Open access · Curated for LMIC researchers
Resources
A curated collection of materials to support learning, research development, and collaboration in youth mental health. These resources are designed to accompany fellows throughout the full research lifecycle — from understanding mental health challenges to designing, implementing, and communicating impactful studies.
Resource Categories
9Resource categories
FreeAll resources freely accessible
GlobalWHO, UNICEF, TGHN & partner sources
ToolsValidated instruments & data platforms
Use the filters below to browse by category, or scroll through the full resource library. All materials listed here are freely accessible unless otherwise noted.
Section 1
Research Methods & Training
Practical resources to support early-career researchers in designing and conducting high-quality youth mental health research, with attention to methods appropriate for LMIC settings.
Topics Covered
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Introduction to Global Mental Health ResearchFoundations of the field, LMIC context, burden of disease
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Research Design and Methodology GuidesStudy types, sampling, controls, bias and confounding
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Quantitative and Qualitative Research MethodsMixed methods, thematic analysis, grounded theory
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Data Collection and Survey Design ToolsInstrument design, piloting, cognitive interviewing
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Ethical Considerations in Youth Mental Health ResearchAssent, consent, safeguarding, risk and benefit
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Implementation Science and Intervention ResearchFeasibility, fidelity, scale-up frameworks
Key Resources
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Global Health Network Research Methods ToolkitTGHN · Practical guides across the research lifecycle
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WHO Research Ethics GuidanceWorld Health Organization · Ethics standards for health research
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Implementation Research Toolkit (WHO/TDR)WHO/TDR · Methods for implementation research in health
Section 2
Youth Mental Health Knowledge
Key reports, frameworks and scientific publications to ground your research in the current evidence base on youth mental health globally and in LMIC contexts.
WHO · Fact Sheet World Health Organization
Many mental health problems begin during adolescence (ages 10–19). About 1 in 7 adolescents worldwide experiences a mental disorder, with depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders being the most common. These issues can affect education, relationships and overall well-being, highlighting the need for early support and accessible services.
View WHO Fact Sheet →UNICEF · Hub UNICEF
Provides resources, tools and guidance to support the mental well-being of adolescents. Helps policymakers, professionals and caregivers access strategies to promote mental health and create supportive environments for young people across different country contexts.
Visit UNICEF Hub →Peer-reviewed · Qualitative Study BMC Psychiatry
This qualitative study explored perspectives of 30 young people with lived experience of mental health problems in Pakistan and India. It identified key factors for mental well-being including supportive relationships, emotional regulation, relaxation strategies, spirituality and reduced stigma — highlighting the importance of culturally appropriate interventions in South Asian LMIC settings.
Read Study →
Section 3
Lived Experience & Youth Engagement
Resources focused on meaningful engagement of young people in research and programme design — including participatory methods, ethical frameworks and co-production approaches.
Topics
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Participatory Research Methods with YouthMethods for genuine youth co-production in research
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Ethical Engagement with Young PeopleAssent, power dynamics, safeguarding young participants
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Youth-led Research ApproachesFrameworks for young people as researchers, not just subjects
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Co-design and Co-production in Mental Health ResearchInvolving service users in shaping research questions and design
Key Resources
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Mapping Youth Mental Health LandscapesBeing Initiative · 2024
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Youth Participation FrameworksUNICEF · Standards for meaningful youth participation
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Lived Experience GuidelinesPrinciples for respectful and meaningful engagement
Section 4
Data & Measurement Tools
Validated instruments and measurement tools commonly used in youth mental health research. These tools help fellows design evidence-based studies with appropriate, standardised outcome measures.
PHQ-9
Patient Health Questionnaire
9-item self-report measure for screening and monitoring the severity of depression. Validated across multiple LMIC settings and age groups.
GAD-7
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale
7-item measure for screening and severity assessment of generalised anxiety disorder. Widely used in both clinical and research settings.
SDQ
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Brief behavioural screening questionnaire for children and young people aged 2–17. Available in over 80 languages with established LMIC norms.
