Burden, impact, and needs of caregivers of children living with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Abstract

This scoping review synthesises previous research on caregivers' experiences and perspectives of caring for a child with a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition while living in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). 35 studies done across 15 LMICs were included in this Series paper. Most studies were done in the Africa region. Child and adolescent mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions were perceived by caregivers to have both biomedical and traditional or spiritual causes and help-seeking was aligned to these explanatory beliefs. Caregivers commonly described reduced quality of life, which they attributed to their children's mental or neurodevelopmental condition, and additional reports of family disruption, caregiver psychological distress, and financial hardship. To strengthen mental health outcomes of young people, better mental health promotion information for caregivers is required along with improved engagement with communities and increased sensitivity to caregiver wellbeing and needs when developing interventions for children and adolescents.