Abstract Background: The maternal and child protection (MCP) Cards are an important tool for enhancing maternal and child health outcomes in rural communities. In India, MCP Card is issued to pregnant women during their first antenatal visit and serves as a comprehensive record of maternal health, pregnancy, childbirth, and child health and development. It contains information about the woman’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Despite its significance in monitoring maternal and child health, the utilization of MCP cards in rural communities of India remains limited. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with MCP card utilization among mothers in rural communities. Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 mothers with children born in last 2 years residing in the rural field practice area of a teaching institute. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that covered demographic information, socioeconomic status, and knowledge of MCP cards. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the use of MCP card and demographic characteristics, maternal and child health knowledge, and other related factors. Results: The results of the study showed that the overall use of MCP cards was 64.84%. Maternal education, number of children, maternal knowledge of MCP card and distance to the health facility were significantly associated with MCP card use. Conclusions: Health education campaigns and community-based interventions should be implemented to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of MCP card in improving maternal and child health in rural communities.
Abstract Background: When the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine became available for adults, it was met with initial hesitancy. Similarly, parental concerns may flood the event of a pediatric vaccine for under-12-year age group. Therefore, the present study was done to determine pediatric COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, the knowledge, attitude, and concerns (KAC) among parents of children <12 years, and the sociodemographic predictors of the same. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in immunization clinics of two tertiary care centers. The sample size was 430. By systemic random sampling, every willing third parent was enrolled. Data pertaining to socio-demographic details, KAC regarding COVID-19 vaccine for under-12-year age group and their willingness to vaccinate their children was collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS by descriptive statistics. Mann–Whitney U -test and Kruskal–Wallis test were done to find out factors significantly associated with the scores. Multinomial regression was done to find out sociodemographic predictors of vaccination intent. Results: Three hundred 300 (69.8%) participants were willing to vaccinate their children, 91 (21.2%) willing if mandatory or incentive given and 39 (9.0%) not willing. Father’s COVID-19 vaccination and higher socioeconomic status were associated with vaccine willingness. Parental education, occupation, socio-economic status, and monthly income were associated with KAC scores. Conclusion: Although knowledge regarding the vaccine was not high, most had a positive attitude and lesser concerns regarding the vaccine safety. The proportion willing to vaccinate their children was high.
Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the lives and routines of individuals globally, with medical students facing unique academic, clinical, and psychological challenges. The pandemic amplified stressors such as academic disruption, isolation, and uncertainty about career prospects, significantly affecting their mental health. Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and identify contributing factors, among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital involving 1 st -, 2 nd -, and 3 rd -year MBBS students. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for anxiety and depression, and evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and patient health questionnaire-9, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27 software; descriptive statistics were used to summarize selected variables and Chi-square test was employed to identify the significant associations. Results: The study included 252 respondents aged between 18 and 25 years, with 67.5% being female. Mental health symptoms were prevalent among participants, with 57.10% reporting anxiety and 69.80% experiencing depression; though the majority had a mild level of these symptoms. Significant association was identified between students’ residential location, academic performance, students’ engagement in physical activities, and their level of depression. Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of anxiety and depression, with mild symptoms being most common. It underscores the urgent need of comprehensive, student’s centric support system within medical college and the implementation of targeted mental health interventions including stress management, counseling and mentorship program.
Abstract The assumption that anti-TB drugs function purely as bactericidal agents, with immune function as a passive benefit, reflects neither the known pharmacology of these compounds nor the dynamic biology of the latent state. Together, these realities invoke the oldest and most fundamental principle of medical ethics: primum non nocere; first, do no harm. It is the argument of this paper that TPT, as currently deployed in high-resistance settings, may, in a biologically definable and clinically significant subset of patients, cause measurable net harm and that this possibility has not been given the scientific or ethical weight it deserves.
