Mental Disorders, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Income-Driven Patterns: Evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: The aim of the present study was to use the extensive Global Burden ofDiseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) database from 1990–2017 to evaluate the levels andtemporal correlation trends between disability adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed tomusculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, all mental disorders collectively and by mental disorder subcategory.Methods: We utilized results of the GBD 2017 to describe the correlation patterns betweenDALYs due to MSK disorders, mental disorders and other diseases among 195 countries. Mixedmodel analysis was also applied. Results: A consistent relation was reported between age-adjustedDALYs attributed to MSK and mental disorders (in total) among the 195 countries, in both sexes,for 1990 to 2017 (1990 Rho = 0.487; 2017 Rho =0.439 p < 0.05). Distinct regional and gender correlationpatterns between age-adjusted DALYs due to MSK and mental disorders were reported. Nocorrelation was reported between DALYs due to MSK and all mental disorders collectively, amongLow- or Middle-income countries. However, in High-income countries (HICs), the correlation wasstrong and consistent between 1990 and 2017 (1990 Rho = 0.735; 2017 Rho = 0.727, p < 0.05).Conclusions: The reported correlation patterns call for targeted preventive strategies andintervention policies for mental and MSK disorders internationally. Special attention is neededamong HICs.