HEALTH
How Inflammatory Bowel Disease is Affecting Women of Childbearing Age Worldwide
North AmericaFri Jun 27 2025
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is on the rise among women aged 15 to 49 worldwide, with significant regional variations.
Global Prevalence
- 2021 Statistics:
- Incidence: 4.38 per 100,000 women
- Prevalence: 45.90 per 100,000 women
Regional Insights
- Highest Cases:
- Australasia
North America
- Death Rates:
- Highest: Western Europe
- Lowest: Oceania
Key Findings
- Age Group at Risk: Women in their late 40s
- Emerging Trend: Increased IBD in women born after 1977 in middle and low-income countries, likely due to lifestyle and dietary changes.
Impact and Burden
- Death Rate: Low, at 0.50 per 100,000
- Disability and Health Loss: Significant, with North America bearing the highest burden and Oceania the lightest.
Call to Action
This study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to address the growing IBD burden among women of childbearing age, tailored to regional needs.
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questions
If IBD were a character in a movie, what would its backstory be based on the findings of this study?
What would happen if women of reproductive age with IBD started a support group that met in a bakery, given the association with lifestyle shifts?
What role does the socio-demographic index (SDI) play in the disparity of IBD burden among women of reproductive age across different regions?
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