Updated status of the burden of diseases in Korea

Abstract Background This study aims to update the burden of disease, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) estimates for the Korean population, continuing the efforts made in previous years and extending them to the most recent data available. Methods An incidence-based approach was used to measure DALYs of disease among the Korean population. The primary data source was the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims database, which includes the total population of Korea. We applied a disease classification system and disability weights previously developed in earlier burden of disease studies in Korea. Additionally, information on insurance policyholders’ information was extracted from the NHIS data to facilitate subgroup analyses based on geographic and socioeconomic factors. Results The overall DALYs in Korea showed a steady increase from 2008 to 2019, followed by a sharp decline in 2020. Since 2021, the burden has shown an upward trend once again. Comparing our research with the previous study which shows 2020 Korean's DALYs, there was some changes due to the data which is used. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden of respiratory diseases decreased, while that of mental health disorders increased. Furthermore, when analyzed by income level, the disparity in disease burden between income groups narrowed from 2008 to 2012, gradually widened until 2019, and then surged sharply from 2020 onward. Conclusions The Disease Burden in Korea temporarily dropped in 2020 due to less healthcare utilization during the pandemic but rebounded thereafter in 2021. Disease burdens showed changing patterns from the previous study, with injuries decreasing and mental health issues arising. Income-based health also widens, underscoring the necessity of strengthening health policies aimed at protecting low-income people. Key messages • This study, using the National Burden of Disease framework, provides a comprehensive overview of how the burden of disease in Korea shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. • This study highlights changes in disease burden by condition and income level, offering a broad public health perspective on the impact of the pandemic on Korean society.