Tanzil Jamali, Sana Tanzil.
Child Mental Health Research in Pakistan; Major Challenges and Pitfalls: a Systematic Review.
Pak J Public Health Jan ;6(3):18-23.

Introduction: According to The World Health Report 2001, the prevalence of disabling mental illness among children and adolescents is 20% worldwide. The estimated burden of psychiatric illness is much higher in developing countries as compared to developed parts of world reporting a prevalence of 10-12%. Child mental health research is a neglected area in Pakistan. The aim of this review is to understand the current status of child mental health research in Pakistan. Methods: ?Pub Med and Pakmedinet database? were searched using key words ?child mental health, Pakistan, research?. A total of 33 articles were retrieved in from selected search engines. Of these, 22 studies excluded due to (i) did not elaborate child mental health, (ii) elaborate adult mental health. Of 11 studies included, eight studies were finally selected; directly related to mental health research among children in Pakistan. Results: Small scale studies have reported the burden of common mental health disorders among children in Pakistan. However important pitfalls in research methodology of these studies limit the reliability of estimates. The major challenges faced by child mental health research in Pakistan include lack of recognition about the issue, lack of validated research tools, dearth of intervention studies and lack of capacity within health system to support child mental health. The only child mental health research tool validated in Pakistan is Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Conclusion: The priority research agendas should emphasize on the development of locally validated research tools to be used in children, identification of risk factors and tailored interventions for control and prevention of mental health disorders among children in Pakistan.

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