Global, regional, and national burdens of psoriasis in adolescents and young adults: a trend analysis based on the global burden of disease.

Background: This study assessed the global, regional, and national burdens of psoriasis in adolescents and young adults (aged 10-24 years) from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: Using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, this study analyzed 1990-2021 global, regional, and national psoriasis burden trends through multidimensional methods, assessed cross-country disparities via WHO health equity frameworks, and projected disease burden projections through 2035.

Results: Psoriasis incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among adolescents and young adults globally increased from 38.73 and 25.62 per 100,000 in 1990 to 41.57 and 27.74 per 100,000 in 2021, respectively. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) from 1990 to 2021 was 0.23 for incidence and 0.26 for DALYs. Joinpoint regression revealed significant changes in incidence in 1994, 2001, 2005, 2015, and 2019, while notable shifts in DALYs occurred in 1993, 2002, 2009, 2015, and 2019. Disparities in psoriasis burden varied significantly across regions and countries. High Socio-demographic Index (SDI) countries had a consistently high burden, while middle and low SDI regions saw significant increases, especially in females, driven by population growth. A nuanced change in SDI-related inequalities was detected. Disease burden for psoriasis in this population is projected to continue increasing from 2022 to 2035, with females continuing to bear a greater burden than males.

Conclusion: Psoriasis burden among adolescents and young adults has risen sharply over three decades, with projections indicating accelerating trends, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-SDI regions where prevalence peaks. Key Points • Pronounced regional disparities reveal unequal psoriasis burdens across global populations, underscoring persistent health inequities. • Steadily rising global trends signal an accelerating increase in psoriasis prevalence among youth (10-24 years), demanding urgent attention. • Unexpectedly acute impacts disproportionately affect adolescents in high-SDI regions, highlighting unique demographic vulnerabilities. • Projected escalation through 2035 necessitates proactive, evidence-based public health interventions to mitigate future impacts.