Objective(S): Understanding the underlying causes of death is essential for mapping a population’s health status-particularly among young people-and helps with the equitable distribution of health services. This study aimed to identify the principal causes of death in Iranian youth aged 15 to 29 over the period 2001–2021 (Persian calendar years 1380–1400).
Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study. Population and cause-specific mortality data-stratified by age, sex, and province-for the years 2001–2021 were extracted. Age-standardized mortality rates provided a standard metric for comparison, and years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death quantified the impact of youth mortality on the population.
Results: Chronic non-communicable diseases accounted for the majority of deaths among young people. In 2021, the four leading causes of death-ranked in descending order-were unintentional injuries, COVID-19, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Transport-related accidents remained the foremost cause throughout the two decades. Mortality rates for males exceeded those for females across all major causes. The total YLL attributable to youth deaths in 2021 was approximately 1.121 million person-years.
Conclusion: The substantial burden of life years lost due to death in young adulthood underscores the importance of reducing mortality in this age group as a key population policy priority. Injuries and accidents represent the leading cause of death among those aged 15-29. Deaths from substance misuse also rank among the four principal causes, highlighting the need for comprehensive social and cultural policies. As these deaths are largely preventable and closely linked to lifestyle factors, strategies that foster behavioral and societal change alongside strengthened treatment programs are paramount.