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Global prevalence of infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Community-based studies
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  • Huiping Zhu,
  • Xiaoding Zhou,
  • Ruyu Li,
  • Qi Gao,
  • Xiaonan Wang,
  • Peixia Cheng,
  • Ruixia Liu,
  • Chenghong Yin,
  • Yongxiu Hao
Huiping Zhu
Peking University Department of Maternal and Child Health

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Xiaoding Zhou
Capital Medical University
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Ruyu Li
Capital Medical University
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Qi Gao
Capital Medical University
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Xiaonan Wang
Capital Medical University
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Peixia Cheng
Peking University Department of Maternal and Child Health
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Ruixia Liu
Capital Medical University
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Chenghong Yin
Capital Medical University
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Yongxiu Hao
Peking University Department of Maternal and Child Health
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Abstract

Background: The prevalence of infertility has rarely been synthesized at the global level. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the community-based global prevalence of infertility. Search Strategy: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched from inception until October 2022. Selection Criteria: Studies were included if they were published in English, had quantitative data, and reported the community-based prevalence of infertility. Data Collection and Analysis: Two authors independently extracted data. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to derive the pooled prevalence of infertility. Variations in the prevalence estimates in different subgroups. Univariate meta-regression was used to explore possible sources of heterogeneity. Main Results: The findings indicated the pooled prevalence of infertility was 12.87% (95% CI,12.41%-13.33%). The prevalences of primary infertility and secondary infertility were 7.34% and 6.01%, respectively. The overall prevalence of infertility among people was the highest in Africa (16.73%) and lowest in the North America (8.84%). Lower prevalence in cohort or prospective follow-up studies (9.75%) than in cross-sectional studies (12.93%). Women aged 35 and above had a higher prevalence of infertility (11.68%) compared to women below 35 years old (5.92%). The prevalence of infertility increased with the number of years, and increased with the degree of literature bias from low to high. Conclusions: This community-based study estimated the global prevalence of infertility to be 12.87% and suggested that an upward trend of the prevalence of infertility may persist in the future.
19 Sep 2023Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
22 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
22 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
22 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned