Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dental caries, a prevalent non-communicable disease (NCD), remains a significant health challenge worldwide, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In this study, we analyzed and compared the burden of dental caries in the MENA region from 1990 to 2021 based on Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2021) database. METHODS: Data from the GBD 2021 study database was utilized to assess the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD) for dental caries across 21 MENA countries. The study estimates age-standardized rates, considering variables such as age, gender, and region. Additionally, the relationship between dental caries and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) was examined. RESULTS: The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of permanent dental caries (PDC) in the MENA region increased from 31,592.38 per 100,000 in 1990 to 31,920.12 in 2021 with total percentage change (TPC) of 0.01 (-0.01-0.03). The ASIR of deciduous dental caries (DDC) in MENA region decreased from 19388.28 in 1990 to 16170.92 with TPC of -0.17 (-0.38-0.15). Additionally, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of PDC in the MENA region decreased from 1990 to 2021 with the TPC of -0.04 (-0.06 - -0.02). Likewise, the ASPR of DDC decreased from 1990 to 2021 with the TPC of -0.06 (-0.24- 0.21). The age-standardized YLD rate (ASYR) for both PDC and DDC decreased from 1990 to 2021 with the TPC of -0.05 (-0.07- -0.02) and - 0.04 (-0.36- 0.38), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for enhanced preventive efforts and healthcare access in the MENA region, particularly in low-income countries. Further attention is required to address age and gender disparities, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations.