Epidemiological trends and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in young individuals based on the 2021 global burden of disease data (1990-2021).

Objective: Recent studies have shown that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in young individuals cannot be ignored. This study aims to investigate the burden of COPD and its associated risk factors in individuals aged 15 to 49 years, with a particular focus on health inequities across different levels of socioeconomic development.

Methods: By analyzing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, we utilized statistical methods such as Joinpoint regression, frontier analysis, and health inequality analysis to evaluate the changes in the age-standardized disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates (ASDR) and incidence rates (ASIR) of COPD among the global population aged 15-49 years from 1990 to 2021. We specifically examined the disparities in health across countries and regions with varying levels of socioeconomic development. Key risk factors, including particulate matter pollution, smoking, and occupational exposure, were analyzed.

Results: The number of COPD cases among young people globally has significantly increased.While the global ASDR and ASIR of COPD in the 15-49 age group showed an overall declining trend, the burden of COPD remained high in low Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions and there were significant health inequalities between countries. Particulate matter pollution (41.79%), smoking (19.81%), and occupational exposure (11.73%) were identified as the primary contributors to the burden of COPD in younger individuals. In low SDI regions, particulate matter pollution had a particularly significant impact, accounting for 58.65% of attributable proportion of DALYs, and remained at a persistently high level. Smoking continued to contribute significantly to the burden of COPD in high-income regions, notably in North America, where smoking accounted for 34.26% of DALYs in 2021.

Conclusion: Although there is a global downward trend in the burden of COPD among young people, significant health inequities persist in low SDI regions. The findings emphasize the need for more effective public health activities targeting younger populations and low SDI countries and regions, particularly in improving air quality, reducing smoking, and mitigating occupational exposures.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.