Abstract Background: Assistive technologies (ATs), such as spectacles, hearing aids, mobility aids, grab rails, and digital reminder tools, are essential for maintaining functional independence among older adults. However, evidence from Indian primary care settings on AT awareness, utilization, and unmet needs remains limited. Objectives: To assess the awareness, acceptability, utilization, and unmet need of ATs among older adults in an urban community of Western Maharashtra and identify factors associated with unmet need. Materials and Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 older adults (≥60 years) using systematic random sampling at an urban health training center (UHTC). A structured questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, functional status, awareness, acceptability, utilization, need, and barriers related to AT. Unmet need was defined as the difference between AT need and its utilization. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests for categorical variables, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The participants had a mean age of 69.2 ± 7.1 years ( n = 120), and 65 participants (54.1%) were female. Awareness was highest for spectacles (111/120, 92.5%) and walking sticks (94/120, 78.3%), while utilization was lower for spectacles (89/120, 74.1%), walking sticks (50/120, 41.6%), walkers (10/120, 8.3%), hearing aids (8/120, 6.6%), and digital AT (4/120, 3.3%). The overall unmet need was 82/120 (68.3%), with the highest unmet need for hearing aids (33.3%), mobility aids (29.1%), and digital AT (18.3%). The significant predictors of unmet need were living alone (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–6.4; P = 0.03) and multimorbidity (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3–5.1; P = 0.01). Common barriers included cost (50/120, 41.7%), lack of awareness (46/120, 38.3%), stigma (32/120, 26.7%), and difficulty using AT (29/120, 24.2%). Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness, the utilization of ATs among older adults remains low, resulting in a high unmet need. Addressing affordability, accessibility, stigma, and low awareness through strengthened UHTC-based screening and referral pathways can significantly improve AT uptake and promote healthy aging.
Abstract Background: The adverse events following immunization (AEFI) surveillance programme in India was initially launched in 1986; however, reporting remained sporadic and systematic efforts to streamline the process began only in 2005 with the introduction of the first Operational Guidelines. Objectives: To assess the extent of implementation of existing surveillance guidelines in a metropolitan city and to explore the scope for quality improvement. Materials and Methods: The study was a Cross-sectional observational record-based study done in the Metropolitan city of Maharashtra. Case reporting form (CRF), preliminary case investigation form (PCIF), and final case investigation form (FCIF) of all cases that occurred from January 2017 to June 2018 were obtained from the concerned authorities. The data obtained from records was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and represented using tables. Results: Out of 129 cases reported, CRFs were available for all cases while PCIFs were available for 118 cases (91.5%). Out of the 116 cases due for FCIF reports, 98 cases (84.5%) had been updated. 23 cases (17.83%) were notified to the health system within 24 h of the occurrence of AEFI, 34 cases (26.36%) were notified between 24 and 48 h and 31 cases (24.03%) were notified between 48 h and 72 h. Conclusion: Both active and passive surveillance were being followed in the study area. The healthcare workers, including auxiliary nurse midwives and CHVs, conducted home visits of all beneficiaries within 2–3 days postimmunization. This active component of AEFI Surveillance not only improved reporting rates but also helped in early detection and management of adverse events.
Abstract Background: Key populations (KPs), including Men Who Have Sex with Men, Female Sex Workers, and People Who Inject Drugs, experience a disproportionately high burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) due to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare. This study explores the dual burden of HIV and TB among KPs in Nigeria to recommend integrated care strategies. Methodology: A retrospective quantitative study design was utilized, analyzing secondary data from the Heartland Alliance database (2019–2024). SPSS version 28 was used for data analysis, with ethical approval ensuring confidentiality. The study focused on high-risk KPs in selected Nigerian states. Results: Findings showed that TB diagnosis among key populations relied mainly on symptom screening (66.3%), with fewer cases using chest X-rays (33.7%). Gene Xpert was the most common bacteriological test (79.9%), followed by LF-LAM and TB LAMP. Newly diagnosed TB cases accounted for 89%, with relapses making up 11%. A strong association with HIV/TB comorbidity was observed in Cross River State (adjusted odds ratio = 78.996; P < 0.001). Among individuals without comorbidity, 72.3% were placed on a 3-month isoniazid-rifampicin preventive regimen (3HR). Overall, 91.8% of key populations had successful TB treatment, while 8.2% did not. Females had higher odds of success than males (crude odds ratio [COR] = 13.611; P = 0.021), while World Health Organization Stage II was linked to lower success rates (COR = 0.127; P = 0.041). Conclusion: Integrated, community-led, and stigma-free healthcare approaches are crucial to reducing the dual burden and improving outcomes for these vulnerable groups.
Abstract Background: Autonomic dysfunction is a common yet underdiagnosed complication of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), contributing to increased morbidity. Early detection is critical for prompt management. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) is a self-administered questionnaire developed to assess autonomic symptoms. However, its validity compared to standardized autonomic function testing (AFT) has not been fully established in diabetic populations. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at AIIMS Bhopal on 72 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of more than 1-year duration. Each participant underwent evaluation using the COMPASS-31 questionnaire, heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, and cardiovascular reflex tests according to Ewing’s criteria. Diagnostic accuracy measures – sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) – were calculated using AFT as the reference standard. Correlation analysis was performed between COMPASS-31 scores and HRV parameters. Results: Autonomic dysfunction was identified in 72% of the study population through AFT. The COMPASS-31 scale was abnormal in 36% of cases. It showed a sensitivity of 34.61%, specificity of 60%, PPV of 69.23%, and NPV of 26.08%. Significant positive correlations were found between COMPASS-31 scores and several HRV indices ( r > 0.5, P < 0.001), indicating its potential utility in assessing autonomic symptoms. Conclusions: While the COMPASS-31 scale exhibits moderate diagnostic accuracy, it offers a feasible, noninvasive method for preliminary screening of autonomic dysfunction in DPN, particularly in settings lacking access to comprehensive autonomic testing.
