Musculoskeletal disorders account for approximately what share of global DALYs?

• A. 7%
• B. 5%
• C. 12%
• D. 20%

Answer: (A)

Global DALYs combine years lost to premature death (YLL) with years lived with disability (YLD). Musculoskeletal disorders cause a lot of non-fatal health loss, so their burden is dominated by disability rather than death. When you total DALYs from all conditions worldwide, this pattern yields roughly seven percent attributable to musculoskeletal disorders. It’s a meaningful share, reflecting widespread and lasting disability, but not the largest portion of global health loss, which is why the figure sits around seven percent rather than higher like 12% or 20%.