The Burden of Disease for Cardiovascular and Psychiatric Disorders in the Population Covered by an Insurance Fund of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Background: In the twentieth century, more than at any time before, we need accurate information about deaths, injuries, and illnesses to create policies and make the right decisions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the burden of disease for cardiovascular and mental disorders in the population covered by an insurance fund in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using mortality and morbidity data recorded by an insurance fund. Using statistical models and standards recommended by the World Health Organization, the number of years lost due to premature death (YLL), the number of years of life lived with disability (YLD), and, finally, the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for the two major diseases in the country (cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders) were calculated over 6 years (from 2012 to 2017). In addition, the direct costs incurred to the organizational health system from these two diseases were reported. Results: Overall, during the 6-year study period, 6775 years of life were lost due to cardiovascular diseases in both genders. This index was 3953 years in women and 2823 years in men. Additionally, 1368 years were lost due to mental disorders. This index was 571 years for women and 798 years for men. Moreover, the direct total cost over these 6 years was more than 28.1 billion Rials for cardiovascular diseases and 14 billion Rials for psychiatric disorders. In both cases, the trend of costs was increasing, but the slope was higher for cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: The trend of changes in the DALY index for cardiovascular diseases was increasing, but it was decreasing for psychiatric disorders. The design of health interventions, especially through preventive aspects focusing on the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, should be considered in policymakers’ agendas.