National and subnational burden and causes of anemia in China from 1990 to 2023: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Abstract Background Anemia is a major global health problem. There were 89% of all anemia-related disabilities in developing countries. We aim to analyze the burden of anemia and its underlying causes in China from 1990 to 2023. Methods Utilizing the data of the 2023 Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2023) study, this study analyzed the burden of anemia in China between 1990 and 2023. Then we analyzed the number and rate of anemia attributed to 16 underlying causes for all genders and ages. Drivers of change in prevalence and years lived with disability (YLD) numbers due to anemia were explored by decomposition analysis. And locally weighted regression was used to estimate the relationship between socio-demographic index (SDI) and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized YLD rate due to anemia. Results From 1990 to 2023, the ASPR and age-standardized YLD rate showed a downward trend among all anemia types ( P < 0.05), and the ASPR and age-standardized YLD rate of anemia in females were higher than those in males. The highest number and rate of prevalence were found in mild anemia, and the highest number and rate of YLD were found in moderate anemia. As age increased, the prevalence and YLD rate of anemia increased, with a significant increase in females aged 20−54, in particular of moderate anemia. In 2023, the highest ASPR and age-standardized YLD rate among all anemia types were in the Northwestern regions. Compared to 1990, 31 provinces, Hong Kong, and Macao exhibited declines in both the ASPR and the age-standardized YLD rate for anemia. In China, most of the prevalent cases and YLD were attributable to dietary iron deficiency in 2023. The total prevalence of anemia decreased by 46.14% [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 27.54−61.02], of which age-specific rate, population growth, and population aging accounted for -77.32%, 21.33%, and 9.84%, respectively. A negative association between SDI and the ASPR and age-standardized YLD rate of anemia was shown in China. Conclusions From 1990 to 2023, the burden of anemia in China has decreased but remained heavy among women of childbearing age, the elderly, and in the Northwestern region. Tailored prevention and control strategies should be strengthened to reduce the burden of anemia in high-risk areas.