Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Preschool Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Trauma exposure is common in preschool children. Understanding the psychological impact of such exposure and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population is important for provision of appropriate and timely intervention. This pre-registered (PROSPERO:CRD41019133984) systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of PTSD in trauma-exposed preschool-aged children. Methods: Literature searches were conducted of PubMed (Medline), PsycINFO and PILOTS, alongside reference lists of relevant reviews. Studies were selected if they comprised trauma-exposed samples with a mean age less than 6.5 years, and PTSD was assessed using standardised interviews at least one month post-trauma. Information on sample characteristics, trauma-exposure, PTSD measurement and diagnostic criteria were extracted. For studies that applied more than one PTSD diagnostic algorithm, the most age-appropriate criteria were used to estimate pooled prevalence estimate across studies. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Findings: Eighteen studies were included (N=1946). Pooled PTSD prevalence was 20·4% (95% CI 11·9 – 30·5%). Prevalence was three-fold higher following interpersonal and repeated trauma exposure, compared to non-interpersonal or single-event trauma, respectively. Higher prevalence was found when age-appropriate diagnostic tools were utilised. There was significant heterogeneity across studies and a lack of studies conducted in low-income countries and applying age-appropriate diagnostic algorithms. Interpretation: Preschool-aged children are vulnerable to developing PTSD following trauma exposure. Younger children show similar prevalence trends to older youth and adults following different types of trauma. Age-appropriate diagnostic criteria are essential to ensure appropriate identification and early support is provided. Funding Statement: Tim Dalgleish was funded by the UK Medical Research Council (Grant Reference: SUAG/043 G101400) and by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme (Grant Reference Number PB-PG-0211-24045). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Declaration of Interests: None.