Table 3 Overview of studies with quantitative and qualitative data that were included in the review

Boothby et al. (2011) [14]

Indonesia

Adequacy survey of decentralised mental health services, and outcome study of effect on patients with Axis I mental health disorders

Patients, families, community mental health nurses, sub-district level GPs, volunteer village mental health workers (36 households, number of professionals not specified)

Patients surveyed on their perceived mental health pre- and post-decentralisation of services

None

Other (perceptions): Quantitative patient and carer estimations of mental health and wellbeing pre- & post decentralisation; qualitative staff perceptions on functionality of system, adequacy of system

Some progress has been made towards a household-to-hospital continuum of mental health care. Where the system is functioning, it establishes district, sub-district and village levels, which effectively decentralise mental health care services and contribute to community awareness of mental health disorders.

Quantitative data: weak

Qualitative data:

Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12: Yes

Criteria 5, 8, 9: No

Liu et al. (2007) [27]

China

Interviews and surveys of managers of 15 needle exchange programmes, plus interviews with local senior police, peer educators, needles exchange users and patients in compulsory detox

15 managers of needle exchange programmes, plus 15 local senior police, 108 peer educators, 393 needles exchange users, and 86 patients in compulsory detox

Peer educators (majority were active drug users) actively involved in dissemination and needle distribution

Effects of use of peer educators assessed.

System-level (study) (quantitative); Other (attitudes) (qualitative): needle turnover rate, number of clients, attendance, police attitudes, recruitment of peer educators, availability of needles

Needle exchange programmes are improving in terms of needle turnover and attendance. Greater cooperation from police, higher wages for peer educators, and wider awareness of the programmes among drug users are needed to increase coverage. Needle turnover was related to peer educator wages. Peer educators less likely to be arrested. More peer-educators needed.

Quantitative data: weak

Qualitative data:

Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11: Yes

Criteria 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12: No

Ndayanabangi et al. (2004) [32]

Uganda

Records review, key informant interviews and focus group discussions to collect data analysed by a cross-section of stakeholders using SWOT system to validate and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges.

Policy makers, health providers and consumers of mental health services (sample size not specified).

Participation in interviews and focus groups

None

System (country)-level: Quantitative and qualitative data on country mental health services, e.g. number of mental health professionals, mental health funding, policies and legislation, information systems and research

Mental health service users are rarely informed of their rights, or how to access their records, and rarely make complaints due to ignorance of their rights. Recent development of consumer organisations, e.g. Mental Health Uganda, Ugandan schizophrenia fellowship, Association for parents of children with learning disabilities and Epilepsy support Associations have led to some increased knowledge of consumers in these areas. There is a need to increase advocacy for mental health and develop capacity for professional mental and general health workers supported by appropriate policies, facilities and finances.

Quantitative data: weak (N/A)

Qualitative data:

Criteria 1, 2, 10, 11: Yes

Criteria 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12: No