Table 1.

Methodological advantages and disadvantages of DALY estimation approaches

Variables	Advantages	Disadvantages
Incidence-based approach	YLD and YLL are measured consistently	It is difficult to accurately measure the burden of diseases showing a fall in incidence but a persistently high level of prevalence
	A more valid data source is provided for policies or interventions that focus on disease prevention	YLD estimation is influenced by the method of applying the discount rate
		Data on disease duration are required
		The incorporation of comorbidities is relatively difficult
Prevalence-based approach (with a focus on the hybrid approach)	YLD estimation is not significantly influenced by the method of applying the discount rate	YLD and YLL measurements may cause confusion, as they rely on different methods
	YLD estimation does not require data on disease duration	For diseases with a short duration, such as infectious diseases, YLD may be underestimated
	YLD estimation can more easily consider comorbidities

DALY, disability-adjusted life-years; YLD, years lost due to disability; YLL, years of life lost.