Disease burden and health inequality of older adults with edentulism and the projected trend until 2040: based on the global burden of disease study 2021

To comprehensively analyze the current situation and the trends over the next 21 years, focusing on health inequalities related to edentulism among the elderly across global regions.

Data on edentulism in older adults were collected from the 2021 global burden of disease (GBD) study. Disease burden trends were analyzed using a joinpoint model. We used the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Concentration Index (CI) to assess health inequalities. A Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to analyze the projected trend of prevalence up to 2040.

The number of incident, prevalent, and years lived with disability (YLD) cases of edentulism in older adults is increasing globally, while the rate is declining. According to the analysis of health inequality, the burden of edentulism among older adults was gradually concentrated in countries with lower Sociodemographic Index (SDI). Significant downward trends were expected in the global age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of edentulism for both genders from 2020 to 2040; however, the number is increasing.

Taken together, the burden of edentulism in older people remains high and generally shifts from higher-SDI countries to lower-SDI countries. There are great differences between countries, and effective measures should be taken in countries with poorer economies.

The disease burden of edentulism in older adults is gradually shifting towards lower SDI countries. It is crucial to optimize the utilization and allocation of healthcare resources to reduce health inequities in edentulism in older adults.