Global epidemiology of alcohol‐associated liver disease in adolescents and young adults

Summary Background and Aims The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence, incidence, and death of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) among adolescents and young adults globally, continentally, and nationally, focusing on trends over time. Methods The study analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study between 2000 and 2019. It examined ALD's prevalence, incidence, and death in adolescents and young adults aged 15–29, segmented by region, nation, and sociodemographic index. The analysis utilised Joinpoint regression modelling to calculate the annual per cent change (APC) in the rate of these parameters over time. Results In 2019, there were 281,450 ALD prevalences, 18,930 incidences, and 3190 deaths among adolescents and young adults globally. From 2000 to 2019, the age‐adjusted prevalence rate per 100,000 increased in the 25–29 age group (APC: +0.6%, p = 0.003), remained stable among ages 20–24 ( p = 0.302) and ages 15–19 ( p = 0.160). Prevalence increased significantly from age 15–19 to 20–24 (19‐fold increase) and from age 20–24 to 25–29 (2.5‐fold increase). ALD prevalence rates increased in all age groups in adolescents and young adults in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Around three‐quarters of countries and territories experienced an increase in ALD incidence rates in young adults. Conclusion Over two decades, the burden of ALD among adolescents and young adults has increased globally. The study emphasises the importance of public health policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing ALD among younger populations.