The State of Health in Jordan, 1990–2023: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Jordan's health system has evolved amid rapid urbanization and the strain of hosting one of the world's largest refugee populations per capita. This study comprehensively evaluates national disease burden trends in Jordan from 1990 to 2023 to inform health priorities. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 framework, we analyzed age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) across 370 diseases and 88 risk factors. Data were derived from national censuses, health surveys, disease registries, and hospital records, and harmonized using standardized GBD modeling and estimation procedures. Analyses were stratified by age, sex, and cause. Results: Between 1990 and 2023, age-standardized DALYs declined by 33.88% (95% UI: -37.38 to -30.59), with greater reductions in males (-38.83%; -42.22 to -35.60) than females (-27.22%; -31.33 to -23.58). YLLs decreased by 49.38% (-50.93 to -47.68), while YLDs remained comparatively stable (2.49%; -2.37 to 7.47). Using mutually exclusive GBD Level 3 causes, ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus were the two leading causes of DALYs in 2023. Diabetes mellitus rose from 7th place in 1990 to 2nd place in 2023, while neonatal disorders declined from 1st to 7th place. Metabolic risks remained important contributors to the overall disease burden. Jordan's age-standardized diabetes DALY rate in 2023 was approximately 1.56 times the global rate. Conclusion: Jordan's health profile has shifted toward a greater burden from noncommunicable diseases, while age-standardized health loss and premature mortality have declined substantially. In contrast, nonfatal disability changed comparatively little. These findings provide an evidence base for primary prevention of NCDs and for long-term strategies addressing the country's evolving health challenges.
Source: Health Science Reports
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.73461
Institutions: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Yale University, Hospital for Special Surgery, Cornell University, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, University of Jordan, King Hussein Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, Allegheny Health Network, Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Cambridge, Euclid University, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Ohio University
Language: English
Subfield: Health Information Management
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,280
OpenAlex ID: W7225015089