Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41501687›Full record

ArticleBMC infectious diseases2026

Global, regional, and national burden of influenza-associated lower respiratory infections, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Chenglong Shao, Xing Huang, Huiyong Zhang, Xianwei Wu, Huimin Shen, Lei Qiu, Shaoyan Zhang, Zhenhui Lu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Chenglong Shao *Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Xing Huang *Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Huiyong ZhangLonghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Xianwei WuLonghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Huimin ShenLonghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Lei QiuLonghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Shaoyan ZhangLonghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China. zhangshaoyan000@163.com.
Zhenhui LuLonghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China. Dr_luzh@shutcm.edu.cn.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China 82174286, 82205005Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality 21Y21920400, 21S21900200, 22XD1423500Shanghai Municipal Health Commission 2022CX010, 2022XD027
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLower respiratory infections (LRIs) are a major global contributor to morbidity and mortality, with influenza viruses being a significant cause. Despite advances in vaccination and antiviral therapies, the burden of influenza-associated LRIs remains high, particularly in low-income regions and high-risk populations. Understanding long-term trends and regional disparities is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

methodsUsing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we analyzed age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for influenza-associated LRIs across 21 global regions and 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Joinpoint regression was utilized to analyze temporal trends in the disease burden of influenza-associated LRIs. The relationship between influenza-associated LRIs burden and the socio-demographic index (SDI) was examined using a smoothing spline model. Frontier analysis was employed to estimate achievable outcomes based on development levels.

resultsGlobally, ASMR declined from 5.87 (95% UI: 5.33-6.40) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 1.30 (0.98-1.66) per 100,000 population in 2021, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -0.69% (1990-2019) and - 49.74% (2019-2021). Despite declining rates, absolute deaths increased by 0.85% annually from 1990 to 2019, reflecting population growth and aging. In 2021, Central Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest ASMR (10.84/100,000 population) and ASDR (271.71/100,000 population), while high SDI regions (e.g., High-income Asia Pacific) approached near-zero mortality. Age-specific analysis revealed bimodal burdens: children under 5 and adults ≥ 70 years faced the highest risks.

conclusionsInfluenza-associated LRIs remain a significant global health challenge, particularly in low-income and high-risk populations. While global trends indicate progress, regional disparities and the impact of demographic factors highlight the need for tailored interventions. Targeted strategies-including equitable vaccine access, healthcare system strengthening, and integrated surveillance-are critical to mitigating burden in high-risk regions and populations.

Indexed as

Global Burden of DiseaseInfluenza, HumanRespiratory Tract InfectionsAdolescentAdultAgedChildChild, PreschoolDisability-Adjusted Life YearsFemaleGlobal HealthHumansInfantMaleMiddle AgedYoung AdultGlobal burden of diseaseInfluenzaLower respiratory infectionsPrevention strategies

Identifiers

PMID41501687
PMCPMC12871021

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.