Burden of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Iran from 1990 to 2010: Results from the Global Burden of Disease study 2010.

BACKGROUND The present study describes the epidemiological status of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Iran based on the Global Burden of Disease study 2010 (the GBD 2010), and compares this with those of other neighboring countries. METHODS The burden of STIs from 1990 to 2010 in Iran was derived from a systematic study, namely the GBD 2010, which was conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Using a model-based estimation, Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were calculated on the basis of the prevalence of STIs. The GBD 2010 used disability weights, and a mortality rate that was obtained from the vital registration system of Iran. We review the results of the GBD 2010 estimations for STIs in Iran. RESULTS The trend of DALYs attributable to STIs (107.3 and 26.47 per 100,000 people in 1990 and 2010, respectively) and deaths (1.13 and 0.12 per 100,000 people in 1990 and 2010, respectively) decreased dramatically in Iran during the last two decades. The majority of individuals affected by STI DALYs were aged 1 - 4 and 20 - 24 years. CONCLUSION Since the majority of DALYs attributed to STIs were observed among those aged 1 - 4 years and young people, the economic burden of STIs will remain high in Iran. Therefore, effective evidence-based planning is critical to allocate the essential budget for utilizing treatment and prevention approaches.