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. 2021 Dec;6(12):e006146.
doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006146.

Gender inequality in the global mental health research workforce: a research authorship scoping review and qualitative study in Nepal

Dristy Gurung  1 , Manaswi Sangraula  2 , Prasansa Subba  3 , Anubhuti Poudyal  4 , Shelly Mishra  5 , Brandon A Kohrt  5
Affiliations

Gender inequality in the global mental health research workforce: a research authorship scoping review and qualitative study in Nepal

Dristy Gurung et al. BMJ Glob Health. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Although women's health is prioritised in global research, few studies have identified structural barriers and strategies to promote female leadership and gender equality in the global health research workforce, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate gender equality in the mental health research workforce in Nepal. The scoping review assessed gender disparities in authorship of journal publications for Nepal mental health research, using databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, NepJol, NepMed) for 5 years. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 Nepali researchers to identify structural barriers limiting women's leadership.

Results: Of 337 articles identified, 61% were by Nepali first authors. Among Nepali first authors, 38.3% were women. Nepali women had half the odds of being first authors compared with men, when referenced against non-Nepali authors (OR 0.50, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.16). When limiting publications to those based on funded research, the odds were worse for first authorship among Nepali women (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.71). The qualitative analysis supported the scoping review and identified a lack of gender-friendly organisational policies, difficulties in communication and mobility, and limited opportunities for networking as barriers to women's leadership in global health research.

Conclusion: Efforts are needed for greater representation of Nepali women in global mental health research, which will require transformative organisational policies to foster female leadership. Those in leadership need to recognise gender inequalities and take necessary steps to address them. Funding agencies should prioritise supporting organisations with gender equality task forces, policies and indicators.

Keywords: mental health & psychiatry; qualitative study; review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: Some of the authors involved in this study were affiliated to the organisations included in the study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Authorship of Nepal mental health research in journal publications from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019 (n=337)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Adaptation of characteristics of the gender integration continuum based on findings in Nepal.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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