How health burdens have shifted over 4 decades: Infections down in India, lifestyle disorders up in China, and rising mental health issues in the U.S.

The dataset from Our World in Data provides comprehensive information on Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for various health conditions. The data is sourced from the IHME’s Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study and spans from 1990 to 2021. It was last updated on May 20, 2024. Detailed data can be retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease’s results tool here.

The radar chart reveals distinct health burden patterns among the USA, China, India, and the world in 2021. Infections remain a significant health issue in India, comparable to or exceeding global trends. China faces a higher burden from lifestyle disorders and cancers, reflecting its unique health challenges. In contrast, mental conditions are notably more impactful in the USA, causing more DALYs than in China, India, or globally. This visualization highlights the varying predominant health concerns across different regions.