A spatiotemporal analysis of incidence and mortality rate due to falls in Iran from 2010 to 2019

Abstract

Background

As the population ages, the incidence of falls and related injuries has become increasingly prominent, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems and negatively affecting the quality of life of the elderly. This study investigated the trend and spatiotemporal analysis of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of falls in Iran, specifically from 2010 to 2019.

Methods

An ecological study was conducted based on data from the IHME site for ten years, from 2010 to 2019. The annual age-standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 individuals due to falls were calculated. A spatiotemporal statistical analysis was used to determine the geographical and temporal distribution.

Findings

Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates have decreased over ten years. Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari, Semnan, and Qazvin have reported the highest prevalence in both sexes, men and women. The death rate in Qazvin province for both sexes and men and Alborz province for women ranks first. According to the hotspot analysis results, Fars province has the highest incidence rate, and Kermanshah province has the highest death rate.

Conclusion

Population aging in Iran is a health-treatment challenge. Falling is one of the consequences of this challenge. The southern and western provinces allocate the highest age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Ensuring equitable access to health care services for the target population is recommended to be a priority for politicians.