Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42169038›Full record

ArticleVirology journal2026

The three-decade trajectory of hepatitis C burden among women of reproductive age in China: a retrospective and predictive study.

Ying Zhang, Jing Yan, Meng Li, Chaoyan Yue

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Article in Virology journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Ying Zhang *Shanghai Key Lab of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Key Lab of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Jing Yan *Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Meng LiShanghai Key Lab of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Key Lab of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. China.limeng1701@fckyy.org.cn.
Chaoyan YueShanghai Key Lab of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Key Lab of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. China.20111250007@fudan.edu.cn.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThis study evaluates the changing burden of hepatitis C (HCV) among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in China from 1990-2021 and forecasts trends to 2035.

methodsUsing data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we analyzed age-standardized rates (ASRs) for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to acute and chronic HCV in this population. Statistical analyses included estimating annual percentage changes (EAPCs), applying Poisson-based age-period-cohort (APC) modeling to assess epidemiological drivers, and employing Bayesian APC modeling for future projections. Decomposition analysis was used to quantify contributions from population growth, aging, and epidemiological factors.

resultsFrom 1990 to 2021, all ASRs for HCV among women of reproductive age in China showed significant declines, with rates of decrease surpassing global averages. Despite this progress, China remained a high-burden country for this group in 2021, with a large reservoir of chronic HCV cases. A notable rebound in the incidence of chronic HCV occurred after 2010. Epidemiological trends displayed clear age stratification: the most substantial improvements were observed in younger cohorts (aged 15-24 years), while older groups (aged 45-49 years) experienced slower declines or recent rebounds in incidence. Decomposition analysis indicated that the reduction in disease burden was primarily driven by epidemiological improvements (e.g., in prevention and treatment), which successfully offset the adverse effects of population growth. This pattern contrasts with the global trend, where increasing burden is largely attributed to demographic factors. Projections suggest a continued decline in ASRs and case numbers through 2035, although the rate of decline is expected to slow.

conclusionsHistorical HCV control measures for women of reproductive age in China have been effective, as evidenced by steep declines in mortality and DALYs. However, persistent challenges include a substantial existing patient pool and a resurgent incidence, particularly among older individuals within this demographic. This study precisely quantifies a successful epidemiological transition and identifies a shift in risk profiles, underscoring the continued need for sustained, age-tailored public health interventions to achieve HCV elimination goals.

Indexed as

Hepatitis CAdolescentAdultChinaDisability-Adjusted Life YearsFemaleHepatitis C, ChronicHumansIncidenceMiddle AgedPrevalenceRetrospective StudiesYoung AdultAge-period-cohort analysisDisease burdenEpidemiological trendsGlobal Burden of Disease (GBD)Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Identifiers

PMID42169038
PMCPMC13191844

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.