- Global burden of depression among WCBA increased 1990 to 2021: incidence +17.65%, prevalence +15.00%, YLDs +16.03%.
- High SDI regions had the largest increases; SDI showed a U shaped association with rates; Greenland highest 2021, Mexico largest growth.
- 15 to 19 year olds showed sharp increases; highest burden in 40 to 49 year olds; drivers mainly population growth and epidemiological change.
Arch Womens Ment Health. 2026 Jun 4;29(4):91. doi: 10.1007/s00737-026-01714-1.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Depression is a common mental disorder, particularly among women of childbearing age (WCBA). There is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological analysis on the longitudinal trends and changing patterns of depression in WCBA.
METHODS: The study utilized data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) of depression among WCBA across regions, age groups, and sociodemographic index (SDI). We also examined temporal trends, driving factors, age patterns, and projections up to 2035.
RESULTS: Globally, from 1990 to 2021, the incidence rate increased by 17.65% (95% UI, 13.51 to 21.84), prevalence rate by 15.00% (95% UI, 11.53 to 18.39), and YLDs rate by 16.03% (95% UI, 12.39 to 19.86). Among the five SDI regions, the highest EAPCs were observed in the high SDI regions for incidence rate (0.49; 95% UI, 0.26 to 0.72), prevalence rate (0.33; 95% UI,0.15 to0.50), and YLDs rate (0.40; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.60). Regionally, a U-shaped association was found between the SDI and rate of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs. Nationally, Greenland reported the highest rates of three indicators in 2021, whereas Mexico exhibited the largest growth over time. This study found that the 15-19 age group showed a particularly severe new burden of depression among WCBA in 2021, especially in high SDI. The highest burden of depression among WCBA was reported in the older age groups such as 40-44 and 45-49 age groups. Population growth and epidemiological change were the primary drivers of this change except in low SDI which aging was the primary driver. Our study predictions suggested that the burden of depression among WCBA will continue to grow in the future.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the burden of depression among WCBA has significantly increased globally over the past 32 years, particularly in high SDI regions and among the 15-19 age group. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to control the projected rise burden of depression among WCBA.
PMID:42240674 | DOI:10.1007/s00737-026-01714-1
Share Evidence Blueprint
Save to Google Notes
Search Google Scholar
Save as PDF
⭐ My Revision List
