Global, regional, and national burdens of alcohol-related cirrhosis among women from 1992 to 2021 and its predictions

A study published online in Scientific Reports provides a comprehensive analysis of the global, regional, and national burden of Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis in women from 1992 to 2021, addressing a research gap by focusing on long-term trends specific to women.
Zhou Zhang, from the Hubei University of Medicine in Xiangyang, China, and colleagues used data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database to assess trends in age-standardized incidence rates, mortality rates, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis for women in 204 countries. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) method was used to examine temporal trends, and future projections were generated to 2030.
The researchers found that the global age-standardized incidence rates of Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis in women showed a slight decrease between 1992 and 2021, from 3.10 to 2.42 per 100,000 (EAPC, −1.02). There was significant variation across Socio Demographic Index (SDI) regions; in 2021, the highest Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis was in low SDI regions (3.77 per 100,000). There was a global decline noted in mortality and DALYs, but they remained disproportionately high in lower SDI regions. Distinct gender-specific trends were seen, with a marked increase in Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis burden in older age groups. A further decline in Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis burden is predicted by 2030.
The findings highlight both global progress and persistent regional disparities in the burden of Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis among women. Targeted public health interventions, particularly in lower-SDI regions, are essential to address the ongoing burden of this preventable disease.
Source: Zhou Zhang et al, Global, regional, and national burdens of alcohol-related cirrhosis among women from 1992 to 2021 and its predictions, Scientific Reports (2025).