Global, Regional, and National Incidence and Prevalence of Children With Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Temporal Trend and Bayesian Age‐Period‐Cohort Analysis Based on the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study

ABSTRACT Background Identifying temporal trends in children with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) could enhance public awareness and inform future policy development. Methods Utilising data from GBD 2021, we analysed the incidence, prevalence and age‐specific rates (ASR) of children with PUD from 1990 to 2021, conducting stratified analyses based on regional temporal variations. A Bayesian age‐period‐cohort (BAPC) model was employed to project the global burden of children with PUD over the next 15 years. Results Globally, both the incidence and prevalence of children with PUD exhibited a marked decline, with incidence and prevalence cases decreasing by 0.93% and 3.67%, respectively. Regions with lower sociodemographic index (SDI) bore a heavier burden, with the highest incidence and prevalence observed in Oceania, Western sub‐Saharan Africa and the Caribbean in 2021. By 2035, the global incidence and prevalence of children with PUD are projected to further decline. Conclusion While the global burden of children with PUD had significantly decreased, regional disparities persist. Low‐SDI countries continue to face disproportionately high incidence and prevalence rates, warranting sustained attention and intervention.