Characteristics of mental health awareness programmes for workplace well-being in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Objectives: Workplace-based mental health awareness programmes are increasingly promoted to support employee well-being; however, evidence from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise the characteristics of workplace-based mental health awareness programmes implemented in LMICs. Design: Scoping review. Data sources: Peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified through systematic searches of major electronic databases. Eligibility criteria: Studies were eligible if they described or evaluated mental health awareness programmes delivered in workplace settings among adult workers in LMICs. Data extraction and synthesis: Data were charted and synthesised descriptively, focusing on programme characteristics, delivery modalities, study designs and outcome domains. Results: 66 studies were included, with most published between 2020 and 2024 (n=52). Programmes were implemented across Asia (n=26), the Middle East (n=27), Africa (n=12) and North America (Dominican Republic; n=1). Interventions were delivered both online and in person and employed quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods designs. Outcome domains assessed included emotional, psychological, physical, social and work-related well-being, with commonly measured outcomes such as anxiety, stress, depression and burnout. Conclusions: Mental health awareness programmes in LMIC workplace settings are implemented unevenly and evaluated using heterogeneous outcome measures. More rigorous evaluation designs and culturally tailored approaches are needed to strengthen the evidence base and support effective workplace mental health interventions in LMIC contexts.