Final answer:
The Global Burden of Disease tool categorizes diseases using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases based on several factors, including morbidity and mortality rates, financial cost, treatability, and prevention of illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) tool categorizes disease burden based on a range of criteria and methods that are appropriate for the community and time period being studied. The burden of a disease is measured using financial cost, mortality, morbidity, among other indicators. The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is commonly used to classify diseases and monitor their prevalence and impact.
According to the WHO, the factors considered in categorizing diseases include the number of people affected, the severity of the illness, and whether the illness can be treated or prevented. Geography can play a significant role in disease patterns and healthcare, affecting frequency and causes of health issues. The GBD tool allows for comparisons between countries and over time and is age-standardized to ensure data comparability.