Work

Gender-specific economic interventions for women’s mental health and well-being in South Asia: a systematic review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs) in South Asia is higher among women than men. Reasons include lower socioeconomic status and greater exposure to social, economic and environmental disadvantage. Economic determinants are important, modifiable risk factors for CMDs. AIMS: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence for impacts of economic interventions on women's well-being and CMD outcomes in South Asia. METHOD: We searched for peer-reviewed quantitative research studies in eight databases (3ie, EconLit, Embase Classic, Embase, Global Health, J-PAL, Medline, APA PsychInfo, Scopus) and studies included in relevant systematic reviews of economic interventions which measured CMDs and well-beingamong female participants in South Asia. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Following data extraction, we synthesised our findings through narrative synthesis. RESULTS: We identified eight eligible studies evaluating five types of economic intervention: microfinance, employment, conditional cash transfers, self-help groups (SHGs) and economic empowerment programmes. Studies were conducted in Afghanistan (n = 1), Bangladesh (n = 2) and India (n = 5). Approximately 60% of studies reported statistically significant associations between receipt of economic interventions and improved CMD symptoms or well-being among female participants. Risk of bias was moderate and study designs were heterogeneous. Attention to gendered risks of economic interventions in countries with strong patriarchal norms was limited. CONCLUSION: The limited published evidence suggests that economic interventions can have positive impacts on CMDs and well-being among women in South Asia. However, methodological limitations and lack of geographical representation mean that further research is needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of economic interventions for diverse women in South Asia.

Source: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1007/s00127-026-03074-8

Authors: Jaya Katiyar, Roxanne Keynejad

Institutions: King's College London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Sangath

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,390