The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe aim of the study was to synthesize previous evidence and clarify the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children by meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive computerized search of databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases, was conducted to identify relevant national and international articles published before 18 December 2023 on DCD prevalence in children. The meta-analysis of prevalence was conducted using Stata 18.0.ResultsA total of 18 papers involving 31,203 patients were included. The prevalence of children with DCD was found to be 5%. A subgroup analysis showed that prevalence was 7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4%–10%] and 4% (95% CI 3%–7%) for boys and girls, respectively; 4% (95% CI 2%–8%), 2% (95% CI 2%–2%), and 6% (95% CI 3%–10%) in Asia, Europe, and North America, respectively; and 18% (95% CI 8%–31%) and 6% (95% CI 4%–7%) for preterm (