Participatory research in mental health care services in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review.

objectiveThis scoping review aims to identify and map the characteristics of participatory research approaches in mental healthcare services conducted in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

designThis review followed a scoping review methodology developed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). This review searched various databases and screened studies that met inclusion criteria. DATA SOURCES: Published and unpublished studies were searched for in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and Google Scholar (first 10 pages), as well as grey literature databases Shodhganga and ProQuest (Dissertations and Theses). ELIGIBILITY: This scoping review considered studies on participatory research in mental healthcare services in LMICs, without limitation to types of participants (ie, gender, children/adolescent/adults, urban/rural etc) and settings. DATA EXTRACTION: Screening of the articles was done using Nested Knowledge software. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the studies, followed by full-text screening. Data were extracted using a predefined form. The findings are descriptively presented with supporting tables and diagrams, accompanied by a narrative summary.

resultsWe included 31 studies with different aims and procedures. Significant proportion of studies were published from India followed by Ethiopia, Zimbabwe. Across the included studies, the most frequently reported participatory research method was workshops, primarily used during design and implementation phases to facilitate co-design, discussion and shared decision-making. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were the second most common, followed by feedback mechanisms, which were mainly used in the evaluation phase. Stakeholder involvement most often included community members, health professionals and community health workers, with many studies integrating advisory groups to guide research priorities and methods. The most frequently reported outcomes were process outcomes, followed by health, community, empowerment and perspective outcomes.

conclusionsParticipatory research in mental healthcare services in LMICs mostly employs workshops and other interactive methods to engage diverse stakeholders meaningfully. While these approaches enhance collaboration, capacity building and empowerment, gaps remain in early-stage stakeholder involvement, critical reflection on power dynamics and sustainability planning. Strengthening participatory practices through deeper engagement from the research initiation stage, transparent reporting and long-term outcome tracking could improve the impact and sustainability of mental health interventions in LMIC contexts.

trial registrationhttps://osf.io/cn54r.