Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Emotional Abuse and Neglect during Childhood in Arab Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Emotional abuse and neglect are among the most underestimated forms of child maltreatment, carrying serious long-term mental health consequences. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of emotional abuse and neglect among children in Arab countries. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from inception to May 2025, for studies reporting emotional abuse or neglect in Arabian children. Eligibility criteria included studies reporting prevalence, risk factors, or consequences in participants <20 years; studies not assessing emotional abuse or neglect or conducted in conflict settings were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Synthesis of results was performed using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: A total of 41 studies, predominantly cross-sectional and mainly from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, were included, representing 50,862 individuals. Lebanon (64%) and Yemen (63%) reported the highest rates of emotional abuse, with a pooled prevalence of 46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35%–56%; I 2 = 99.9%). Emotional neglect was most common in Tunisia (61%), with a pooled prevalence of 42% (95% CI: 33%–51%). Significantly identified risk factors included parental divorce, low parental education levels, and exposure to violence. Behavioral disorders, suicidal ideation, and physical harm were frequently reported outcomes. Conclusion: The prevalence of emotional abuse and neglect among children in Arab countries is high, comparable to or exceeding that of other global regions. Culturally grounded preventive strategies, including parent education and strengthening protective systems, are needed to safeguard children’s well-being.