WHO-5
WHO Well-Being Index
5-item measure of current mental well-being. Widely used as a screening tool for depression and as an outcome measure in clinical trials and survey research.
Section 5
Open Datasets & Research Platforms
Access to global datasets and platforms relevant to youth mental health research in LMICs. These platforms support fellows in conducting data-driven, evidence-based research.
IHME
Global Health Data Exchange
IHME · Comprehensive repository of global health data including mental health burden estimates by country and age group.
WHO
WHO Global Health Observatory
Authoritative data on health indicators across 194 member states. Includes mental health service coverage and treatment gap data.
UNICEF
UNICEF Data — Youth Wellbeing
Datasets on adolescent health, education and wellbeing across LMIC settings. Downloadable datasets with documentation.
WB
World Bank Open Data
Development indicators by country and year. Useful for contextualising youth mental health research within broader economic and social conditions.
Section 6
Scientific Writing & Publication
Resources to support fellows in communicating research effectively — from writing manuscripts to preparing policy briefs and conference presentations.
Topics
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Academic Writing GuidanceStructure, clarity, argument and academic conventions
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Writing Scientific ManuscriptsIMRaD structure, abstract writing, journal submission process
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Developing Policy BriefsTranslating research evidence for non-specialist policy audiences
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Preparing Conference PresentationsOral and poster formats, abstract submission, visual design
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Communicating Research to PolicymakersAdvocacy writing, evidence translation, media engagement
Reporting Guidelines & Standards
Section 7
Digital Tools for Researchers
Recommended tools for collecting, analysing and managing research projects. All tools listed here are free or have free tiers appropriate for LMIC research contexts.
Data Collection
ODK (Open Data Kit)
Open-source mobile data collection. Works offline, widely used in LMIC field research.
KoboToolbox
Free for researchers. Built on ODK, with a web-based form builder. Widely used in humanitarian and academic research.
REDCap
Research Electronic Data Capture — secure, web-based data collection and management for clinical and social research.
Data Analysis
R Project
Free, open-source statistical computing environment. Industry standard for academic research analysis.
IBM SPSS Statistics
Point-and-click statistical analysis. Free trial available; some universities provide licenced access.
Python (SciPy / pandas)
Free, open-source. Highly versatile for data cleaning, analysis and visualisation with a large scientific library.
Reference Management
Zotero
Free, open-source reference manager. Captures references from any webpage, integrates with Word and Google Docs.
Mendeley
Free reference manager and academic social network. Good PDF annotation features. Elsevier ecosystem.
Collaboration
Overleaf
Online LaTeX editor for collaborative scientific writing. Free tier sufficient for most fellowship projects.
GitHub
Version control and collaboration for research code and data analysis scripts. Free for public and academic repositories.
Open Science Framework (OSF)
Free platform for pre-registration, data sharing and open collaboration across the research lifecycle.
Section 8
Global Youth Mental Health Initiatives
Links to global initiatives and research networks working to advance youth mental health. Knowing the landscape helps fellows position their research within the broader field.
1
Being Initiative
The Being Research Excellence Hub on Emerging Stressors for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing — the implementing hub of this fellowship programme. Led by GIHD and TGHN, focusing on research capacity strengthening in LMICs.
2
WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030
The global framework guiding mental health policy development, service strengthening and research across member states. Essential reading for fellows designing research with policy relevance.
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UNICEF Youth Mental Health Initiatives
UNICEF's portfolio of programmes addressing adolescent mental health across LMICs — including school-based interventions, community approaches, and emergency mental health responses.
4
Global Mental Health Research Networks — Lancet Commission
The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development provides a landmark framework for transforming mental health systems globally. Key reference for situating LMIC youth mental health research.
Section 9
Fellowship Learning Materials
Materials developed specifically for fellows enrolled in the programme. Access to these materials requires registration on The Global Health Network and enrolment in the fellowship.
Hover a card to see what each material type includes
For queries about fellowship resources, please contact your programme coordinator or write to the fellowship team via the contact page.