Reviewhybrid2023

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the type and prevalence of mental health disorders and symptoms among children living in residential care

Meryl F. Westlake · Saul Hillman · Asa Kerr-Davis · Andrei Viziteu · Miriam Silver · Dominika Dykiert

23 citations0/0 files storedDevelopmental Child Welfare

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Child Welfare and Adoption Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development Mental Health Treatment and Access

Abstract

Research suggests that among all children living in social care, those in residential care have the highest mental health need. This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to establish the type and prevalence of mental health disorders and symptoms among children in residential care. A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ASSIA, IBSS and grey literature databases from January 1989 to July 2022 was conducted ( N = 11, 246). Articles were eligible for inclusion where they: (1) included a sample living in residential provision similar to that provided in the UK, (2) used standardised screening tools or psychiatric assessments, using diagnostic classification systems, and (3) reported prevalence estimates. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. 21 articles with prevalence rates for a total of 4287 children, adolescents and young adults were included. Almost half the children had symptoms indicative of a probable mental health disorder (46%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 35–58). Externalising problems (49%; 95% CI 34–65), were more common than internalising problems (39%; 95% CI 26–53) and prevalence rates for conduct disorder (34%; 95% CI 17–55), depression (26%; 95% CI 18–35), emotional symptoms (17%; 95% CI 8–28), and somatic symptoms (14%; 95% CI 8–20) were estimated. The findings provide evidence that the prevalence of mental health disorders and symptoms are particularly high among children in residential care. These pooled estimates should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity and further epidemiological research is needed to guide policy in different countries.

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2021The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews 2022Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 1997The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A Research Note 2020Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2015Annual Research Review: A meta‐analysis of the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents 2000The Development and Well-Being Assessment: Description and Initial Validation of an Integrated Assessment of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 2004The Use of Psychological Testing for Treatment Planning and Outcomes Assessment 2013Childhood Maltreatment and Psychopathology: A Case for Ecophenotypic Variants as Clinically and Neurobiologically Distinct Subtypes

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