An update on the global prevalence of conduct disorder (2011-2017): Study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: The global burden of conduct disorder is considerable, particularly in males. Deaths were followed by conflict and terrorism increased 143·3% from 2006 to 2016. The objective of this study is to provide a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis to update the global prevalence of conduct disorder during 2011-2017.

Methods: and analyses: We will include cross-sectional studies and search databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from first of February 2011 to end of September 2017. Two authors will independently use STROBE checklist to quality assessment of the included studies, and they will extract data. We will use the graphical methods and fixed or random effect models to aggregate prevalence estimates, and assess heterogeneity between the included studies using the I2 heterogeneity statistic, and use subgroup and sensitivity analysis to assess the sources of heterogeneity.

Discussion: This systematic review will complement the findings of Erskine et al. (2013), and provide a better understanding of the existing heterogeneities on the global prevalence of conduct disorder. We consider that the findings of the study will be used by policy makers and other stakeholders, and it will provide a path to future studies at national, regional, and global levels.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018078615.