Frequency of Social Withdrawal and Avoidance Behaviour in the Global South: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Social withdrawal and avoidance (SWA) have been studied extensively. However, there is a lack of research on the subtypes of SWA in the Global South. The present review aimed to investigate how common SWA is in the Global South. METHODS: Adhering to the standards of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and included all articles that were published or in the press as of August 1, 2022. Once the evaluation of the articles was completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, the random–effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of social anxiety disorders using specific diagnostic tools. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 29 articles on the only subtype of SWA that yielded the most meaningful results: social anxiety disorders (SADs). Social Phobia Inventory (n= 7669), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (n=7352), Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders scale (n= 1178) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (n= 7777) indicated a pooled prevalence rate of 24.79% (95% CI: 20.46% - 29.39%), 24.60% (95% CI 16.65% -33.52%), 17.15% (95% CI: 11.78%–23.29%) and 10.77% (95% CI: 5.31%–17.87%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of SADs assessed using a semi-structured interview yielded a prevalence estimate of 5.84% (n = 3951). LIMITATION: The lack of studies on other types of SWA. CONCLUSION: The present critical evaluation in the global south found studies with data on SAD. Future research in the global south would need to work to improve the availability and quality of studies reporting on the SWA spectrum.