Global trends of depressive disorders among women of reproductive age from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis of burden, sociodemographic disparities, and health workforce correlations

The global burden of depression among women of childbearing age is increasing significantly, with a marked acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Notable disparities exist across regions and age groups, with differential impacts in pre-pandemic versus pandemic timeframes. The correlations between health workforce categories and depressive disorder burden underscore the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation. These findings highlight the urgent need for strengthened prevention and intervention efforts, particularly those tailored to socioeconomic differences and focused on this vulnerable population, with special attention to pandemic-related mental health challenges.