Helping couples in rural India prevent depression during pregnancy and after birth
Adaptation and pilot testing of a couples-based intervention to prevent perinatal depression in rural India
This project helps first-time pregnant couples in rural India learn ways to support each other and prevent depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159564 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Nearly one in four women in India experience depression during pregnancy or after birth, which can have lasting effects on both mothers and children. This project aims to adapt and test a program designed for couples to strengthen their relationship and support each other. By focusing on factors like communication and shared decision-making, the program hopes to reduce the risk of depression. We will work with first-time pregnant couples in rural central India to see if this approach is helpful and well-received.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are first-time pregnant couples living in rural central India.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant, are not in a couple, or do not reside in rural central India would not directly benefit from this specific pilot program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer a new way for couples to work together to prevent depression, leading to healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have performed: Couples-based interventions have shown success in preventing perinatal depression in high-income settings, but this approach is novel for low-income settings and for targeting couples specifically.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gopalakrishnan, Lakshmi — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Gopalakrishnan, Lakshmi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.