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Global prevalence and incidence of precocious puberty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Xinyu Zhang1,2, Yujie Xu2, Longping Yan3

  • 1West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

BMC Public Health
|December 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Global precocious puberty (early puberty) rates are concerning, with higher prevalence in girls and older, obese children. This study provides key global estimates for public health awareness and interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rising rates of precocious puberty (PP) impact child health globally.
  • Existing prevalence and incidence data lack a unified global perspective.
  • This study addresses the need for comprehensive global estimates of PP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the global prevalence and incidence of precocious puberty in children.
  • To synthesize existing epidemiological data for a worldwide overview.
  • To inform public health strategies and interventions for PP.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (up to Feb 2024).
  • Meta-analysis using random-effects models for pooled prevalence from cross-sectional studies.
  • Individual reporting of registry-based studies due to heterogeneity.

Main Results:

  • Pooled prevalence: 7.87% in girls, 3.98% in boys (survey-based).
  • Higher prevalence observed in older and obese children.
  • Registry data showed wide ranges: prevalence (37-935.1/100k girls, 0.46-37.4/100k boys), incidence (1.123-489.3/100k girls, 0.096-22.4/100k boys).

Conclusions:

  • Provides synthesized global prevalence and incidence data for precocious puberty.
  • Highlights the need for increased public health awareness and targeted interventions.
  • Further research is recommended to deepen understanding and guide future actions.
Abstract

Keywords:
IncidenceMeta-analysisPrecocious pubertyPrevalenceSystematic review

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