Mental Health Trials in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca J Syed, Clive E Adams, Prathap Tharyan, Mahesh Jayaram, Lelia Duley
Hypothesis
What is the extent and quality of mental health trials conducted in low and middle-income countries?
Conclusion
Trial research activity from low and middle-income countries in mental health appears to be low and does not adequately reflect the health needs.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 3% of the records searched were relevant to mental health.
- 68% of trials had less than 100 participants.
- 80% of studies evaluated pharmacological interventions.
Takeaway
This study looked at mental health trials in poorer countries and found that very few are being done, which means people there might not be getting the help they need.
Methodology
The study involved searching electronic records for randomised trials from low and middle-income countries published in 1991, 1995, and 2000, focusing on mental health.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the low reporting of methodological quality and funding sources.
Limitations
The study may not have identified all relevant trials due to time constraints and poor indexing in some databases.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily adults aged 18-60, with a mix of genders, and included those with unipolar depression and schizophrenia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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