Multicomponent Behavioural Intervention during Pregnancy to Reduce Home Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial in Bangladesh and India.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) are at increased risk of poor birth outcomes. We piloted multicomponent behavioural intervention and trial methods in Bangalore, India, and Comilla, Bangladesh. METHODS: A pilot individual randomised controlled trial with economic and process evaluation components was conducted. Non-tobacco-using pregnant women exposed to SHS were recruited from clinics and randomly allocated to intervention or control (educational leaflet) arms. The process evaluation captured feedback on the trial methods and intervention components. The economic component piloted a service use questionnaire. The primary outcome was saliva cotinine 3 months post-intervention. RESULTS: Most pregnant women and many husbands engaged with the intervention and rated the components highly, although the cotinine report elicited some anxiety. Forty-eight (Comilla) and fifty-four (Bangalore) women were recruited. The retention at 3 months was 100% (Comilla) and 78% (Bangalore). Primary outcome data were available for 98% (Comilla) and 77% (Bangalore). CONCLUSIONS: The multicomponent behavioural intervention was feasible to deliver and was acceptable to the interventionists, pregnant women, and husbands. With the intervention, it was possible to recruit, randomise, and retain pregnant women in Bangladesh and India. The cotinine data will inform sample size calculations for a future definitive trial.

Exploring the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a nurse delivered mhealth intervention for women living with HIV in South India: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a standardized nurse delivered mobile phone intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Feasibility and acceptability of the phone intervention was assessed with rates of eligibility, completed visits, and attritions. Intervention fidelity was assessed by checking recorded calls and feedback. Efficacy was assessed using a randomized controlled trial in which 120 women living with HIV and psychosocial vulnerabilities, were randomized to Treatment as Usual (TAU = 60) or TAU plus the mobile phone intervention (N = 60). Trained basic nurses delivered the theory-guided, standardized mobile phone intervention for mental health issues and psychosocial risk factors to improve antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and retention in care and improve clinical outcomes. Blind raters performed the assessments at 6, 12 and 24 weeks post-randomization. RESULTS: Adherence diminished over time in the TAU only group, while it was sustained in the TAU Plus group, only dropping at 24 weeks after the intervention had been discontinued. Among participants with depressive symptoms (CESD ≥ 16), the intervention had significant improvement in adherence rates (p < 0.01), psychological quality of life (p < 0.05) and illness perception (p < 0.05) compared to those in the TAU only group. Greater improvements of quality of life subscales were observed in the TAU Plus group among participants with less psychological vulnerability (PSV < 2). HIV RNA was not significantly different between the groups at week 24. CONCLUSIONS: The mobile-delivered counseling intervention was feasible and acceptable and shows promise among women living with HIV and psychosocial vulnerabilities in rural South India. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02319330 [Registered on: December 18, 2014].

Experience and Reporting of Postnatal Depression Across Cultures: A Comparison Using Anchoring Vignettes of Mothers in the United Kingdom and India.

Postnatal mental health is often assessed using self-assessment questionnaires in epidemiologic research. Differences in response style, influenced by language, culture, and experience, may mean that the same response may not have the same meaning in different settings. These differences need to be identified and accounted for in cross-cultural comparisons. Here we describe the development and application of anchoring vignettes to investigate the cross-cultural functioning of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in urban community samples in India (n = 549) and the United Kingdom (n = 828), alongside a UK calibration sample (n = 226). Participants completed the EPDS and anchoring vignettes when their children were 12-24 months old. In an unadjusted item-response theory model, UK mothers reported higher depressive symptoms than Indian mothers (d = 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.358, 0.599). Following adjustment for differences in response style, these positions were reversed (d = -0.25, 95% confidence interval: -0.391, -0.103). Response styles vary between India and the United Kingdom, indicating a need to take these differences into account when making cross-cultural comparisons. Anchoring vignettes offer a valid and feasible method for global data harmonization.

Antenatal predictors of postnatal maternal attachment and competence after assisted conception-a prospective cohort study in South India.

