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Context: The coexistence of tuberculosis (TB) and mental disorder presents a daunting public health challenge. Studies suggest that TB patients often experience co-morbid mental health problems, highlighting a dual burden of illness. However, due to limited research in Gujarat, we cannot draw definitive conclusions or develop targeted mental health interventions for this population. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and associated factors among TB patients from Gandhinagar and Surat cities in Gujarat, India. Settings and Design: The cross-sectional research was conducted in two cities in Gujarat, Gandhinagar and Surat, between October 2021 and July 2023. Methods and Material: Demographic information, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and perceived TB stigma were assessed at baseline (within 1 month of treatment initiation) and at the endpoint (6 months posttreatment) using a self-constructed tool for assessing risk factors and standardized instruments, namely, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and the Perceived TB Stigma Scale (12 items). Results: The study population had a mean age of 31.57 ± 12.34 years. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was found to be 10.5% (749) and 5% (359), respectively, at the baseline. TB patients with high perceived TB stigma and who had been sick for over six months were 3.1 times more likely to experience anxiety symptoms (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.22, 4.23) and 1.6 times more likely to experience symptoms of depression (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.53). Gender, occupation, and socioeconomic level were significantly associated with both anxiety and depression (P < 0.05). Being single (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 2.45–7.53), low socioeconomic status (AOR: 5.41; 95% CI: 2.44–7.97), and being on TB treatment (AOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 1.83–15.65) were strongly associated anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings of the current study indicate that TB patients experience a considerable burden of symptoms of both anxiety and depression. It highlights the need for incorporating mental healthcare support within TB care programmes.

BackgroundHealth care students often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health issues, making it crucial to address these challenges. Variations in stress levels may be associated with changes in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and gene expression. Meditative practices have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mental well-being. ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effects of Heartfulness meditation on mental well-being, DHEA-S, IL-6, and gene expression profile. MethodsThe 78 enrolled participants were randomly assigned to the Heartfulness meditation (n=42, 54%) and control (n=36, 46%) groups. The participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) at baseline and after week 12. Gene expression with messenger RNA sequencing and DHEA-S and IL-6 levels were also measured at baseline and the completion of the 12 weeks. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, paired t test, and 1-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. ResultsThe Heartfulness group exhibited a significant 17.35% reduction in PSS score (from mean 19.71, SD 5.09 to mean 16.29, SD 4.83; P

This study explores the effect of remote work engagement (RWE) and fair pay on female hotel managers’ work-family balance (WFB). Additionally, it investigates the mediating effect of their emotional exhaustion on RWE and WFB. Although several studies have been published during the COVID-19 crisis period that investigate WFB, only a few have reported on how RWE influences WFB. Therefore, this study addresses this gap. It uses structured questionnaires to collect data from 400 female hotel managers (five-star hotels). These data are analysed using structure equation modelling (SEM): Smart-PLS is applied to examine the relationship between the independent and dependent factors – ‘vigour’, ‘absorption’, ‘dedication’, ‘fairness of pay’, and ‘work-family balance’. This study finds that RWE significantly impacts female hotel managers’ WFB. Furthermore, RWE affects their emotional fatigue and has a little effect on their WFB. Additionally, RWE is not mediated by WFB, while gender pay parity influences WFB. Remote working renders female workers more absorbed in their work, thus increasing the incidence of burnout among them due to interference with their WFB. Especially in a country like India, where females play a more prominent role domestically, hotel managers must ensure that human resource practices strategically secure the effective WFB of female hotel managers, e.g. by incorporating flexible working hours, a five-day work policy, and coaching on remote work practices. These findings can assist hospitality organisations in devising effective RWE strategies that maintain female hotel managers’ WFB, ultimately ensuring positive financial implications for them.

Workforce shortages represent a major bottleneck to delivering depression care, particularly in lower resource settings. This pilot study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a digital training program on developing knowledge and skills in the delivery of a brief behavioral activation intervention for depression among non-specialist providers (NSPs) in Gujarat, India. Participating NSPs, such as community health workers and other frontline providers without specialized training in mental health care, were provided access to a digital program covering the core skills and content necessary to deliver the Healthy Activity Program, an evidence-based behavioral activation intervention for depression. NSPs completed knowledge assessments before and after the digital training, followed by focus group discussions to gather their feedback about the program content and delivery format. Of 43 NSPs enrolled in this study, 67% (n = 29) were community health workers called Accredited Social Health Activists and 33% (n = 14) were frontline mid-level health providers called Community Health Officers. Most participants (n = 39; 91%) completed the full course. Knowledge assessment scores showed improvement from pre-training (mean = 29.96; 95% CI: 27.12-32.81) to post-training (mean = 34.62; 95% CI: 31.05-38.19; p = 0.0448). Focus group discussions revealed that participants appreciated the digital mode of training despite facing technical challenges while completing the course. This study further supports the feasibility and acceptability of digital approaches for training frontline providers to deliver brief psychological interventions for depression. With adequate resources and proper execution, digital training holds potential to serve as a key tool to build capacity of NSPs and expand the mental health workforce in India.