Children under 5-year mortality and the risk of maternal mental illness among India's scheduled tribe

Abstract

Maternal illness (depression and anxiety) might be associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes, including preterm births, low birth weight, and infections, with long-term health implications. Tribal women suffer from an elevated risk of depression and anxiety during maternity, and yet these conditions are often neglected in public health interventions. Predominantly maternal mental health disorders during pregnancy and postpartum impair key caregiving behaviors, such as breastfeeding, healthcare-seeking, and responsiveness to a child's needs, which are critical for child survival. This article advocates for the integration of maternal mental health support into public health policies and programs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions, by embedding mental health services within maternal and child health frameworks, particularly in rural-tribal settings for not only the benefit of tribal populations but also achieving the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.4, which focuses on reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases and promoting mental health and wellbeing, thereby improving maternal wellbeing, reducing child mortality, and fostering equitable healthcare systems.