The aim of this study is to examine the influence of antenatal factors such as anxiety, depression, perceived stress, marital satisfaction, maternal antenatal attachment, and social support on postnatal maternal attachment and competence in women who received assisted reproductive treatment. A prospective longitudinal cohort design was adopted with two groups-50 women who received assisted reproductive treatment and 50 women who had natural conception. Both the groups were assessed using self-report measures over three time points: T1, 7th month of pregnancy; T2, 2 weeks postpartum; and T3, 3 months postpartum. A final sample of 44 women who had assisted conception and 47 women who had natural conception completed assessments across all three time points. Descriptive, bivariate analyses, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were carried out. In the assisted conception group, maternal antenatal attachment, depression, and marital satisfaction significantly predicted postnatal maternal-infant attachment. Perceived social support, depression, and duration of marriage significantly predicted postnatal maternal competence. In the naturally conceived group, maternal antenatal attachment and social support significantly predicted postnatal maternal-infant attachment; perceived stress significantly predicted postnatal maternal competence. Antenatal depressive symptoms and relational factors significantly influenced postnatal maternal attachment and competence highlighting the need for screening and targeted psychological interventions during pregnancy.

Bonding and Infants' Development and Quality of Life: A Study Among Mothers with Severe Mental Illnesses in Remission.

Background: Maternal mental health has specific implications for bonding and infants' mental health. However, most of the evidence comes from mothers who are either symptomatic or did not have adequate mental health support. In this context, our objective was to explore if symptom status in mothers and bonding share any significant association with the infants' development and quality of life (QOL), in case of mothers with severe mental illnesses in remission. Methods: The study included 41 mother-infant dyads from the outpatient perinatal psychiatry services and the mother-baby unit of the current study center. Symptom status, self-reported bonding, mother-infant interactions, and infants' development and QOL were assessed with Clinical Global Impressions, Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, Pediatric Infant-Parent Exam, Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants, and Pediatric Quality of Life Scale, respectively. Results: Most mothers had a complete recovery or minimal symptoms. Nine (22%) infants had a significant developmental delay. Atypical play-based interactions were observed in nine (22%) mothers. Self-reported bonding and bonding as evinced over play-based interactions did not significantly correlate with the QOL or development of the infants. Mothers who have recovered and are functioning well reported good bonding with their infants, though objective assessment revealed specific difficulties. Symptom severity correlated with poor physical QOL in infants. Conclusion: The association between mothers' bonding and infants' mental health is domain-specific and differential than linear and robust. Infants of mothers with severe mental illnesses postpartum should be routinely monitored for mother-infant bonding, development, and quality of life.

Integrating nutrition and mental health screening, risk identification and management in prenatal health programs in India.

Pregnancy is a period of major physiologic, hormonal, and psychological change, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and mental disorders. Mental disorders and malnutrition are associated with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes, with potential long-standing impact. Common mental disorders during pregnancy are more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In India, studies suggest the prevalence of depression is 9.8%-36.7% and of anxiety is 55.7%. India has seen some promising developments in recent years such as increased coverage of the District Mental Health Program; integration of maternal mental health into the Reproductive and Child Health Program in Kerala; and the Mental Health Care Act 2017. However, mental health screening and management protocols have not yet been established and integrated into routine prenatal care in India. A five-action maternal nutrition algorithm was developed and tested for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aiming to strengthen nutrition services for pregnant women in routine prenatal care facilities. In this paper, we present opportunities and challenges for integration of maternal nutrition and mental health screening and a management protocol at routine prenatal care in India, discuss evidence-based interventions in other LMICs including India, and make recommendations for public healthcare providers.

Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Chhattisgarh: Findings from National Mental Health Survey.

