Spatial distribution and prevalence of physical disabilities in the provinces of Iran

Introduction: To identify the influential social factors and spatial distribution of physical disabilities in Iran between 2006 and 2011. Materials and Methods: First, the prevalence of physical disability in each province between 2006 and 2011 was mapped via GIS. Moreover, the percentage of physical disability was estimated with regard to age, sex, and residential area. Finally, the prevalence of physical disability was estimated with regard to the afore-mentioned variables. Findings: The findings revealed that in the majority of the provinces of Iran, there was a decreasing trend in the prevalence of physical disability from 2006 to 2011. The prevalence of physical disability in the total population of the country was also decreased during these years. The results were also indicative of a higher prevalence among men than among women and also in rural residential areas than in urban areas. Conclusion: The results of this research can be used to identify the high- and low-risk areas. In addition, this information can be used for the etiology and the specification of the factors that cause the residents of some regions to get afflicted more than the others.