Survey of Mental Health Trials in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Syed Sheriff Rebecca J, Jayaram Mahesh, Tharyan Prathap, Duley Lelia, Adams Clive E
Primary Institution: Unidad Epidemiologia Clinica, Hospital San Ignacio, Santafe de Bogota, Colombia
Hypothesis
What is the quality and relevance of mental health trials conducted in low and middle-income countries compared to those in high-income countries?
Conclusion
This study will provide the first assessment of the scope, quality, and accessibility of mental health trials in low and middle-income countries.
Supporting Evidence
- 80% of the world's population lives in low and middle-income countries, which bear a substantial burden of mental illness.
- Only 10% of health research funding is directed towards diseases responsible for 90% of the global burden of disease.
- Lower income countries are under-represented in psychiatric literature, contributing only 6% of mental health research.
Takeaway
This study looks at mental health research in poorer countries to see if it meets their needs and how it compares to research in richer countries.
Methodology
The study involves searching for trials published in 1991, 1995, and 2000, assessing their quality, content, and accessibility, and comparing them with trials from high-income countries.
Potential Biases
There may be bias in the selection of trials based on the availability of studies in databases.
Limitations
The study may not capture all relevant trials due to potential gaps in database coverage.
Participant Demographics
Participants are from low and middle-income countries, but specific demographics are not detailed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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