Abstract Background: Heat stress is a significant occupational health hazard worldwide, particularly in tropical regions where dock workers are exposed to high temperatures and humidity for extended periods. Dock workers are essential to the global economy, handling cargo and goods in ports and terminals, but their work environment poses significant health risks, including heat stress. Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of heat stress in the dock workers of Port by identifying the demographic, occupational, and environmental factors that contribute to heat stress and its impact on occupational health and safety. Study Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dock workers in working in Dock area of Port from Andhra Pradesh, South India. Materials and Methods: The sample size was 382 dock workers. Data were collected using a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on past experiences and factors associated with heat stress. The data were entered in MS Excel, and analysis was done using the SPSS 20.0 version. Results: The study revealed significant insights into the demographic and occupational factors out of which 76% workers experiencing heat stress symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, with dizziness or light-headedness being the most frequently reported symptoms. Sweating, fatigue, and thirst are also prevalent issues, with a significant proportion of workers reporting severe sweating (15.2%), high levels of fatigue (21.2%), and intense thirst (19.6%). The workforce is predominantly older, with a large majority (57.6%) aged between 51 and 60 years. Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of heat stress among Dock workers (76%). These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions, such as cooling, hydration, and occupational health policies, to mitigate heat-related risks and enhance worker safety.
Abstract Professional responsibility is widely invoked in perinatal medicine, yet seldom examined as a health system implementation discipline rather than only a professional ideal. Following the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine New Delhi 2025 declaration, attention has shifted from ethical consensus to practical translation within real service environments. Indonesia – an archipelagic middle-income health system with persistent maternal and neonatal disparities – provides a useful empirical setting from which transferable implementation insights may be derived. A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE was searched using a predefined Boolean strategy, with the final search performed on December 20, 2025, supplemented by manual reference screening. From 450 records, duplicate removal and eligibility screening yielded 25 empirical Indonesian studies included in the PRISMA dataset. Five additional publications on the professional responsibility framework were incorporated for conceptual interpretation but were not part of the PRISMA-screened dataset nor subjected to risk-of-bias assessment. Two reviewers independently evaluated study quality using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and adapted Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions-I approaches. Evidence was synthesized narratively across ethical, clinical, and system-level domains. Across the included studies, timely referral pathways, continuity of antenatal care, equitable service access, and structured diagnostic counseling were repeatedly associated with improved maternal–neonatal outcomes. Conversely, fragmented care pathways, geographic inequities, and weak escalation systems constrained ethical implementation. Professional responsibility emerges as a system-level implementation challenge rather than solely an ethical commitment. Aligning ethical obligations with referral design, diagnostic governance, and population surveillance may strengthen perinatal safety in Indonesia and health systems facing similar structural constraints.
Abstract Background: Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes requires a multipronged approach for its management, and the patient has an important role to play. They are required to follow many self-care practices to achieve optimal glycemic control and prevent complications. The self-care practices include regular physical activity, appropriate dietary practices, daily foot care practice, compliance with treatment regimen, and tackling complications such as hypoglycemic episodes. Objectives: (1) To assess awareness about self-care practices in known diabetic patients. (2) To evaluate the knowledge about complications among known diabetic patients. Methodology: Community-based, cross-sectional study among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the field practice area of Medical College in Maharashtra. 200 participants were interviewed about their knowledge about self-care needed for diabetes, complications, etc., using a pretested questionnaire. Results: Among the total 200 participants, only 84 (42%) were aware about self-care in diabetes, whereas 116 (58%) were unaware about self-care. In our study, educated participants were aware of self-care than the less educated participants, and it was statistically significant. It was found that 24.5% participants avoided sugar, 12.5% participants started eating vegetables after diagnosis of diabetes, whereas 63% participants have not made any changes in their diet. It was observed that 86 (43%) participants were aware about the diabetic complications, whereas 114 (57%) participants were unaware about complications that can occur due to diabetes. Conclusion: The level of self-care activities among diabetic patients was quite low in spite of many years of diabetic status in the study. There is a need for ongoing self-management education programs for patients as well as their caregivers for better management and sugar control.
