Signs of Change: Advancing Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Digital Mental Health in Bangladesh

Mental disorders affect nearly one in five adults in Bangladesh, yet over 90% receive no formal care. While digital mental health is promoted as scalable and cost-effective, little evidence exists on its effectiveness or inclusivity. This PhD critically maps Bangladesh’s digital mental health landscape and centres underserved Deaf communities. Through a scoping review, qualitative interviews, and two participatory co-design studies, it developed the first digital Bangla Mental Health Sign Language Bank and culturally responsive educational resources. The thesis advances inclusive digital innovation, positioning accessibility, community leadership, and equity as foundational to sustainable mental health system transformation in low-resource settings.