Polyvictimization among children and adolescents in low- and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Most of the world’s children and adolescents live in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LALMIC), but there is limited evidence about polyvictimization (experiences of multiple forms of victimization) among them. The aims of this article were to systematically review the evidence from LALMIC about the overall prevalence of polyvictimization and to identify the associations between polyvictimization and health and well-being among children and adolescents.Method:A systematic search of the English-language peer-reviewed literature to identify empirical, quantitative studies conducted in LALMIC between 2005 and 2015, assessing at least four forms of victimization among young people aged up to 19 years. Where prevalence of any victimization and of polyvictimization were reported, meta-analyses were performed.Results:A total of 30/8,496 articles were included in the review. Evidence was available from 16/84 LALMIC and methodology and quality varied. Pooled prevalence of experiences of any victim...