Burden of Parkinson’S Disease in Iran: Disparities, Trends, and the Impact of Social Development Indicators Publisher



Sarmadi M^{1, 2} ; Rezaei M³ ; Poursadeghiyan M⁴ ; Soltaninejad M⁵ ; Moradi S⁶ ; Ahangarzadeh M⁷ ; Mahdiabadi MZ⁸ ; Rahimi S^{2, 9}
Source: Neurological Sciences Published:2025

Abstract

Background: The burden of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its provincial trends in Iran remain unknown. Herein, we explore PD data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study nationally and provincially from 1990 to 2021. Methods: We used age-standardized incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), and mortality (ASMR) rates to determine disparities and trends overall and by sex, age, and geographic locations. Univariate analysis and regression were performed to scrutinize the mean differences and associations between socioeconomic factors and different PD outcomes. Results: The ASIR and ASPR of PD increased by 23.1% and 33.2%, respectively, from 1990 to 2021, with estimated total percentage change (TPC) of 0.50 (95%CU: 0.58–0.43) and 0.30 (0.37–0.24), respectively. In 2021, East Azarbayejan had the highest ASIR and ASPR. From 1999 to 2021, the ASMR decreased significantly across individuals aged below 85 years nationally. Overall, 71.0% provinces experienced a downward trend in the ASMR, with the highest decrease in the TPC (-0.21,-0.37–0.01) occurring in Markazi. Significant differences in the PD outcomes between males and females were noted (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive association between the ASPR and the human development index (HDI), urbanization rate, and annual income per rural households. Conclusion: From 1999 to 2021, the incidence and prevalence of PD in Iran and its provinces increased significantly regardless of age and sex classification. Intervention and screening programs should continue to reduce mortality from PD in Iran, but with different priorities between provinces. © Fondazione Societa Italiana di Neurologia 2025.