A brief psycho-social intervention for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among perinatal women in low-and middle-income countries: Need of the hour.

COVID-19 vaccines are one of the most effective strategies for preventing COVID-19 infection, as well as the associated mortality and morbidity. Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine acceptance among perinatal women is challenging in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Further, the vaccine hesitancy among perinatal women may have an impact on their children's vaccinations. The purpose of this paper is to briefly discuss the existing research on COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, psychosocial aspects, measures, and the individual level interventions for vaccine hesitancy among perinatal women. In our opinion, there is a need for further research with a specific focus on developing effective and feasible individual-level interventions to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among perinatal women in LMICs.

COVID-19 vaccine confidence project for perinatal women (CCPP)-Development of a stepped-care model to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in low and middle-income countries.

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (CVH) is common among perinatal women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), but it is often unaddressed. This could be due to a lack of feasible, scalable, and acceptable interventions and models for CVH in LMICs. Our study aimed to develop a CVH intervention model that can be implemented in LMICs using existing human healthcare resources. Methods: A literature review was conducted on aspects of vaccine hesitancy, pre-existing interventions, and models for addressing vaccine hesitancy (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19). The lead authors (RR and PKuk) formed a team consisting of vaccinators, experts, and stakeholders. Members shared their perspectives and proposals for various models and interventions that could be implemented in LMICs. A CVH intervention model was developed using a logic model, a WHO implementation toolkit, experts' feedback, and consensus. Results: A consensus was reached to develop a COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Project for Perinatal Women (CCPP), which is a primary health care worker (HCWs)-based stepped-care model. The CCPP model includes HCW training, integration into ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programs, CVH screening, CVH intervention, and referral services suitable for implementation in LMICs. Conclusion: The CCPP project/model provides a practical approach that can help in the early detection and management of CVH. The model can be tailored to different healthcare settings to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among perinatal women in LMICs.

Cognitive impairment in patients with psoriasis: A clinical study in teaching hospital.

AIM: Psoriasis is associated with a variety of psychological problems including poor self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depressive disorder, suicidal ideation and significant cognitive impairment. The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of cognitive impairment in patients with psoriasis. METHOD: 200 subjects were included for the study. The tools used in the study were Standard Mini-Mental Status Examination (SMMSE) and Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS) for assessing cognitive functions. The results obtained were analyzed using the Chi-square test and student test. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had cognitive deficits in the domain of attention, concentration and total scores of SMMSE and BCRS.

Perinatal depression-knowledge gap among service providers and service utilizers in India.

INTRODUCTION: Lack of access to perinatal mental health (PMH) services is a significant public health problem in India. Barriers to accessing PMH services include the stigma, non-availability of services, poor knowledge, negative perception, attitude among perinatal women (PWs) and service providers. The present study attempted to examine the knowledge gap regarding perinatal depression (PD) among service providers [Nursing providers (NPs), Medical Practitioners (MPs)] and service utilizers (PWs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary care teaching hospitals of India, one in a major metro and the other in a rural area. PWs, MPs and NPs were assessed for knowledge about PD using a semi-structured proforma and Perinatal Depression Monitor. RESULTS: Among the 270 PWs, 8.51% were knowledgeable (PWA) and 91.49% were ignorant (PWB) about depression. PWB group were low educated (n = 140, 56.68%), and unemployed (n = 207, 83.80%) with lower family income [(≤₹10,356 per month), n = 170, 68.28%)]. There was knowledge discrepancy among NPs, MPs and PWA group in terms of a) PD is a normal part of pregnancy (agree- NPs = 71.52%, MPs = 10.00%, PWA-17.39%), b)biological causes of PD (agree- NPs = 45.23%, MPs = 70.00%, PWA = 26.03%) and c)antidepressant medications for PD (useful- NPs = 23.80%, MPs = 70.00%, PWA = 21.73%). Majority of the respondents agreed that all women should be screened for depression during pregnancy (NPs = 34.78%, MPs = 80.95%, PWA = 95.00%) and postpartum periods (NPs = 34.78%, MPs = 76.19%, PWA = 90.00%). CONCLUSIONS: Low PD literacy among the PWs, misconception about aetiology and management among the NPs could be major barrier for delivery and utilisation of PD services. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve PD literacy among PWs and NPs.

Radiation-Induced Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in a Patient with Brain Metastasis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist.

The aim of this case report is to highlight diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for consultation-liaison psychiatrist in the case of radiation-induced neuropsychiatric syndrome. We report the case of a 61-year-old man presented with neurological and psychiatric manifestations following the radiation therapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma with brain metastasis. We have briefly reviewed and discussed the risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive aspect of radiation-induced neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Loss of space and changes in the dental arch after premature loss of the lower primary molar: a longitudinal study.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the space changes, dental arch width, arch length and arch perimeter, after the unilateral extraction of lower first primary molar in the mixed dentition period. A longitudinal study was conducted among forty children in the age group of 6-9 years, who reported for extraction of lower first primary molar in the department of Pedodontics, Govt. Dental College, Trivandrum. Study models were made from alginate impression taken before extraction and after extraction at the periodical intervals of two months, four months, six months and eight months. The mesiodistal width of lower first primary molar of the non-extracted side was taken as the control. The results of the study showed statistically significant space loss in the extraction side ( P value < 0.01) and no significant space loss in the control side (P value > 0.05). The rate of loss was greatest in the first four months. The arch width, arch length and arch perimeter had no significant change from initial to eight months follow up. The present study challenges the use of a space maintenance under the circumstances of premature loss of mandibular primary molar for preventing space loss.