A Systematic Review of Antenatal Risk Scoring Systems in India to Predict Adverse Neonatal Outcomes.

Background: The purpose of antenatal care (ANC) is to identify 'at-risk' pregnant women, to provide quality care for all, and maximize the allocation of resources for those who need them the most. To address the synergistic effect of risk factors, clinicians across the globe developed antenatal scoring systems.

Objective: This review aims to investigate various antenatal risk scoring systems developed and used in India to predict adverse neonatal outcome.

Effectiveness of a novel mobile health (Peek) and education intervention on spectacle wear amongst children in India: Results from a randomized superiority trial in India.

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors can be corrected by spectacles which improve visual functioning, academic performance and quality of life. However, spectacle wear can be low due to teasing/bullying, parental disapproval and no perceived benefit.Hypothesis: higher proportion of children with uncorrected refractive errors in the schools allocated to the intervention will wear their spectacles 3-4 months after they are dispensed.

Risk factors for orofacial clefts in India: A case-control study.

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFC) are linked with several genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to explore the association of potential risk factors with OFCs in India.

Methods: This was a hospital-based, matched case-control (1:4 ratio; matching done for parity) study conducted in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi-National Capital Region.

Folate, vitamin B12, ferritin and haemoglobin levels among women of childbearing age from a rural district in South India.

Background: Low folate and vitamin B12 levels have negative effect on pregnancy outcomes but there is paucity of data on their levels among Indian women. Ferritin and haemoglobin are associated with maternal mortality and low birth-weight. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of deficiency of serum folate and vitamin B12, and low levels of serum ferritin and blood haemoglobin among women of childbearing age from a rural population of South India.

A Mixed-Method Study to Determine the Benefits of Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation and Effects of Folic Acid Deficiency in Mothers on Birth Outcomes.

Background: Evidence from high income countries shows mothers who are supplemented with folic acid in their periconceptional period and early pregnancy have significantly reduced adverse outcomes like birth defects. However, in India there is a paucity of data on association of birth defects and folic acid supplementation. We identified a few important questions to be answered using separate scientific methods and then planned to triangulate the information.