Global and National Burden of Diseases and Injuries Among Children and Adolescents Between 1990 and 2013: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease 2013 Study
The literature focuses on mortality among children younger than 5 years. Comparable information on nonfatal health outcomes among these children and the fatal and nonfatal burden of diseases and injuries among older children and adolescents is scarce.
Study results:
In 2013, the leading causes of death:
- Lower respiratory tract infections among younger children (905 059 deaths; 95% UI, 810 304-998 125)
- Diarrheal diseases among older children (38 325 deaths; 95% UI, 30 365-47 678)
- Road injuries among adolescents (115 186 deaths; 95% UI, 105 185-124 870).
Understanding the levels and trends of the leading causes of death and disability among children and adolescents is critical to guide investment and inform policies. Monitoring these trends over time is also key to understanding where interventions are having an impact. Proven interventions exist to prevent or treat the leading causes of unnecessary death and disability among children and adolescents. The findings presented here show that these are underused and give guidance to policy makers in countries where more attention is needed.
The researchers write:
Detailed information on causes of death and nonfatal health outcomes in children and adolescents by age, sex, and country over time is an essential input into policy decision making on resource allocation to disease prevention and treatment programs.”