Global Burden of Anaemia Among Women of Childbearing Age: Temporal Trends, Inequalities and Projections Using the Global Burden of Disease 2021.

Abstract

To analyse temporal trends, inequalities and projections in anaemia burden among women of childbearing age (WCBA). Population-based study. Data from the Global burden of Disease (GBD) Study. WCBA (ages 15-49) diagnosed with anaemia. According to the GBD study, original data sources, including population-based surveys, scientific studies and government reports, were synthesised to estimate WCBA anaemia prevalence and years lived with disability (YLD). We extracted annual estimates with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) from 1990 to 2021 and assessed relative prevalence risks by age, period and cohort. Inequality was evaluated via sociodemographic index (SDI). The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict progress toward the 2030 prevalence halving target. The burden of WCBA anaemia. Despite population growth increasing total case numbers, the global age-standardised prevalence rate of WCBA anaemia declined from 35.64% (95% UI: 34.16 to 37.37) in 1990 to 33.77% (32.10-35.55) in 2021. Socioeconomic disparities persisted, with a stable concentration index around -0.21 over time, indicating sustained inequality disadvantaging lower-SDI countries, especially in Western and Central Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Despite reductions in period/cohort prevalence risks, projections indicated insufficient progress toward the 2030 target. The persistent global burden, inequalities and insufficient progress in addressing WCBA anaemia continue to call for improving anaemia management, contextually tailored, multisectoral nutritional and non-nutritional interventions to achieve the 2030 target.