scholarly journals Mental health research in Botswana: a semi-systematic scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 030006052096645
Author(s):  
Philip R. Opondo ◽  
Anthony A. Olashore ◽  
Keneilwe Molebatsi ◽  
Caleb J. Othieno ◽  
James O. Ayugi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Usa

Mental and substance use disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite this, there is a paucity of mental health research in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We carried out a semi-systematic scoping review to determine the extent of mental health research in Botswana. Using a predetermined search strategy, we searched the databases Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL with Full Text, MEDLINE, MEDLINE with Full Text, MLA International Bibliography, Open Dissertations) for articles written in English from inception to June 2020. We identified 58 studies for inclusion. The most researched subject was mental health aspects of HIV/AIDS, followed by research on neurotic and stress-related disorders. Most studies were cross-sectional and the earliest published study was from 1983. The majority of the studies were carried out by researchers affiliated to the University of Botswana, followed by academic institutions in the USA. There seems to be limited mental health research in Botswana, and there is a need to increase research capacity.

scholarly journals Mental health research capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa: the African Mental Health Research Initiative

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dixon Chibanda ◽  
Melanie Abas ◽  
Rosemary Musesengwa ◽  
Chris Merritt ◽  
Katherine Sorsdahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders are a leading, but neglected, cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The treatment gap for MNS is vast with only 10% of people with MNS disorders in low-income countries accessing evidence-based treatments. Reasons for this include low awareness of the burden of MNS disorders and limited evidence to support development, adaptation and implementation of effective and feasible treatments. The overall goal of the African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI) is to build an African-led network of MNS researchers in Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe, who are equipped to lead high quality mental health research programs that meet the needs of their countries, and to establish a sustainable career pipeline for these researchers with an emphasis on integrating MNS research into existing programs such as HIV/AIDS. This paper describes the process leading to the development of AMARI's objectives through a theory of change workshop, successes and challenges that have been faced by the consortium in the last 4 years, and the future role that AMARI could play in further building MNS research capacity by brining on board more institutions from low- and middle-income countries with an emphasis on developing an evidence-based training curriculum and a research-driven care service.

scholarly journals Mental health research in the lower-middle-income countries of Africa and Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 54-64
Author(s):  
Sujita Kumar Kar ◽  
Tosin Philip Oyetunji ◽  
Aathira J. Prakash ◽  
Olusegun Ayomikun Ogunmola ◽  
Sarvodaya Tripathy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries

scholarly journals Invited commentary on … Mental health research priorities in low- and middle-income countries

2009 ◽  
Vol 195 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Araya
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Simple Process ◽  
Inequalities In Health ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

SummaryThere are huge inequalities in health research within and between countries. It is argued that this may hinder the process of setting and tackling mental health priorities. If this were true, establishing research priorities would be important. However, this is not a simple process and one must be aware of its limitations. Despite a plethora of declarations, funding for mental health research in low- and middle-income countries remains hard to find. In the absence of funding, establishing research priorities is seen by many as an exercise of lesser importance.

scholarly journals Infant Mental Health Research in Africa: a call for action for research in the next 10 years

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Tomlinson ◽  
Barak Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Infant Development ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Infant Mental Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background.Less than 3% of articles published in the peer reviewed literature include data from low- and middle-income countries – where 90% of the world's infants live.Methods.In this paper, we discuss the context of infancy in Africa and the conditions of adversity obtaining in Africa.Results.We discuss the implications of poverty on parenting, and linked to this outline the impact of maternal depression on infant development.Conclusions.We outline three features of the field of infant mental health research in Africa, and issue a call for action about what we believe is needed in order to develop the field in the next decade.

Scarcity and inequity of mental health research resources in low-and-middle income countries: A global survey

Health Policy ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Razzouk ◽  
Pratap Sharan ◽  
Carla Gallo ◽  
Oye Gureje ◽  
Exaltacion E. Lamberte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Research Resources ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Developing mental health research in sub-Saharan Africa: capacity building in the AFFIRM project

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Schneider ◽  
K. Sorsdahl ◽  
R. Mayston ◽  
J. Ahrens ◽  
D. Chibanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Building Activities ◽  
Building Program ◽  
Short Courses

BackgroundThere remains a large disparity in the quantity, quality and impact of mental health research carried out in sub-Saharan Africa, relative to both the burden and the amount of research carried out in other regions. We lack evidence on the capacity-building activities that are effective in achieving desired aims and appropriate methodologies for evaluating success.MethodsAFFIRM was an NIMH-funded hub project including a capacity-building program with three components open to participants across six countries: (a) fellowships for an M.Phil. program; (b) funding for Ph.D. students conducting research nested within AFFIRM trials; (c) short courses in specialist research skills. We present findings on progression and outputs from the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs, self-perceived impact of short courses, qualitative data on student experience, and reflections on experiences and lessons learnt from AFFIRM consortium members.ResultsAFFIRM delivered funded research training opportunities to 25 mental health professionals, 90 researchers and five Ph.D. students across 6 countries over a period of 5 years. A number of challenges were identified and suggestions for improving the capacity-building activities explored.ConclusionsHaving protected time for research is a barrier to carrying out research activities for busy clinicians. Funders could support sustainability of capacity-building initiatives through funds for travel and study leave. Adoption of a train-the-trainers model for specialist skills training and strategies for improving the rigor of evaluation of capacity-building activities should be considered.

scholarly journals The EVITA framework for evidence-based mental health policy agenda setting in low- and middle-income countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 424-439
Author(s):  
Nicole Votruba ◽  
Jonathan Grant ◽  
Graham Thornicroft
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Agenda Setting ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Policy Agenda ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Research Policy ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract The burden of mental illness is excessive, but many countries lack evidence-based policies to improve practice. Mental health research evidence translation into policymaking is a ‘wicked problem’, often failing despite a robust evidence base. In a recent systematic review, we identified a gap in frameworks on agenda setting and actionability, and pragmatic, effective tools to guide action to link research and policy are needed. Responding to this gap, we developed the new EVITA 1.1 (EVIdence To Agenda setting) conceptual framework for mental health research–policy interrelationships in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We (1) drafted a provisional framework (EVITA 1.0); (2) validated it for specific applicability to mental health; (3) conducted expert in-depth interviews to (a) validate components and mechanisms and (b) assess intelligibility, functionality, relevance, applicability and effectiveness. To guide interview validation, we developed a simple evaluation framework. (4) Using deductive framework analysis, we coded and identified themes and finalized the framework (EVITA 1.1). Theoretical agenda-setting elements were added, as targeting the policy agenda-setting stage was found to lead to greater policy traction. The framework was validated through expert in-depth interviews (n = 13) and revised. EVITA 1.1 consists of six core components [advocacy coalitions, (en)actors, evidence generators, external influences, intermediaries and political context] and four mechanisms (capacity, catalysts, communication/relationship/partnership building and framing). EVITA 1.1 is novel and unique because it very specifically addresses the mental health research–policy process in LMICs and includes policy agenda setting as a novel, effective mechanism. Based on a thorough methodology, and through its specific design and mechanisms, EVITA has the potential to improve the challenging process of research evidence translation into policy and practice in LMICs and to increase the engagement and capacity of mental health researchers, policy agencies/planners, think tanks, NGOs and others within the mental health research–policy interface. Next, EVITA 1.1 will be empirically tested in a case study.

Service user's actual involvement in mental health research practices: A scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 798-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Sangill ◽  
Niels Buus ◽  
Lisbeth Hybholt ◽  
Lene Lauge Berring
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Research Practices
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