Study of Mental Health in Pregnant and Postpartum Women Compared to Non-Pregnant Women in Low-Income Areas of India

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve understanding of mental health disorders among perinatal women in India, focusing on depression, anxiety, PTSD, somatization, and suicidal thoughts. It is an observational study conducted in two low-income settings and includes both perinatal and non-perinatal women. The study has three phases exploring awareness and acceptability of mental health screening, validating screening tools against a gold standard, and conducting a cohort study to determine prevalence and risk factors for mental disorders in these groups. Participants include women recruited in early pregnancy followed through six months postpartum the perinatal or exposed group and non-perinatal women the non-exposed group followed over the same time. Screening tools for common mental disorders will be administered to evaluate the likelihood of various mental health conditions. The study does not involve treatment but focuses on assessment and observation over several planned visits. During the study, women will complete questionnaires and assessments at multiple visits to monitor their mental health status. Researchers will analyze data from these visits to measure the acceptability of screenings, psychometric properties of tools, and the prevalence and risk factors of mental disorders. Participation involves providing informed consent, with follow-up planned for four visits to track mental health over time. The study runs through August 2026, with detailed monitoring during each phase.

Perinatal Mental Health Study (PMHS) India