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a major public-health challenge and the foremost cause of preventable maternal death worldwide. Despite clear clinical evidence on effective interventions, many countries continue to struggle with timely recognition and coordinated management of PPH, highlighting persistent gaps between research and routine practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) E-MOTIVE bundle – centred on objective blood-loss measurement and rapid, team-based treatment – has demonstrated substantial reductions in severe PPH in recent multicountry evaluations, yet its translation into national policy and frontline implementation varies widely. To better understand these gaps, we conducted a systematic review and realist synthesis in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidance, examining how E-MOTIVE and related care-bundle strategies have been adopted, adapted, and scaled across health systems. A total of 1263 records were screened, and 26 studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning randomized trials, cost-effectiveness analyses, qualitative evaluations, implementation studies, and global policy frameworks. Across settings, successful scale-up was consistently linked to readiness in five domains: reliable supply chains, trained and empowered clinical teams, availability of objective detection tools, functioning audit and data-feedback mechanisms, and alignment of financing and governance structures. Realist analysis showed that policy uptake was most likely when credible technical evidence intersected with national leadership, institutional legitimacy, and stable funding commitments. These findings indicate that scaling E-MOTIVE requires system-level reforms rather than isolated clinical improvements. Integrating the bundle into national health benefits, procurement platforms, and digital monitoring systems may offer a practical pathway toward reducing preventable maternal deaths and strengthening primary-care readiness by 2030.
Introduction: The National Medical Council of India has advised to include training on soft skills like Communication with Patients in the medical undergraduate curriculum. It has been observed that poor communication leads to trust issues between the doctor and patient and doctor and communities. This causes poor utilization of health services. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of communication skills training with respect to the tribal community. Subjects and Methods: The medical undergraduate students of MBBS professional course and interns posted in the Community Medicine Department were given communication skills training, which was using Kalamazoo Consensus Statement given in Attitude Ethics Communication Module (AETCOM) given by the Medical Council of India. After 2 weeks, 1st Assessment was carried out, and immediate onsite remedial training was conducted for poor performers of the first assessment. After 6 weeks, 2nd assessment was conducted for all the participants. Immediately after the assessment, a refresher and remedial training was conducted. After 6 months of refresher training, a 3rd assessment was carried out for all the participants. The comparison of scores obtained in all the three phases of assessments was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: On application of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P value was below 0.01, which was highly statistically significant. Conclusion: Repeated and regular training of medical undergraduates and interns improves the doctor and community communication.
Background: India’s National Ayush Mission (NAM), launched in 2014, aims to strengthen traditional medicine systems through improved service delivery, education, and holistic wellness. State-level digital platforms are essential for transparently disseminating NAM-related information to stakeholders, yet their availability and quality remain unclear. This study assessed the availability, accessibility, completeness of content, and update status of NAM-related websites across Indian states. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based desk review was conducted across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories of India. Eligible platforms included dedicated NAM websites or NAM sections within state government portals. Data were collected from official portals, Google searches, and references from the Ministry of Ayush. A structured checklist based on NAM operational guidelines assessed mission objectives, key program components, operational guidelines or SOPs, state-specific facility information, contact details, news or updates, language accessibility, and recent update indicators. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings. Results: Of the 36 administrative units assessed, only 16 (45%) had any NAM-related web presence. Dedicated NAM websites were identified in 6 units (17%), while 10 units (28%) hosted NAM content within other government portals. Among dedicated websites, 67% covered all key program components, and only 34% provided operational guidelines or facility-level data. Information on recent updates was available in just 34% of dedicated websites. Conclusions: Digital dissemination of NAM at the state level is uneven and frequently incomplete. Standardized digital communication guidelines, mandatory core content, and regular updates are needed to improve transparency, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement.
Background: Anemia is a significant public health challenge among women and adolescent girls in India. Among various system-level barriers, inadequate knowledge and poor communication skills of the health workers are significant contributors. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of structured training programs in improving the knowledge of frontline workers and school teachers on anemia awareness, including identification, prevention, and management. Methods: A pre–post qualitative study was conducted in two blocks of the Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. The trainings were conducted with 160 frontline health workers and 18 school teachers using prevalidated and vetted modules. The pre- and posttests were conducted to assess the change in knowledge and awareness before and after the training using the questionnaire, respectively. The difference in the mean knowledge scores was compared using paired t-tests, and the responses to individual questions were compared using Chi-square tests. Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in the posttest knowledge scores of frontline workers and school teachers. The mean (standard deviation) knowledge scores of the frontline workers increased from 9.4 (3.0) to 10.4 (3.1) (P < 0.001), while among school teachers, the scores improved from 6.5 (2.0) to 8.7 (1.6) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results highlight the effectiveness of short-term and structured training programs in improving knowledge among frontline workers and school teachers. The study suggests the need to organize refresher trainings along with digital learning tools to strengthen knowledge retention and program implementation.