Background: Psychiatric disorders are among the leading contributors to disability in India and worldwide. The pattern, prevalence, and distribution of psychiatric disorders in the country and its regions need to be assessed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. No study on the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders has been conducted in the Chhattisgarh state. This paper, as part of the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), discusses the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric disorders in Chhattisgarh state. Methods: A stratified random cluster sampling technique and random selection based on probability proportional to size (PPS) at each stage were adopted. Participants were from three selected districts of Chhattisgarh, such as Janjgir-Champa, Kabirdham, and Raipur. Adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in selected households were interviewed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (version 6.0), the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence, the WHO-SEARO screening questionnaire for generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and screening tools for intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Results: A total of 2841 individuals were interviewed. The state's lifetime and current prevalence of psychiatric disorders for adults were 14.06% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 13.83-14.29] and 11.66% (95% CI = 11.45-11.87), respectively. Prevalence of substance use disorders, tobacco use disorders, schizophrenia and related disorders, and mood disorders was 32.4% (95% CI = 32.09-32.71), 29.86% (95% CI = 29.56-30.16), 0.8% (95% CI = 0.75-0.86), and 4.44% (95% CI = 4.31-4.58), respectively. High risk for suicide was detected in 0.28% (95% CI = 0.25-0.31). Psychiatric disorders were twice more common in males than in females. Conclusions: The study gives authentic data on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Chhattisgarh. This shall pave the way for policymakers and planners to design state-specific plans for dealing with mental disorders and related issues.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of training health workers in detecting Priority Mental Health Conditions among adolescents in rural South India.

INTRODUCTION: Half of all mental disorders start during adolescence, before 14 years. In India, the current prevalence of mental disorders in 13-17 years age group was 7.3%. Many gaps persist in the mental healthcare delivery through the national mental health program, the low psychiatrist population ratio being one of them. Community health workers can play an essential role in providing mental healthcare in such resource-constrained settings. The World Health Organization mental health gap action program (WHO mhGAP) is a widely studied mental health tool that health workers can use to identify mental disorders. The study's aim was to test the preliminary efficacy of training healthcare workers (HCWs) in identifying mental health conditions among adolescents using modified WHO mhGAP modules. METHODS: The feasibility study was carried out in two Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in rural Bengaluru. Study had two components: (1) training of HCWs on adolescent mental health and (2) detection of selected priority mental health conditions among adolescents by trained HCWs. HCWs were trained in five adolescent mental health conditions using a training manual and modified WHO mhGAP modules that excluded emergency presentations and management sections. Pre- and post-training assessments were carried out. A sample of 272 adolescents attending PHCs were assessed for any mental health condition by HCWs using mhGAP modules. A sub-sample of adolescents and all adolescents identified by HCWs with a mental health condition was interviewed by the investigator to validate the diagnosis. Qualitative interviews were carried out with participating HCWs to understand the acceptability of the intervention, acceptability, and barriers to training in identifying mental health conditions among adolescents RESULTS: A total of 23 HCWs underwent training. There was a significant increase in the mental health knowledge scores of HCWs post-training compared to baseline (p value <0.001). Out of 272 adolescents, 18 (6.8%) were detected to have any mental health condition by HCWs as per the modified WHO mhGAP modules. A sample of 72 adolescents consisting of all adolescents identified with a mental health condition by HCWs and a random sample of adolescents without any diagnosis were validated by the research investigator (AS). There was a good agreement between diagnosis by health workers and the research investigator with a Cohen's Kappa of 0.88. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Training was effective in improving the knowledge of HCWs. There was a good agreement between trained HCWs and the investigator in detecting adolescent mental health conditions using modified mhGAP modules. The modified WHO mhGAP can thus be used by trained non-specialist HCWs to screen for adolescent mental health conditions in primary health centers.

Gender Transformative Interventions for Perinatal Mental Health in Low and Middle Income Countries-A Scoping Review.

Perinatal mental health problems are linked to poor outcomes for mothers, babies and families. In the context of Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC), a leading risk factor is gender disparity. Addressing gender disparity, by involving fathers, mothers in law and other family members can significantly improve perinatal and maternal healthcare, including risk factors for poor perinatal mental health such as domestic violence and poor social support. This highlights the need to develop and implement gender-transformative (GT) interventions that seek to engage with men and reduce or overcome gender-based constraints. This scoping review aimed to highlight existing gender transformative interventions from LMIC that specifically aimed to address perinatal mental health (partner violence, anxiety or depression and partner support) and identify components of the intervention that were found to be useful and acceptable. This review follows the five-stage Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Six papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review (four from Africa and two from Asia). Common components of gender transformative interventions across studies included couple-based interventions and discussion groups. Gender inequity and related factors are a strong risk for poor perinatal mental health and the dearth of studies highlights the strong need for better evidence of GT interventions in this area.

