Child neglect - still a neglectedproblem in the global world : A review

Child neglect is a global problem that involves large costs for both the individual and forsociety. This article is based on published reviews and meta-analyses in the fi eld of child neglectbetween 1980 and 2018. Of a total of 433 articles, 13 was included, main Data bases has beenPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Psych Info, ERIC, CINAHL. The prevalence in the normalpopulation was found to be between 16 and 26 percent, while the prevalence in clinical groupsseem to be signifi cantly higher. For example, was the prevalence of neglect 50% among patientswith eating disorder. It is especially important to know who is reporting neglect. Research showsthat neglect is strongly associated with among other things, depression, one of the most commonillnesses among the general public. The theoretical models that are used are ecological. Riskfactors can be found at all levels when using ecological models. Research shows that factorsinvolving the relationship parent-child are among the most important. Neglect is more common inlow-income countries than in high income countries.Most studies point to the importance of prevention. Existing preventive programs are mostoften of family and parental character.More research is needed, especially as concerns the development of preventive programsthat can identify specifi c types of neglect and present suitable preventive measures, both at thesocietal and family level.Key points1. Neglect is a global problem.2. Prevalence depends on the measurement method and can vary between about 16%and 76%.3. Prevalence is higher when negligence is self-reported than when reported by professionals.4. The most common and most serious risk factors are present in the microsystem. Parentingand interactions between child and parent are considered important.5. There is a link between neglect and, above all, depression, but also anxiety, self-harmand eating disorders