New findings from the Scottish Burden of Disease study
First published on 15 June 2021
- Population health
- Poverty
The Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO), part of Public Health Scotland (PHS), has today published research from the latest Scottish Burden of Disease study (not yet peer-reviewed) which looks at the impact of inequalities in COVID-19 health loss and health loss due to all-causes, due to differences in multiple deprivation. This was measured using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) which represent the number of years lost to premature mortality and ill health, compared to aspirational health.
PHS will continue to monitor DALYs from COVID-19 and a range of other causes throughout 2021. Measuring the population impact using DALYs allows us to combine the collective impact of ill-health and mortality. Doing so will be a key step in understanding the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 and the associated control measures which will help to inform future public health action and strengthen recovery from the pandemic.