Global Disparities in Neuroimaging Research for Mental Health Conditions
Connell, T.; Casella, C. B.; Esper, N. B.; Tottenham, N.; Tomlinson, M.; Ibanez, A.; Kousoulis, A. A.; Seedat, S.; Bantjes, J.; Kohrt, B. A.; Irarrazaval, M.; Ameis, S.; Rohde, L. A.; Stein, D. J.; Thompson, P.; Pan, P. M.; Merali, Z.; Valdes-Sosa, P. A.; Kieling, C.; Milham, M. P.; Mneimneh, Z.; Salum, G. A.
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BackgroundScientific research remains disproportionately grounded in data from high-income countries (HICs), yet efforts to map the distribution of neuroimaging findings by income levels remain limited. MethodsUsing data from the ENIGMA Consortium, we conducted a systematic quantitative synthesis of 83 publications across nine psychiatric and neurological conditions, analyzing T1-weighted structural MRI data from 16,086 cases in 27 countries. Representation was mapped using World Bank income classifications and World Health Organization (WHO) regions. ResultsHICs contributed 90.5% of cases; upper-middle-income countries 7.9%; lower-middle-income countries 1.6%; and low-income countries none. Geographically, 85% of cases originated from North America and Europe, while Africa, South-East Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean were underrepresented. Supplemental analyses of other datasets (Brain Growth Charts; fMRI meta-analysis) revealed similar disparities. ConclusionsEquitable neuroimaging science is critical to inform practice and policy decision-making that is context specific. This requires targeted investment in infrastructure, data sharing, and participation from underrepresented regions.
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