Comparison of the 30-year trend of the burden of disease caused by adverse effects of medical treatments in Iran, the world, and the Eastern Mediterranean region from 1994 to 2023.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Yaser Sarikhani
Ali Maranhosseini
Research center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
10.22034/pjms.2026.2089340.1285
Abstract
Background: Adverse effects of medical treatment (AEMT) are a major patient safety concern and a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to assess 30-year trends in the incidence, mortality, and burden of these conditions in Iran and compare them with global and Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) patterns.
Methods: This ecological descriptive study used data from the Global Burden of Disease study from 1994 to 2023. Age-standardized incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates per 100,000 population were analyzed. Trend analysis was conducted using Joinpoint regression and Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC).
Results: Over the study period, DALYs, incidence, and mortality from AEMT declined significantly in Iran. The largest reduction was observed for DALYs (AAPC: −3.80%) (p<0.001). Incidence decreased by −1.56%, with no significant global change (p= 0.56). Mortality declined by −3.54% (p<0.001). Iran shifted from higher-than-global averages to lower or comparable levels in DALYs and mortality; however, incidence remained higher than the EMR average.
Conclusion: Despite substantial improvements in patient safety indicators in Iran, the persistent incidence of adverse events underscores the need for sustained policy efforts, particularly to strengthen reporting systems, medication safety, and quality-of-care processes.
Keywords
Adverse effects
Disability-adjusted life years
Global Burden of Disease
Incidence
Mortality
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