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The burden of mental disorders and substance abuse in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study

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Abstract

Background

Mental disorders pose significant morbidity and mortality risks globally. Despite this, research on mental health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is scarce, hindered by social stigmas and limited healthcare expenditure. This study, utilizing the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, aims to address this gap by examining the prevalence, incidence, and demographic patterns of mental disorders in MENA.

Methods

This ecological study draws on the GBD data to assess the prevalence and burden of mental disorders and substance abuse across the MENA region from 1990 to 2019. Utilizing age-standardized rates of prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), we examine the evolving burden of mental disorders, variations among MENA countries, and trends in associated risk factors by age and gender.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the MENA region witnessed varying trends in mental disorders. The age-standardized prevalence rate in 2019 was 14,938 per 100,000 individuals, experiencing a 2.1% decrease overall. However, all-age prevalence surged by 86.2%. Disorders like schizophrenia and depressive disorders exhibited substantial increases, contrasting with a 128.1% rise in substance use disorders. Temporal analysis revealed fluctuations in DALY trends, capturing the dynamic nature of mental health burdens over time. Risk factors, including bullying victimization and intimate partner violence, underwent shifts, reflecting changing contributors to mental health burden.

Conclusion(s)

Despite a decrease in age-standardized prevalence rates in 2019, the substantial all-age prevalence rise demands attention. Temporal analysis unraveled nuanced trends, emphasizing the complex interplay of sociocultural factors. The shifting prominence of risk factors underscores the dynamic nature of mental health burdens, necessitating region-specific interventions that address both prevalence patterns and contributing factors. Future research should delve into the specific sociocultural determinants influencing the observed trends, allowing for tailored interventions to mitigate the burden of mental health disorders in the MENA region.

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Data availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA

    Yazan Nagi

  2. Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, 10304, USA

    Yazan A. Al-Ajlouni

  3. Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10027, USA

    Yazan A. Al-Ajlouni & Nour Makarem

  4. Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA

    Omar Al Ta’ani

  5. New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Magdalena Bak

  6. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Ali Haidar

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Contributions

Y.N, Y.A.A, and M.B wrote the main manuscript text. O.T conducted data analysis and prepared figures and tables. All authors (Y.N, Y.A.A, M.B, O.T, N.M, and A.H) reviewed the manuscript, provided critical feedback, and approved the latest version for publication.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yazan A. Al-Ajlouni.

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Ethical approval

This study is an observational database study utilizing the data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2019 study. This study did not require ethical approval. All methods were performed in accordance with Helsinki’s declaration.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Nagi, Y., Al-Ajlouni, Y.A., Al Ta’ani, O. et al. The burden of mental disorders and substance abuse in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-025-02885-5

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