RESUMEN
Background: Depressive disorders are one of the most common mental health diseases, which are associated with adverse life events such as increased risk of self-injury. This study was aimed to measure the epidemiological status and the burden of depressive disorders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Methods: The study population included 21 countries in the MENA region, covering a population of about 600 million. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database was used. The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were estimated by the years lived with disability (YLDs) component. The prevalence, incidence, and the DALYs rates per 100000 people by age-standardized rate (ASR) were measured. Results: In 2019, the highest prevalence 6198.95 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 5402.41- 7108.39), incidence 7864.2 (95% UI, 6719.71-9216.83), and DALYs 1168.68 (95% UI, 802.95- 1624.31) per 100,000 were in Palestine by ASR. Between 1990 and 2019, the depressive disorders-related prevalence, incidence, and DALYs rates in the MENA region increased by 0.004%, 0.006%, and 0.005%. The highest increment of the prevalence, incidence, and DALYs rates was related to Saudi Arabia by 0.05%, 0.064%, and 0.055%. The highest percentage of major depressive disorder (MDD)-related DALYs attributed to intimate partner violence was related to Iran (101.1). Also, the highest percentage of MDD-related DALYs attributed to childhood sexual abuse (34.26) and bullying victimization (49.81) was related to Palestine. Conclusion: Given the increasing trend of depressive disorders in MENA region, mental health programs should be prioritized across the MENA countries, with significant contributions and involvement of the governments.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Suicide is proposed as an important and growing issue in public health. The aim of this study is to compare suicide load in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries in order to pave the way for correct health policy making. METHODS: The population included 21 MENA countries. The data of Global Burden of Diseases in 2017 that estimate death rate for 264 causes was used. The GBD considers suicide according to definition of the ninth and tenth editions of the international classification of diseases as death due to poisoning or intentional self-injury. All suicide-related analyzes were evaluated using these indicators in excel 2016. RESULTS: The highest percentage of total suicide DALY attributable to risk factors of Alcohol and drug use are related to United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan countries, respectively. Iran is the sole country without suicide DALY attributable to alcohol consumption risk factor. Moroccan women and Libya, Afghanistan and Yemen men have the highest DALY rates in terms of ASR in the region, respectively. Suicide incidence have an increasing trend until the age group of 20-24 and then a decreasing trend. This trend is on the rise again since the age of 65. DISCUSSION: The necessity to improve social, cultural and economic factors along with effective measures on suicide prevention especially among low and middle income countries, performing more studies and precise registration of the cases especially in the areas that suicide is considered social stigma and crime should be considered as high agenda in national and regional strategies.