Schizophrenia burden in Central America, 2000–2021: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the burden of disease attributable to schizophrenia in Costa Rica and other Central American countries between 2000 and 2021, using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 (GBD 2021) study.

Materials and methods: An ecological, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted using publicly available secondary data from GBD 2021. Incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLD), years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLL), and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) per 100,000 population were estimated and age-standardized. Indicators were analyzed by country, sex, and age groups. Results: The incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia remained relatively stable over the study period across the region. On average, YLD accounted for more than 90% of total DALYs, highlighting the predominance of chronic disability over premature mortality. Higher disease burden was observed in Costa Rica and Panama, while Belize and El Salvador showed the lowest estimates. Sex differences were minimal, with the highest burden concentrated among young and middle-aged adults. Conclusions: Schizophrenia imposes a high and persistent burden in Central America, driven primarily by long-term disability. Strengthening mental health surveillance systems, expanding community-based services, and integrating specialized care are key strategies to reduce its impact in the region.