Integrated cognitive-behavioral intervention reduced alcohol use and perpetration of intimate partner violence in a man with alcohol dependence syndrome: A case study.

Heavy alcohol use poses an increased risk for intimate partner violence. We present here a novel therapeutic treatment, integrated cognitive-behavioral intervention (ICBI), a treatment approach for men with alcohol dependence who also perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV). ICBI includes a meaningful integration of cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy techniques. In this case study of an adult married male with alcohol dependence, who also self-reported perpetration of IPV, we found that ICBI was an effective treatment approach not only in reducing alcohol consumption and perpetration of IPV but also in improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in his wife. Important limitations, however, were the short duration of follow-up and concurrent pharmacological treatment. Salient aspects of psychotherapy process and outcome, indications for, and utility of integrated approaches to treatment are discussed.

Mental health of women living with HIV and its impact on child development in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Global literature examining the association between mental health of women living with HIV (WLWH) and child development is scarce. In this study, we examined the relationship between mothers' mental health and their children's social development outcomes 6 months later. Data for these analyses come from several waves of interviews of 600 WLWH in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, India. These women were enrolled in a 2×2 factorial clinical trial designed to assess the impact of food supplementation and nutrition education, both in addition to ASHA support, on adherence to ART and improved health outcomes for the women and one of their children. They were assessed on food security, stigma, social support, quality of life, depressive symptoms and child development outcomes. Results of longitudinal GEE regression analysis indicate that mother's depressive symptoms were significantly negatively associated with child's social quotient 6 months later. These findings have important implications for targeted health interventions, integrating mental health, both for WLWH and their children in India.

Negative Childbirth Experience and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder - A Study Among Postpartum Women in South India.

Purpose: Negative childbirth experience has been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in the postpartum period with a significant impact on the mother as well as the infant. Methods: The current study aimed at studying the association of negative child birth experience with PTSD and depressive symptoms among primiparous mothers within 6 weeks of child birth. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), PTSD checklist (PCL), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPDS) were used to assess negative childbirth experience, symptoms of PTSD, and depression respectively. Results: Of the 95 women in the study, fifty women (52.6%) had a score below the median of CEQ score (score of 72) indicating a negative childbirth experience. Lower Scores on CEQ indicating negative childbirth experience correlated with PTSD scores on the PCL (r = -0.560, p = 0.001) and depression scores on the EPDS (r = -0.536, p = 0.001). Of the sample of 95 women, 7.36% (N = 7) met the criteria for probable PTSD and 3.16% (N = 3) met criteria for partial PTSD. Twelve women (12.6%) had EPDS scores above 13 indicating probable clinical depression. Median CEQ scores were lower among the women who had PTSD or partial PTSD (N = 10) and among the women who had probable depression (N = 12) than those who did not. Childbirth experience emerged as the only predictor of PTSD on logistic regression (p = 0.03) (95% CI 1.17-79.61). Conclusions: Negative childbirth experiences are common and appear to be associated with depressive and PTSD symptoms. These findings emphasize the need to provide good intrapartum care including respectful maternity care for a positive childbirth experience.

A virtual course in perinatal mental health for healthcare professionals.

Screening and treatment of perinatal mental health problems remain inadequate with one of the barrier being non-availability of trained health professionals. Virtual courses have been an important medium to enhance the knowledge and capacity of health professionals. A virtual certificate course in perinatal mental health was developed to train health professionals to identify and treat perinatal mental health disorders. Of the 41 participants, 90.2 % fulfilled the attendance criterion and 75.6 % of them secured the certification. Encouraging feedback (9.54/10) indicated that virtual courses could help enhance competency in health professionals to identify and treat perinatal mental health disorders.

A systematic review of the association between perinatal depression and cognitive development in infancy in low and middle-income countries.

