Background: Motherhood, although perceived as a fulfilling period, is accompanied by abrupt transitions in familial and social roles, driven by physiological and psychological changes associated with hormonal fluctuations and increased caregiving responsibilities. Aim: This study aimed to assess the long-term consequences of postpartum depression on mother-child dyads. Methods: In the community-based cohort study, 290 postpartum mothers were followed for 6 months to 5 years. Persistent depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and confirmed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnostic criteria. Maternal suicidality risk was measured using the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised. Mother-child bonding was evaluated using the Mother-Infant Bonding Questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 29% of mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) were found to have chronic or persistent depression, and 12.9% had a high risk of suicidality. A significant association was found between PPD and persistent depression (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 1.16-20.11, P value < 0.032). The mothers with PPD had a 16.74 times higher chance of developing increased suicidality (P value < 0.001). Among the mothers with PPD, 69.4% had poor mother-child bonding. The mothers with PPD were found to have 4.52 times (CI: 1.80-11.31, P value 0.001) higher chance of developing poor mother-child bonding in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Maternal PPD exerts a substantial long-term impact on both maternal psychological wellbeing and mother-child bonding. These findings underscore the need to incorporate early screening and intervention protocols for PPD within the National Mental Health Programme to mitigate long-term adverse outcomes for the mother-child dyad.
Background: Nurses working in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) face many challenges. This article explores the experiences of nurses working in a specific area by using a qualitative research design.Methods: Twenty-six nursing officers were purposively selected and interviewed. The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.Results: Various challenges related to parents, administration, safety, and security were identified. The participants also stated that working in CAP is entirely different from working in adult psychiatric settings, in terms of the physical setup and communication.Conclusion: The participants suggested that organising regular sensitization program, promoting higher education, and Continuing Nursing Education would be more helpful for better nursing care.
Background: Long-term outcome data on buprenorphine maintenance treatment beyond 15 years remain scarce, particularly from community-based treatment settings in low- and middle-income countries.Cases: We present a case series of five males with opioid use disorder on sublingual buprenorphine for 15 to 19 years at a North India community clinic were reviewed. All remained employed and showed improvement across health, family, social, and financial domains. Three had treatment interruptions, with relapse or withdrawal prompting re-engagement. All wished to continue treatment, and two preferred lifelong maintenance.Conclusion: This case series suggests that a sustained recovery is observed among patients who adhere to opioid agonist treatment for a prolonged period.
Aim: To assess rural-urban differences in treatment delay and treatment access gap among individuals with common mental disorders and to identify factors associated with delayed care. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 480 participants (242 rural, 238 urban) diagnosed with common mental disorders. Data were collected using structured tools, including Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. Treatment delay and associated factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Rural participants had significantly longer treatment delays compared to urban participants (median 18 months vs 4 months, P < 0.001) and higher treatment access gaps. Prolonged delay was associated with higher symptom severity. Multivariate analysis identified perceived stigma, financial constraints, consultation with traditional healers, and distance to healthcare facilities as independent predictors of delayed treatment. Conclusion: Significant rural-urban disparities exist in treatment delay and access to mental healthcare. Addressing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and strengthening primary healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, are essential to reduce delays and improve outcomes.
