The prevalence of delirium in patients in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: The first systematic review and meta analysis investigating the prevalence of delirium in Iran and the importance of delirium in the health status of patients. Method: This study is a review article to determine the overall prevalence of delirium in patients admitted to the hospitals in Iran, with search time frame to 12 October 2000-12 October 2018. The study examined the prevalence of delirium in general wards and ICUs of Iran according to published article in domestic and foreign journals. The methodological quality of the papers was based on a tool used in previous studies. Data was analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software. Findings: The findings showed the prevalence of delirium in hospitalized patients in Iran is 21.8% (CI: 17.5-27.5%). The prevalence of delirium in hospitalized patients in Iran based on the hospitalization in ICU is 24.7% (CI: 18.1-32.7%) and in the general ward is 17.5% (CI: 13.6-22.3%). Conclusion: Due to the relatively high prevalence of delirium in patients admitted to hospitals in Iran, prevention is necessary to reduce the incidence of delirium.