (5%). Conclusions: The burden of disease expressed in DALYs can define the-loss of health in adolescents and young people. At these ages, health promotion and protection are essential to prevent the onset of disease in adulthood. (C) 2012 SEP y SEPB. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.