Unravelling the NEET phenomenon: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of risk factors for youth not in education, employment, or training

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the factors contributing to NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) status among youth. We identify 43 studies that meet our inclusion criteria in Scopus, PsycINFO, ERIC, British Education Index, Social Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Index, IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect, covering the period from 2010 to October 2023. We find significant associations between NEET status and various demographic, familial, educational, socio-economic, and health-related factors. Gender-specific disparities and evolving trends within distinct demographic cohorts are revealed. Our findings highlight that NEET is associated with a higher suicide risk (OR = 2.8, 1.8–3.8), criminal behaviour (OR = 2.06, 1.47–2.65), and unemployment experience (OR = 1.98, 0.72–3.25), while higher education levels (OR = 0.81, 0.67–0.95) act as a protective factor. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions tailored to the challenges faced by NEET youth. Future research should explore these relationships further to inform policy and practice effectively.