Perinatal mental health in India: protocol for a validation and cohort study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Common mental disorders (CMD) significantly contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality globally.
• Research on perinatal mental health in India is growing but has evidence gaps, particularly concerning CMD.
• This study addresses these gaps by examining CMD in perinatal and non-perinatal women across diverse Indian settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance understanding of CMD among women of reproductive age in India.
• To validate screening tools for CMD in both perinatal and non-perinatal populations.
• To determine the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of CMD in these populations.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods observational study involving focus groups, interviews, and a prospective cohort.
• Validation of common mental disorder screening tools using psychometric analysis.
• Analysis of CMD incidence, prevalence, and risk factors using multivariable regression.

Main Results:

• Evidence on the effectiveness of CMD screening tools for perinatal and non-perinatal women in India.
• Data on the prevalence, incidence, and associated risk factors of CMD.
• Improved understanding of the perinatal state's contribution to common mental disorders.

Conclusions:

• Effective CMD screening and management are crucial for maternal health and gender equality.
• The study provides essential data for improving mental healthcare for women in India.
• Findings will inform targeted interventions for common mental disorders in diverse settings.