Decline in Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis Burden Among Women from 1992 to 2021

A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals a notable reduction in the incidence of alcohol-related cirrhosis (AC) among women worldwide from 1992 to 2021. However, the burden remains disproportionately high in regions with lower sociodemographic indices (SDI).

The research team from Hubei University of Medicine in Xiangyang, China, conducted an extensive analysis using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. They assessed trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), mortality rates, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with alcohol-related cirrhosis in women across 204 countries.

The findings indicate a slight decline in the global ASIR of alcohol-related cirrhosis among women, decreasing from 3.10 to 2.42 per 100,000 individuals over the studied timeframe, reflecting an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of -1.02. Despite this overall decline, significant disparities persist across various SDI regions. In 2021, women in low SDI regions experienced the highest ASIR, recorded at 3.77 per 100,000.

While both mortality rates and DALYs have shown a global decline, the figures remain disproportionately elevated in lower SDI areas. The study also highlights distinct trends based on age, noting a significant increase in the burden of alcohol-related cirrhosis among older women.

Looking ahead, the researchers project a further decrease in the burden of alcohol-related cirrhosis by 2030, although challenges remain in addressing the disparities in incidence and mortality rates across different regions.

The authors emphasize that alcohol-related cirrhosis among women continues to pose a significant public health challenge. They call for targeted interventions in regions where the burden remains critically high, particularly in lower SDI countries, to address the rising incidence and mortality rates.

For more detailed insights, the original study can be accessed in Scientific Reports.