The association between perinatal depression and infant cognitive development has been well documented in research based in high-income contexts, but the literature regarding the same relationship in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is less developed. The aim of this study is to systematically review what is known in this area in order to inform priorities for early intervention and future research in LMICs. The review protocol was pre-registered on Prospero (CRD42018108589) and relevant electronic databases were searched using a consistent set of keywords and 1473 articles were screened against the eligibility criteria. Sixteen articles were included in the review, seven focusing on the antenatal period, eight on the postnatal period, and one which included both. Five out of eight studies found a significant association between antenatal depression (d = .21-.93) and infant cognitive development, while four out of nine studies found a significant association with postnatal depression (d = .17-.47). Although the evidence suggests that LMICs should prioritise antenatal mental health care, many of the studies did not adequately isolate the effects of depression in each period. Furthermore, very few studies explored more complex interactions that may exist between perinatal depression and other relevant factors. More high-quality studies are needed in LMIC settings, driven by current theory, that test main effects and examine moderating or mediating pathways to cognitive development.

Anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnancy predict low birth weight differentially in male and female infants-findings from an urban pregnancy cohort in India.

PURPOSE: This study examined the contributions of antenatal anxiety, depression, and partner violence to low birth weight (LBW) in infants and to sex-specific birth weight outcomes among mothers from a cohort in urban India. METHODS: Data from 700 mothers from the PRAMMS cohort (Prospective Assessment of Maternal Mental Health Study) were used. Pregnant women were assessed in each trimester-T1, T2 and T3, for symptoms of anxiety, and depression as well as partner violence. Multivariate analyses were performed for the whole sample and then for male and female infants separately. The final multivariable logistic regression models were each built using a backward selection procedure and controlling for confounders. To accommodate longitudinally measured data, change in scores (T2-T1 and T3-T2) of anxiety and depression were included in the model. RESULTS: Of the 583 women with a singleton live birth, birth weight was available for 514 infants  and LBW was recorded in 80 infants (15.6%). Of these, 23 infants were preterm. Overall, higher T1 Depression scores (OR: 1.11; 95% CI 1.040, 1.187) and an increase in both Depression scores (OR: 1.12; 95% CI 1.047, 1.195) from T1 to T2 and Anxiety scores (OR: 1.32; 95% CI 1.079, 1.603) between T2 and T3 were predictors of LBW. Female infants had a higher chance of LBW with increase in maternal anxiety between T1-T2 (OR: 1.69; 95% CI 1.053, 2.708) and T2-T3 (OR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.058, 2.086); partner violence during pregnancy just failed to reach conventional statistical significance (OR: 2.48; 95% CI 0.810, 7.581) in girls. Male infants had a higher chance of LBW with higher baseline depression scores at T1 (OR: 1.23; 95% CI 1.042, 1.452) and an increase in depression scores (OR: 1.25; 95% CI 1.060, 1.472) from T1 to T2. CONCLUSION: Increasing prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms in different trimesters of pregnancy were associated with LBW with sex-specific patterns of association in this sample from a Low and Middle Income Country.

A behaviour change intervention to reduce home exposure to second hand smoke during pregnancy in India and Bangladesh: a theory and evidence-based approach to development.

BACKGROUND: Home exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is highly prevalent amongst pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries like India and Bangladesh. The literature on the efficacy of behaviour change interventions to reduce home exposure to SHS in pregnancy is scarce. METHODS: We employed a theory and evidence-based approach to develop an intervention using pregnant women as agents of change for their husband's smoking behaviours at home. A systematic review of SHS behaviour change interventions led us to focus on developing a multicomponent intervention and informed selection of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) for review in a modified Delphi survey. The modified Delphi survey provided expert consensus on the most effective BCTs in reducing home exposure to SHS. Finally, a qualitative interview study provided context and detailed understanding of knowledge, attitudes and practices around SHS. This insight informed the content and delivery of the proposed intervention components. RESULTS: The final intervention consisted of four components: a report on saliva cotinine levels of the pregnant woman, a picture booklet containing information about SHS and its impact on health as well strategies to negotiate a smoke-free home, a letter from the future baby to their father encouraging him to provide a smoke-free home, and automated voice reminder and motivational messages delivered to husbands on their mobile phone. Intervention delivery was in a single face-to-face session with a research assistant who explained the cotinine report, discussed key strategies for ensuring a smoke-free environment at home and practised with pregnant women how they would share the booklet and letter with their husband and supportive family members. CONCLUSION: A theory and evidence-based approach informed the development of a multicomponent behaviour change intervention, described here. The acceptability and feasibility of the intervention which was subsequently tested in a pilot RCT in India and Bangladesh will be published later.

