Global Burden of Schizophrenia Among Women of Reproductive Age from 1990 to 2021: Trends, Inequalities, and Projections to 2040.

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia poses a significant health challenge for women of reproductive age globally. This study aimed to analyze the global burden of schizophrenia among this population from 1990 to 2021 and project trends to 2040.

Methods: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to examine the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of schizophrenia among women aged 15-49 years. We analyzed trends across Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions, performed decomposition analysis, assessed health inequalities, and projected future burdens.

Results: From 1990 to 2021, global incidence cases increased by 35.68% to 513,255, while age-standardized incidence rates slightly decreased by 1.00%. Prevalence cases rose by 55.82% to 7,541,989. Low SDI regions experienced the highest percentage increases in burden. Decomposition analysis revealed population growth as the primary driver of increased burden globally (85.4% for DALYs), with varying patterns across SDI regions. Health inequality analysis showed a growing concentration of prevalence and DALYs in higher SDI regions. Projections indicate continued global increases in absolute burden through 2040, with decreasing age-standardized rates.

Conclusions: The burden of schizophrenia among women of reproductive age has increased substantially, driven primarily by population growth, with significant disparities across SDI regions. Tailored interventions addressing region-specific drivers are needed to mitigate the growing impact of schizophrenia on this population.