The burden of tuberculosis in Iran, A 12- year population-based study

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, so for better planning in the health sector, it is necessary to know the real burden of tuberculosis in our country. The main aim of this study was to calculate the burden of TB for the Iranian population in 2001-2012. 

The Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) index was calculated using a computer model (DisMod version II) in Iran between the years 2001 and 2012. DALYs are age-weighted (β= 0.04) and are discounted for time preference (r= 0.03).

The trend was decreasing from 2001 till 2006, and after it, there is an increasing trend. The incidence was more in younger age groups and in female, and the YLL is higher in men (11744 in male vs 7897 in female in 2012); it showed that the life lost is higher in men. The YLD in men and women are very close. In comparison, the DALY of TB was higher in men than women.

In the present investigation, it has been found that the overall tendency to get TB was higher in the female population. It shows that the incidence was higher in the younger age groups but the mortality was higher in the elderly   groups. It that shows the significant success of the country in controlling the disease.