Child abuse prevalence and patterns in Arab countries: A systematic review

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) are major global public health challenges with profound implications for children's well-being and societal cohesion. In the Arab League region, the lack of comprehensive evidence on the prevalence and patterns of abuse hinders the development of effective interventions and preventative measures, jeopardizing children's safety and health. This systematic review examined the prevalence and patterns of CAN across the 22 member countries, focusing on demographic factors (e.g., by age and gender), types of abuse (e.g., physical, psychological, and sexual), and the involved perpetrators (e.g., parents, teachers, and strangers). Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and IRIS databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2010 and 2020. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion and quality criteria, as assessed by two independent reviewers using Hawker's assessment tool. Findings indicated a predominance of studies focusing on school-aged children and teenagers, with limited research to explore this issue among younger children. Physical, psychological, and sexual abuse emerge as the most commonly studied and reported forms, perpetrated by strangers, parents, and teachers. The literature rarely discussed reporting mechanisms and referral procedures, indicating the absence of mandatory reporting policies and structured practices in the region, which could potentially impact the identification of child abuse cases. These findings highlight critical gaps in the literature and underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts among policymakers and healthcare providers.