Mohammad-Hasan Imani-Nasab1 
, Elaheh Askari2 , Razyeh Bajoulvand3 , Rasool Mohammadi4 , Soraya Nouraei Motlagh5
, Elaheh Askari2 , Razyeh Bajoulvand3 , Rasool Mohammadi4 , Soraya Nouraei Motlagh5
1- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
2- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
3- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
5- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran ,mania0508@gmail.com
2- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
3- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
5- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran ,
Abstract: (112 Views)
Introduction: Mental disorders account for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Evidence suggests that the distribution of mental health problems is accompanied by socioeconomic inequalities in many studies. Given the importance of this issue, the present study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled concentration index of mental disorders among Iranian adults.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on relevant studies published in English and Persian from January 2000 to 2025 that reported the concentration index of mental disorders among Iranian adults. Relevant studies were retrieved from eight major scientific databases. After screening the identified articles, their quality was assessed and relevant data were extracted. Data synthesis and analysis were performed using R software (version 4.5.1), applying a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: The pooled concentration index of mental disorder prevalence among Iranian adults was −0.13, indicating a higher concentration among individuals with lower socioeconomic status. In other words, the prevalence of mental disorders decreases as socioeconomic status increases from poorer to richer groups. High heterogeneity was observed across studies; however, subgroup analyses were unable to identify its sources.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that mental disorders are more concentrated among low-income Iranian populations. Therefore, policymakers are encouraged to implement evidence-informed strategies, including identifying vulnerable groups, providing targeted subsidies, strengthening social support for low-income populations, and ensuring equitable distribution of health resources to reduce mental health inequalities.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on relevant studies published in English and Persian from January 2000 to 2025 that reported the concentration index of mental disorders among Iranian adults. Relevant studies were retrieved from eight major scientific databases. After screening the identified articles, their quality was assessed and relevant data were extracted. Data synthesis and analysis were performed using R software (version 4.5.1), applying a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: The pooled concentration index of mental disorder prevalence among Iranian adults was −0.13, indicating a higher concentration among individuals with lower socioeconomic status. In other words, the prevalence of mental disorders decreases as socioeconomic status increases from poorer to richer groups. High heterogeneity was observed across studies; however, subgroup analyses were unable to identify its sources.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that mental disorders are more concentrated among low-income Iranian populations. Therefore, policymakers are encouraged to implement evidence-informed strategies, including identifying vulnerable groups, providing targeted subsidies, strengthening social support for low-income populations, and ensuring equitable distribution of health resources to reduce mental health inequalities.
Keywords: Concentration index, health inequalities, mental disorders, socioeconomic inequalities, systematic review and meta-analysis, Iran
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