Association between child maltreatment and central sensitivity syndromes: a systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Child maltreatment is associated with significant social and healthcare burdens.
• Evidence suggests a link between child maltreatment and central sensitivity syndromes.
• These syndromes include conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the association between child maltreatment and central sensitivity syndromes.
• To conduct a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies to quantify this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive electronic database searches (Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) and grey literature searches.
• Independent study screening and data extraction using the PRISMA template.
• Quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and meta-analysis of extracted data.

Main Results:

• The review will express results as pooled odds ratios (ORs) for binary data and mean differences for continuous data.
• Meta-analysis will quantify the association between child maltreatment and various central sensitivity syndromes.
• Quality of included studies will be assessed to ensure robust findings.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide a comprehensive understanding of the link between child maltreatment and central sensitivity syndromes.
• Findings will highlight the substantial health and social implications, informing prevention and intervention strategies.
• Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.