Concept of DALYs Index and its Calculation in Est imating Disease Burden

Simultaneous with the change in the sequence and track of diseases, referred to as the “epidemiological transmission of illnesses”, and for the aim of measuring early deaths and disabilities, the use of a common basis seems essential. Since the late 1940s, researchers have identified ‘time’ as a common criterion for measuring early deaths and disabilities, and based on that, the DALYs have been introduced. This index, which is used in economic assessments and calculation of health expenditures and functions, consists of two factors: “years of life that are lost due to premature death” and “years of life associated with a type of disability with specific intensity and duration”. The World Health Organization has used this index in developing its guidelines for the microbial, chemical and radioactivity quality of drinking water. In this paper, while presenting the basic concepts of DALY, how it is calculated correctly in an effective cost estimate is presented in the form of an applied example.