Burden of non-communicable diseases among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years in Middle East and North Africa, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2023 -

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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality among adolescents and young adults (10-24 years) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
In 2023, NCDs accounted for 76% of years lived with disability (YLDs) and 29% of deaths in this age group in MENA.
Cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms were the leading causes of NCD-related mortality, while mental disorders were the top contributor to disability (YLDs and DALYs).
Males had higher NCD mortality rates than females, but females experienced slightly higher disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
From 1990 to 2023, NCD mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) declined by ~34%, but YLDs increased post-2019, driven by mental and metabolic disorders.
Countries with higher Socio-demographic Index (SDI) scores had lower DALY rates for cardiovascular, digestive, neoplastic, and other NCDs.
The study highlights the need for integrated, youth-responsive NCD and mental health services in MENA.

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