Estimation of Parkinson\'s Disease Prevalence and Its Geographical Variation in Iran

Abstract

Background and purpose: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurological disorder. Prevalence estimates of the disease are pivotal for planning and appropriate allocation of health care. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of PD and its geographic variations in Iran. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of PD in different provinces was estimated using the frequency of specialized drugs prescribed per 100,000 people. Then, geographical distribution of the disease was determined in Iran. Results: In this study, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in general population and >50 years old were 50.4 and 261.1 in 100,000 people, respectively. In general population, the lowest and highest PD prevalence were seen in Hormozgan province (15.7/100,000) and Isfahan province (96.9/100,000). Also, in those >50 years old the lowest PD prevalence was found in Hormozgan province (114.2/100,000) and the highest was observed in Isfahan province (449.5/100,000). Conclusion: PD prevalence in >50 years old was lower in Iran than that in western countries, but it is somewhat comparable with PD prevalence reported in developing countries in Asia. In Iran, the prevalence of PD is considerably different in various regions.

Keywords

• parkinson’s disease
• geographical variation
• prevalence
• iran