Background: The timing of cleft lip repair is guided by the principles of safety for the child such as the “rule of 10’s.” Delays in surgical repair may often be acceptable to medical personnel but may be misunderstood by family members such as the mother of the cleft child. The aim of this study was to identify perception of mothers of children with unilateral cleft lip toward surgical wait times for cleft lip repair and to identify the factors affecting their perception. Methods: Mothers of children with unilateral cleft lip and/or palate awaiting surgery at the Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano were prospectively studied between January 2019 and January 2020. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Grounded theory approach was used for the data collection and analysis. Results: Sixty-six mothers were interviewed during the study period. Four areas of perceived inequity were identified from participants’ accounts: socioeconomic inequity, sociocultural inequity, locational inequity, and inequity related to waitlist prioritization. The waiting period was described as frustrating, stressful, and anxiety provoking. Participants identified the importance of healthcare provider and health support systems during the presurgical period. Conclusions: Mothers of children with unilateral cleft lip frequently experience anxiety and frustration while awaiting surgical repair. The waiting experience can be improved by periodic updates from the surgical team and various other support structures.
Indonesia’s National Health Insurance scheme (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional [JKN]) has expanded maternal health coverage nationwide, yet concerns persist regarding its capacity to support equitable, timely, and high-quality care for high-risk pregnancies. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on how financing mechanisms, referral pathways, and governance structures under JKN influence the management of high-risk pregnancy across the health-system continuum. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 standards, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Garuda, and institutional repositories for studies published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 1148 records were screened, with 36 full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Twenty studies underwent methodological appraisal using Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews, Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions, and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Findings indicate persistent misalignment between Indonesia Case-Based Groups’ reimbursement rates and actual costs of obstetric services, particularly for complications requiring intensive or multidisciplinary care. This financing gap contributes to cost-shifting practices and potential underprovision of essential services. Evidence also shows that the Kartu Skor Poedji Rochyati score has strengthened early risk identification and referral decision-making, although its application remains inconsistent in remote and resource-limited primary care settings. In addition, quality-assurance processes within Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial Health remain fragmented, with limited integration of clinical outcomes, financial incentives, and provider accountability. These systemic gaps constrain the ability of JKN to translate financial coverage into effective maternal health outcomes. The review underscores the need for risk-adjusted tariff reform, interoperable digital referral systems, and outcome-linked quality monitoring to advance maternal health equity. By integrating clinical, financial, and governance perspectives, this synthesis provides a comprehensive foundation for strengthening high-risk pregnancy management within Indonesia’s national insurance ecosystem.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a prevalent sleep-disordered breathing condition, is increasingly recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to chronic intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and associated physiological disturbances. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence linking OSA to cognitive impairment, explores the potential mechanisms underlying this association, and discusses the implications for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse cognitive outcomes associated with OSA. Focus is placed on the critical need for proactive screening and management of OSA, particularly in at-risk populations, to preserve cognitive health and reduce the burden of dementia.
Background: Pregnancy involves profound physical and psychosocial changes that may adversely affect maternal health. Depression, anxiety, and stress during the perinatal period increase the risk of obstetric complications and adverse fetomaternal outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may mitigate these risks by enhancing emotional regulation and self-awareness. This study evaluated the impact of an 8-week MBI on maternal mental health during pregnancy. Methodology: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in India. Thirty-six antenatal women in their second-trimester were enrolled (23 intervention and 13 controls). The intervention group practised guided mindfulness techniques daily for 8 weeks along with routine antenatal care, whereas controls received routine care alone. Outcomes were measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and biochemical markers (serum cortisol and amylase), assessed at baseline and postintervention. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in EPDS scores (P = 0.007), whereas controls remained above the clinical depression threshold. Significant improvements were observed in the mindfulness subscales of observing (P = 0.001) and describing (P = 0.013). PSS showed a nonsignificant trend toward stress reduction (P = 0.071). Biochemical markers did not reveal significant changes. Qualitative interviews highlighted improved maternal–fetal bonding, enhanced well-being, and high adherence (79%). Conclusions: MBIs during pregnancy significantly reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced mindfulness capacities, with favorable trends in stress reduction. Their feasibility and cultural adaptability suggest potential integration into standard antenatal care. Larger randomized trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
