Authors : Kranti Vora, Paridhi Gupta, Shahin Saiyed, Parth Tailor, Bhumika Prajapati
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijogr.2020.035
Volume : 7
Issue : 2
Year : 2020
Page No : 168-172
Introduction: Infections acquired during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal child morbidity and
mortality. Likewise, maternal stress has undesirable impact on women’s health. The aim of this study is to
assess the prevalence of TORCH infections and stress among pregnant women in tribal areas of Aravalli
district, Gujarat and its impact on birth outcome. This paper outlines the methodology adopted for the
research study.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study is ongoing in a tribal block of Aravalli district,
Bhiloda. Expecting women will be included to collect data on antenatal care (ANC), household (HH)
and post-delivery status of women and children born. Plasma and saliva samples are collected to assess
TORCH infection and stress through nested PCR and ELISA assays.
Discussion: As of October 2019, 119 tribal villages & 100,000 populations are covered. This is the first
study in India focusing on both TORCH infections and stress during pregnancy, and its birth outcome. This
study will add to evidence generation for improving neonatal mortality.
Keywords: India, Maternal health, Maternal stress, Neonatal mortality, Poor birth outcomes, Pregnancy, TORCH, Tribal.