A Spatial‐Temporal Epidemiology of Anxiety Incidence Rates in Iran (2010–2021): An Ecological Study

Background and Aims Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders worldwide that affect daily activities. These disorders are currently the second leading cause of mental health‐related disability globally. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and trends of anxiety disorders in Iranian provinces from 2010 to 2021. Methods An ecological study was conducted using data from the IHME site over 12 years, from 2010 to 2021. The annual age‐standardized incidence rates of anxiety were calculated as expressed per 100,000 individuals, both globally and specifically for Iran. A Spatial‐Temporal Analysis assessed these rates' geographical and temporal distribution. Results From 2010 to 2021, the ASR of anxiety in Iran was increased by 175.96 per 100,000 population (from 966.061 per 100,000 in 2010 to 1142.02 per 100,000 in 2021), which is higher than global trends. Iranian females experienced a higher incidence rate than males. Spatial analysis shows that southeastern provinces such as Kohgiluyeh and Boyer‐Ahmad and Sistan and Baluchestan have the highest incidence in both sexes. Based on the local Moran index, from 2010 to 2015, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer‐Ahmad provinces were in the high‐low cluster, and Bushehr and Semnan were in the low‐high cluster. Between 2016 and 2021, North Khorasan province was identified as the anxiety hotspot. In addition, Kerman province was in the low‐high cluster for 12 years. Conclusion The results of spatial distribution and temporal trends can help in the targeted allocation of resources for the management and promotion of mental health, especially in high‐risk provinces.