Antenatal depression among pregnant mothers in Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one in five pregnant women experience antenatal depression globally. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of antenatal depression and explore its relationship between various demographic variables, recent sexual engagement, and recent adverse life events among pregnant Afghan women. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was carried out between January, 2023 and April 2023 among 460 women aged 15-45 years who were recruited using convenience sampling from Herat province (Afghanistan). Logistic regression models were utilized to explore the relationship between antenatal depression and socio-demographic characteristics among the participants. RESULTS: The prevalence of antenatal depression symptoms was 78.5%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that antenatal depression was significantly associated with (i) being aged 30-45 years (AOR: 4.216, 95% CI: 1.868-9.515, p = .001), (ii) being of low economic status (AOR:2.102, 95% CI: 1.051-4.202, p = .036), (iii) not being employed (AOR: 2.445, 95% CI:1.189-5.025, p = .015), (iv) not having had sex during the past seven days (AOR: 2.335, 95% CI: 1.427-3.822, p = .001), and (v) not experiencing a traumatic event during the past month (AOR:0.263, 95% CI: 0.139-0.495, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The present study provides insight into the factors associated with the high prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant Afghan women (e.g., demographic variables, recent adverse life events, and recent sexual engagement). It highlights the urgency of addressing antenatal depression in Afghanistan and provides a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of pregnant women in the Afghan context.

Arachnoid cyst in the quadrigeminal cistern: A case from Afghanistan.

Arachnoid cysts, fluid-filled lesions within the central nervous system, pose diagnostic challenges. This study examines a unique case of a quadrigeminal arachnoid cyst in a 13-year-old girl, emphasizing accurate identification and treatment. The patient's symptoms of blurred vision and headaches led to the discovery of papilledema and imaging revealing a sizable cyst causing obstructive hydrocephalus. Urgent surgical intervention involved suboccipital craniectomy and infratentorial-supracerebellar cyst drainage, resulting in favorable postoperative outcomes. Further analysis of anatomical variations, age-related factors, and etiological debates deepens understanding. Diagnostic advancements, notably MRI, are crucial for noninvasive characterization. This case offers nuanced insights into managing arachnoid cysts, highlighting the success of tailored surgical strategies. Recognizing clinical subtleties, utilizing diagnostic innovations, and customizing surgical techniques are essential for navigating complexities. This study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach in addressing the challenges of arachnoid cysts within the central nervous system.