Ritika Behl, Vivek Nemane
IHLD's awareness levels and perspectives can strongly influence their representation of vulnerable population groups in the courts and in the dispensation of justice. Law and policy reforms can increase awareness about PND and PMH among IHLD. However, professional development programs for IHLD and their involvement in multisectoral collaborative approaches are critical.
BACKGROUND: Perinatal Depression (PND) remains an underrecognized public health concern in India, despite its myriad consequences for women, children and families. Unmet perinatal mental health (PMH) needs may have a multifaceted adverse impact on human rights advancements. However, in India, awareness about PND and PMH amongst healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies remains limited, which is critical for law and policy reforms.
OBJECTIVES: This study assesses awareness and perceptions of PND and PMH among individuals holding Indian law degrees (IHLD), with a focus on the currently implemented mental health and rights (MHR) and the reproductive health and rights (RHR) frameworks, and their human rights implications.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two online, cross-sectional surveys were conducted with IHLD using purposive and snowball sampling. Separate surveys were conducted to effectively cover the implementation of the MHR and RHR frameworks, to avoid confusion among participants, given the absence of integrated PMH services. Surveys included multiple-choice questions, with a small number of open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while cross-survey comparisons were made at the aggregate level to identify trends.
RESULTS: Most participants (90.6%, n=106) in the first survey perceived a positive role of legal interventions in improving health statuses, but only 38.5% (n=45) self-rated themselves as aware of the latest MHR reforms. Almost half of the participants in both surveys, covering MHR (49.6%, n=58/117) and RHR (40.6%, n=41/101) frameworks, were unsure about the availability of PMH services. The majority of participants in both surveys agreed that the existing policy gap results in potential rights violations for women and children, making heightened awareness imperative.
CONCLUSION: IHLD's awareness levels and perspectives can strongly influence their representation of vulnerable population groups in the courts and in the dispensation of justice. Law and policy reforms can increase awareness about PND and PMH among IHLD. However, professional development programs for IHLD and their involvement in multisectoral collaborative approaches are critical.