Journal of Nurse Midwifery and Maternal Health

Introduction: Breast feeding is an unequal way of providing ideal food for healthy growth and development of baby. It is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implication for the health of the mothers. It is important to follow proper breast feeding techniques to prevent breast engorgement, the commonest problem in the early postnatal period. Hence, it is important to assess the knowledge level of the postnatal woman regarding breastfeeding problems. Objective: To assess the effect of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding Management of breastfeeding problems among postnatal mothers & to identify the association between socio-demographic variables and knowledge regarding Management of breastfeeding problems among postnatal mothers. Methods: A quantitative research approach with one group pre-test post-test design was used among 166 postnatal mothers admitted in Lalbagh SD Hospital, Murshidabad. A pre-test was conducted to assess the knowledge on management of breastfeeding problems and then structured teaching program was given. The main outcomes were measured improvement in knowledge level using post-test after 7-14 days after structured teaching programme. Results: The pretest results revealed that a majority of postnatal mothers (100, 60.2%) had moderate knowledge regarding the management of breastfeeding problems before the intervention. In contrast, the post-test results showed a substantial improvement in knowledge levels. Following the educational intervention, 152 mothers (91 .6%) achieved adequate knowledge. Also A highly significant association was found between family income and knowledge level (χ² = 22.128, df = 6, p = 0.001)& a statistically significant association between age and pre-test knowledge level (χ² = 12.254, df = 4, p = 0.016), a significant association between duration of breastfeeding and knowledge level (χ² = 11.746, df = 4, p = 0.019). Conclusion: The study concluded structured teaching program is effective in improving the knowledge level of managing breastfeeding problems.

Background: Unsafe abortion remains a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Ensuring that nursing students, future frontline healthcare providers, possess adequate knowledge is vital for prevention andnd the management of complications. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Programme (PTP) on knowledge regarding the prevention of unsafe abortion among nursing students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a one-group pre-test/post-test design was conducted at the Bora Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Lucknow. A sample of 120 GNM 3rd year students was selected via non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated (r=0.891), self-administered knowledge questionnaire consisting of 36 items. Results: In the pre-test, only 22% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, while 70% had average scores and 8% had poor scores. Following the PTP, 100% of participants achieved “good” knowledge scores in the post-test. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 17.76 (51.25%) in the pre-test to 37.12 (88.25%) in the post-test, representing a total mean gain of 37%. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant association between pre-test knowledge and most socio-demographic variables (p > 0.05), except for occupation (χ²=7.056, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Planned Teaching Programme was highly effective in enhancing the knowledge of GNM students regarding the prevention of unsafe abortion. Integrating structured educational interventions into nursing curricula is essential to prepare students for managing aternal health challenges effectively.

The preschool period is the period in human development during which several dramatic changes at biological, social, psychological, and cognitive levels take place. Children are the nation’s most important assets. The preschool period is a fantastic time for a child to learn things. At the same time, they become easily frustrated. A large number of children suffer from behavioral problems at one time or the other during their development. Mothers should try to devote some time to their children to make them feel loved and special. Mothers should be able to detect any behavioral changes at the earliest. The objective of this study was to find out behavioral problems among preschool children of working and domestic mothers. A descriptive comparative research design and Probability Stratified Random sampling technique were applied in which 60 (30 working and 30 domestic mothers) preschool children were selected from a primary school in Gajenpur, Kanpur Nagar. A Self-structured questionnaire was administered. Data was analyzed by using frequency, t-test, and chi-square tests. This study showed that preschool children of working mothers (60%) had slightly more behavior problems than domestic mothers (17%). Male respondents of non-working mothers experienced more problems (29.4%) than female (4.7%). Prevalence of behavior problems was found among preschool children of both working and domestic mothers but there is no association between the behavior problems and the employment status of mothers.

Background: Effective menstrual hygiene is vital for the health, well-being, dignity, empowerment, mobility, and productivity of women and girls. Inadequate menstrual hygiene can lead to serious health issues such as reproductive tract infections (RTIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and can negatively affect a girl’s educational and social participation. Despite its importance, many adolescent girls lack proper knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene due to cultural taboos, lack of education, and limited access to resources. Understanding the current level of knowledge among adolescent girls is essential to designing effective educational interventions. Aims and Objectives: 1. To assess the level of knowledge on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. 2. To associate the level of knowledge on menstrual hygiene with selected demographic variables. Methodology: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of adolescent girls aged 17 to 19 years. A total of 50 participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. The study was conducted at Vels School of Physiotherapy, Thalambur. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and assess knowledge on menstrual hygiene. Subject experts established the tool’s content validity, and the reliability coefficient was found to be r = 0.8, indicating good reliability. Results: The study revealed that the majority of participants were aged 19 years (22%) and 76% of them were Hindus. Regarding the knowledge level on menstrual hygiene, 4% had inadequate knowledge, 78% had moderate knowledge, and 18% had adequate knowledge. Conclusion: The study concludes that most adolescent girls had only moderate knowledge about menstrual hygiene. Enhancing awareness through structured educational interventions is essential to improve knowledge and hygienic practices.

Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionised infertility management worldwide, yet persistent socio-cultural barriers and ethical challenges limit equitable access and responsible implementation, particularly in diverse global contexts. Methods: This comprehensive review synthesised evidence from peer-reviewed literature, guidelines, and reports accessed through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar (searched January–October 2025). Key terms combined concepts of ART, infertility, socio-cultural factors, stigma, religion, ethics, equity, and global disparities. Inclusion focused on studies addressing barriers (religious/cultural beliefs, stigma, gender bias, economic factors) and ethical issues (embryo selection, gene editing, surrogacy, gamete donation, child rights) across high, middle, and low-income settings, with supplementary hand searching and citation tracking for breadth. Results: ART adoption has expanded, with millions of cycles annually and over 13–17 million births globally, yet utilisation remains low in resource-limited regions due to high costs, absent insurance coverage, and infrastructural gaps. Socio-cultural barriers include infertility stigma disproportionately affecting women, religious restrictions (e.g., prohibitions on third-party donation in Islam, embryo concerns in Christianity), and regional resistance rooted in traditional attributions of infertility. Gender bias exacerbates unequal burden, while ethical dilemmas encompass commodification in commercial surrogacy, exploitation of vulnerable women, donor anonymity versus offspring rights to origins, and moral hazards of preimplantation genetic testing and emerging gene editing. Regulatory fragmentation erpetuates inequities and reproductive tourism.

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting nearly 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Increasingly recognised as a biopsychosocial disorder, it is associated with substantial mental health consequences. Chronic pelvic pain, infertility, diagnostic delays, and social stigma contribute to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life, yet the psychological dimensions remain insufficiently addressed. This review synthesises current evidence on the mental health impact of endometriosis and examines holistic approaches for improving patient outcomes. Methods: A pragmatic narrative review was conducted using a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar (January–February 2026). Search terms combined “endometriosis” with terms for psychological outcomes (“mental health”, “depression”, “anxiety”, “quality of life”, “psychological distress”) and interventions (“holistic management”, “psychosocial interventions”, “integrative strategies”, “multidisciplinary care”). Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, etaanalyses, and guidelines from 2000 onwards in English; exclusion criteria eliminated case reports and non-relevant animal studies. Supplementary hand-searching of reference lists, forward citation tracking, and inclusion of grey literature (e.g., WHO, ESHRE documents) enhanced comprehensiveness. Approximately 1,245 records were screened, 287 full texts reviewed, and 65 references incorporated. Results: Women with endometriosis exhibit significantly higher prevalence of depression (20–60%) and anxiety (30–50%) compared with controls, with pooled odds ratios of 2.5–3.5. Chronic pelvic pain, central sensitisation, pro- inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), and oestrogen-progesterone imbalance drive neurobiological vulnerability, while pain catastrophising, fear-avoidance, diagnostic delays (7–11 years), medical gaslighting, infertility grief, and social stigma amplify psychological burden. Health-related quality of life is markedly impaired across physical, emotional, social, and occupational domains. Holistic strategies integrating hormonal/surgical treatment with CBT, mindfulness-based stress reduction, acceptance and commitment therapy, anti-inflammatory diets, yoga/Pilates, acupuncture, peer support, and digital tools demonstrate moderate to strong evidence for reducing depressive symptoms, pain perception, and emotional distress while improving functioning and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Endometriosis should be addressed as a biopsychosocial condition requiring multidisciplinary, patient-centred care. Integrating psychological support within routine management may significantly enhance quality of life and overall wellbeing. Key Message: Endometriosis extends beyond a gynaecological disorder to a complex biopsychosocial condition with significant mental health consequences. Integrating psychological care with medical management can reduce pain-related distress, improve quality of life, and address stigma. Multidisciplinary, patient-centred approaches are essential to ensure comprehensive, compassionate care for women affected by endometriosis.

Leucorrhea, defined as excessive vaginal discharge, is one of the most frequent gynecological symptoms among women of reproductive age. It is a complex condition with both physiological and pathological causes (Kenyon et al., 2013; Hay, 2017). Physiological discharge reflects normal hormonal fluctuations, whereas pathological leucorrhea can indicate infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as hormonal imbalances or malignancies (Sobel, 2007; Muzny and Schwebke, 2016). Recent evidence (2015-2025) highlights advances in diagnostic modalities, with a shift from conventional microscopy to molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which provide improved sensitivity and specificity. New study highlights the importance of Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota in sustaining genital health and avoiding recurring infections (Xiao et al.,2016;Brotman,2018).Managementisstilletiology- pecific,withmetronidazole and clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis, antifungal medication for candidiasis, and partner treatment for trichomoniasis. Despite these gains, recurrence rates remain high, demanding customized and supportive treatments. Public health interventions, such as hygiene promotion, screening, and destigmatization, are critical for reducing disease burden, especially in resource-limited settings (WHO, 2024).