Journal of Nurse Midwifery and Maternal Health

Background of the study: TORCH infections (Toxoplasmosis, Other agents, Rubella, Cytomegalo virus and Herpes simplex virus) are significant contributors to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes worldwide. These infections often remain asymptomatic in mothers but can lead to severe fetal complications such as congenital anomalies, intrauterine death, and developmental disabilities. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 maternity department nurses (30 experimental, 30 control). Data were collected by using a self structured questionnaire. Results: The result revealed that mean of post-test level of knowledge score is 22.33 was significantly higher than the pre-test of knowledge score is 18.33 in the experimental group. Conclusion: Structured teaching programme significantly improved knowledge among maternity department nurses.

Background: Suicidal ideation is a significant mental health concern among nursing students, who are exposed to high academic workloads, clinical stress, and occupational demands. Limited research exists on suicidal ideation, its influencing factors, and coping strategies in nursing student populations in India. Objectives: To assess suicidal ideation, influencing factors, and coping strategies among nursing students; and to examine their association with selected sociodemographic variables. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 nursing students from two nursing colleges in District Dehradun, Uttrakhand, selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a modified scale assessing suicidal ideation (14 items), influencing factors (30 items across five domains), and coping strategies (12 items). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied for analysis using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Majority of nursing students (66.7%) had mild suicidal ideation, while 33.3% had moderate suicidal ideation. Psychological domain was the most common influencing factor (mean = 3.58). Most students (68.7%) adopted average-level coping strategies. Suicidal ideation showed significant association with year of study (p = 0.030). Coping strategies were significantly associated with educational status (p = 0.020) and father’s occupational status (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Suicidal ideation is prevalent among nursing students, with psychological stressors being the predominant influencing factor. Coping strategies are largely inadequate. Targeted mental health interventions and enhanced nursing curricula addressing suicidal ideation prevention are warranted.

The intrinsic coagulation pathway’s clotting factor deficiencies are the hallmark of hemophilia, a genetic bleeding disorder (Bolton-Maggs and Pasi, 2003; Mannucci and Tuddenham, 2001). The most common types are hemophilia A, caused by factor VIII deficiency, and hemophilia B, caused by factor IX deficiency (Franchini and Mannucci, 2013; Salen and Babiker, 2023). Individuals with hemophilia frequently experience recurrent bleeding episodes, particularly in muscles and joints, which may lead to long-term complications such as hemophilic arthropathy and disability (Llinás, 2010; Srivastava et al., 2013). Advances in molecular genetics, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic strategies have significantly improved disease management and patient survival (Peyvandi et al., 2016; Franchini, 2013). This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of hemophilia, including its global epidemiology, genetic basis, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, complications, and current treatment modalities (Stonebraker et al., 2010; Soucie et al., 1998). Special emphasis is placed on emerging therapies such as gene therapy, extended half-life clotting factors, and non-factor replacement treatments (Peyvandi et al., 2016; Franchini, 2013). Despite substantial progress in treatment, disparities in access to care persist across different regions of the world (Srivastava, 2005; Berntorp and Shapiro, 2012). Strengthening healthcare systems, promoting early diagnosis, and improving global access to advanced therapies remain essential for optimizing outcomes in individuals with hemophilia (Srivastava et al., 2013).

Mothers are important for the development their children and therefore also for the future generation of a country. To raise healthy children, healthy mothers are of importance. Unfortunately, in many developing countries maternal health is not always natural. Still too many women die during pregnancy or childbirth. Globally, maternal and neonatal deaths remain a significant concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 295,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2017, with the vast majority occurring in low-resource settings. Similarly, neonatal deaths, which make up nearly half of all deaths of children under five, are largely preventable with timely, adequate care. Interventions during the perinatal period aim to reduce risks like stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal complications, and maternal health issues.

Globally, maternal mortality is still a serious public health issue, especially in underdeveloped nations. By offering early detection, prevention, and therapy of pregnancy-related problems, antenatal care (ANC) is a crucial intervention meant to improve mother and fetal outcomes. Timely detection of high-risk illnesses such anemia, hypertension, infections, and gestational diabetes is ensured by effective prenatal care. The usefulness of prenatal care in lowering maternal mortality is highlighted in this review, which also underscores the significance of high-quality care, sufficient visits, and knowledgeable healthcare assistance. Pregnancy outcomes and maternal survival are greatly enhanced by appropriate prenatal care, according to data from numerous research.

Background: Despite progressive maternal health policies, midwives globally continue to experience a gap between policy intentions and actual clinical practice. Professional autonomy remains constrained by regulatory, institutional, and sociocultural barriers. Objective: To systematically review evidence on factors contributing to the policy and practice gap in midwifery and to identify pathways that strengthen professional autonomy. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixedmethod studies published between 2016 to 2025 was conducted. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies examining midwifery autonomy, scope of practice, regulatory frameworks, and implementation challenges were included. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) Regulatory ambiguity, (2) Institutional hierarchy and medical dominance, (3) Educational and competency gaps, and (4) Organizational culture and leadership deficits. Pathways to autonomy included legal reform, midwife-led models of care, leadership training, and professional recognition. Conclusion: Bridging the policy and practice gap requires integrated reform across education, regulation, and health system governance. Sustainable autonomy improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.