Global, regional and national burdens of iron deficiency anemia in women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2021: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study.

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a major public health concern for women of childbearing age (15-49 years) worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the global, regional, and national burden and trends of IDA in this population from 1990 to 2021, evaluate its association with socioeconomic development, and project future trends up to 2040.

METHODS

Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, this study extracted epidemiological metrics of IDA among women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2021. Core indicators, such as prevalence rates and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), were analyzed to assess temporal trends in disease burden. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and age-standardized rates (ASR). The association between disease burden and development levels was assessed using the sociodemographic index (SDI).

RESULTS

Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of IDA showed a declining trend, with an EAPC of -0.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.13, -0.08). Although the absolute number of DALYs increased from 18.01 million to 22.93 million, the age-standardized DALY rate decreased from 668.3 to 598 per 100,000 population, with an EAPC of -0.37 (95% CI: -0.39, -0.34). High SDI regions experienced significant reductions in IDA burden, whereas low SDI regions showed slower improvement.

CONCLUSION

Although the global burden of IDA among women of childbearing age has declined, regional disparities persist; high SDI regions have progressed, while low SDI regions still face a growing disease burden, underscoring the need for targeted and equitable interventions.