Lifetime traumatic experiences and postpartum depressive symptoms in a cohort of women in South India.

Studies in western cultures have proposed mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences can affect mental health, including mediating variables such as social support and resilience. However, research replicating these findings in perinatal populations are sparse in Asia. This study assessed the association between lifetime trauma and postpartum depressive symptoms. Additionally, the study examined the mediating role that resilience and social support can play in this association. This study was conducted on 458 women participating in the PRAMMS cohort in urban Bangalore. Information on lifetime trauma was collected through a culturally appropriate trauma interview and postpartum depressive symptoms (8 weeks) were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 and social support was assessed through the Zimet's Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. A linear model was used to measure the association between lifetime trauma and postpartum depression and mediation analysis was used to assess the role of resilience and social support in the primary association. All analyses were conducted using SPSS. In this cohort, 254 women reported at least one trauma and 204 reported no trauma. A higher number of lifetime traumatic events was associated with higher EPDS scores (ß = 0.487, 95%CI: 0.267-0.707). Social support was found to have a negative association between the predictor and the outcome; however, resilience was not a statistically significant mediator. Lifetime trauma was associated with postpartum depressive symptoms in our study and social support negatively mediated the association between lifetime trauma and postpartum depressive symptoms.

COVID-19-related anxiety and concerns expressed by pregnant and postpartum women-a survey among obstetricians.

This paper from India describes anxieties that pregnant and postpartum women reported to obstetricians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 118 obstetricians who responded to an online survey, most had been contacted for concerns about hospital visits (72.65%), methods of protection (60.17%), the safety of the infant (52.14%), anxieties related to social media messages (40.68%) and contracting the infection (39.83%). Obstetricians felt the need for resources such as videos, websites and counselling skills to handle COVID-related anxiety among perinatal women.

Effect of Yoga on Psychological Distress among Women Receiving Treatment for Infertility.

BACKGROUND: Infertility among women has been associated with significant psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. yoga therapy has been found to be useful in the management of anxiety, depression and psychological distress. AIM: To review studies on the effectiveness of yoga in reducing psychological distress and improving clinical outcomes among women receiving treatment for infertility. METHODOLOGY: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies using the following inclusion criteria: studies published in English, those published between 2000 and 2018, published in peer-reviewed journals, and those with Yoga as an intervention. Review articles, studies without any yoga interventions for infertility, and male infertility were excluded. The keywords included for the literature search were: Yoga, Mindfulness, Relaxation technique, Stress, Distress, Anxiety, Infertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). RESULTS: Three studies satisfied the selection criteria. Two studies involved Hatha yoga intervention and one study used structured yoga program. The variables assessed in these studies were: (1) anxiety, (2) depression, (3) emotional distress, and (4) fertility-related quality of life. All the studies reported an improvement in the anxiety scores after yoga intervention. CONCLUSION: Yoga therapy may be potentially useful in improving anxiety scores among women suffering from infertility. More studies are needed in this area to establish role of yoga as an adjuvant during the treatment of infertility.

Prevalence and clinical correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in women with severe mental illness (SMI).

Women with severe mental illness (SMI) are a vulnerable population in whom varying rates of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) have been reported with impact on their illness. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical correlates of IPV among women with SMI admitted to a tertiary care psychiatric hospital. The study was a cross sectional assessment of IPV among women with severe mental illness receiving inpatient care. The assessments included Indian Family Violence and Control Scale (IFVCS) for IPV, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS version 4) for psychopathology, The Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire Revised (SBQ-R) for suicidality, Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ) for physical health, Scale for Assessment of Somatic Symptoms (SASS) for somatic symptoms and also semi structured schedule for their sociodemographic profile. A total of 100 women diagnosed with SMI with a cohabiting partner were assessed. The lifetime prevalence of IPV in the women with SMI was 22 %. Last 1-year prevalence of IPV in them was 20 %. Control and emotional violence were the most commonly reported form of violence, followed by physical violence, and sexual violence was the least reported. Significant association of IPV with suicidal behaviour, depression scores, physical health and somatic symptoms were found. IPV is prevalent in women with SMI and needs to be addressed. It is important to assess all types of IPV as it can impact the illness and the lives of these women, overall.