J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2025 Dec 31;46(1):2584909. doi: 10.1080/0167482X.2025.2584909. Epub 2025 Nov 22.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically analyze the disease burden and epidemiological characteristics of depression among women of childbearing age (WCBA) globally and across regions from 1990 to 2021, as well as explore the current research status and hotspots.
METHODS: Data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD 2021) were used to examine age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of depression among WCBA by region, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI) level. Relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, with bibliometric analyses (temporal-spatial distribution, themes, keywords) performed via VOSviewer and CiteSpace.
RESULTS: In 2021, there were ~133 million new global cases of depression among WCBA, with an ASIR of 6,808.01 per 100,000 population. Incidence rose significantly since 1990, accelerating from 2019 to 2021. High SDI regions had higher ASIR, age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR), and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Globally, incidence peaked at 45-49 years with age growth, but younger WCBA (15-29 years) in high SDI regions had higher ASIR. Bibliometric analysis showed rapid research expansion in recent years, covering pregnancy, risk factors, and obesity, with “polycystic ovary syndrome” and “oxidative stress” as emerging hotspots.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the rising global burden of depression among WCBA and disparities across regions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and age groups, providing scientific evidence for targeted public health interventions.
PMID:41275327 | DOI:10.1080/0167482X.2025.2584909
