What do we know about hoarding behaviours among care-experienced children (CEC)? A systematic review

What do we know about hoarding behaviours among care-experienced children (CEC)? A systematic review

Blog Article

Objectives and methods Anecdotal evidence suggests a high prevalence of hoarding behaviours among care-experienced children (those in foster, residential, adoptive, or kinship care).This systematic review, aimed to examine the prevalence of hoarding among care-experienced children, their lived experience, and the effectiveness of any hoarding interventions for this population.Primary research articles were included on hoarding behaviours in care-experienced children, published in English in indexed journals from ever to September 2024.Results Three eligible uncontrolled, observational studies, Cardio-Pulmonary Monitors - ECG Mounts including 374 children and 23 carers, were identified.While hoarding was not clearly defined, there were high levels of hoarding behaviours specific to storing food (26%), associated with confirmed maltreatment in care (Odds Ratio = 17.

4).Empirical lived experience perspectives were few and polarised between views that food hoarding was punishment towards caregivers or a trauma-survival mechanism.We identified no interventions involving assessment or management of hoarding behaviours in this population.Conclusions There is a paucity of evidence about hoarding behaviours among care-experienced children and a small amount of poor-quality evidence suggesting a high prevalence of food-related hoarding.In contrast, stakeholder consultation suggests hoarding may be common, long-lasting, and involve not just food but many other objects.

Further research is required to understand the extent and type of Printers hoarding behaviours, and effective interventions.Care-experienced children experience health, educational, and well-being outcomes across the life course, which are much poorer than their non-care peers, and this research offers a new avenue of enquiry to understand and improve their experiences and lives.