Global temporal trends and projections for the incidence of chlamydial infection among women of childbearing age over the next decade

Women of childbearing age (WCBA) are at unreasonable risk of excruciating pregnancy-related complications associated with chlamydial infection, constituting a paramount peril to global public health. This study aims to demonstrate the temporal tendencies of chlamydial infection in WCBA and prognosticate its future incidence, providing momentous illumination for precise prevention and management blueprints. Chlamydial infection incidence data was from Global Health Data 2021. An age-period-cohort (APC) model was implemented to probe trends in distinct age groups, periods, and birth cohorts, and a Bayesian APC model was utilized to previse future epidemiological trajectories. Between 1990 and 2021, global chlamydia cases rose significantly from 65,012,610 to 99,376,268. age-standardized incidence rate exhibited a relatively stable trajectory, increasing only slightly from 4861.3 per 100,000 to 5099.2 per 100,000 with a global net drift of −0.003%. High sociodemographic index areas diverged from global trends, demonstrating a yearly positive net drift of 0.643%. For the age effects of chlamydia incidence rate, all of the models displayed a similar “n”-shaped distribution, with the highest risk being noticed in childbearing aged 25 to 34 years, followed by a subsequent decline as advanced ages. The Bayesian APC model predicted a total of 102.05 million global cases in WCBA by 2030, with an expected moderate diminution in the age-standardized incidence rate. The expectancy for the management and prevention of chlamydial infection was inadequate in certain countries, including Turkmenistan. This study revealed a persistent rise in chlamydial infection among women of childbearing age, with the highest incidence observed in those aged 25 to 34 years. Despite the slight predicted decline in global incidence by 2030, significant management gaps still remained, particularly in countries like Turkmenistan. Targeted interventions and improved healthcare access are crucial to reduce the burden and enhance disease control efforts.