Global Trends in Autoimmune Diseases Among Adolescents and Young Adults (15–39 Years): Insights from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study

Autoimmune diseases represent a significant and growing public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15–39 years. According to the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, these conditions exhibit notable variations in incidence, prevalence, and mortality across regions and populations. The analysis highlights that while some autoimmune disorders are more common in high-income countries, others are increasingly recognized in low- and middle-income regions, reflecting differences in genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and healthcare access. Understanding age-standardized rates of autoimmune disease burden is critical for guiding public health strategies, improving early diagnosis, and optimizing treatment approaches for younger populations. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions, research on disease mechanisms, and global collaboration to reduce the impact of autoimmune diseases in adolescents and young adults.