Environmental Impact on Human Health: Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease in Bogotá D.C.

Objective The interplay between the environment and human health is an escalating global concern, particularly in densely populated urban centers like Bogota. This article delves into the global burden of diseases, focusing on how environmental factors shape the health landscape of its populace. Emphasis is placed on comprehending and addressing health hazards linked with the urban landscape and depletion of natural resources within the city. Methods A quantitative ecological approach was employed, utilizing secondary data from sources such as SALUDATA and the National Data Archive (Archivo Nacional de Datos-ANDA) of the National Administrative Department of Statistics (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística-DANE). An etiological approach to epidemiological transition was adopted, and theoretical frameworks established by Murray and López were employed to gauge the burden. Analysis was conducted at the level of the city's 20 localities, considering the number of individuals attended to in healthcare institutions per locality. Results A total of 11,220,420 individuals were identified as receiving care in the year 2022, exhibiting unequal distribution across localities. Diseases influenced by environmental factors were incorporated into the study. Metrics such as years of life lost (YLL), years of life lost due to disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were computed. Findings underscored a substantial burden affirming the influence of environmental impact. Conclusion The study underscores the imperative of addressing environmental factors to alleviate the burden and enhance the quality of life for the population. Urgency is stressed in implementing efficacious policies and measures to mitigate adverse effects on public health. These insights bear direct implications for shaping public health policies and provide a robust foundation for future investigations into the interplay between burden and environmental determinants within the city.