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PurposeThis study estimated the prevalence of depressive disorders among PhD students and analyzed the underlying factors in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilized an “Integrative framework” and a mixed-method approach involving survey and in-depth interviews. The survey was conducted among 240 PhD students using multistage cluster sampling in two public universities of Kerala, India. Data were collected using a self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 students using semi-structured interview guide. Multinomial regression and thematic analyses were undertaken to examine the factors associated with depressive disorders.FindingsAbout 31.7, 41.7, 17.9, 6.7 and 2.1% had no/minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depressive disorders, respectively. Students belonging to economically weaker section (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.32–7.12), having limited knowledge of local language (OR = 4.24; 95% CI = 1.00–17.95) and earning less than INR 20,000/month (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.12–5.00) were more likely to report moderate to severe depressive disorders. In addition, thematic analyses of interviews found that financial hardship, disagreement between student-supervisor, compromised students' support services and an uncertain job market were the key factors affecting the mental health of students and inhibiting academic performance.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing literature by examining the prevalence and underlying factors of depressive disorders among doctoral students in the Indian context. The results of this study can act as a guide for universities and educational regulatory bodies to address the burgeoning issue of depressive disorders among research students in India.

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Background: Malnutrition is one of the most important public health challenges faced by the

Background Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) is critical for ensuring equity, improving health, and protecting households from financial catastrophe. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed the progress made across primary health targets. This article aims to review the policy challenges to achieve UHC in a post-pandemic world. Methods A narrative review of 118 peer reviewed and grey literature was conducted. A total of 77 published articles were identified using an electronic search in PubMed and Scopus and a bibliographic search of relevant literature. Another 41 Reports, websites, blogs, news articles, and data were manually sourced from international agencies (WHO, World Bank, IMF, FAO, etc.), government agencies, and non-government organizations. Findings The challenges were identified and discussed under five broad findings: i) weak public health care systems ii) challenges to building resilient health systems, iii) health care financing and financial risk protection, iv) epidemiological and demographic challenges, and v) governance and leadership. Conclusion LMICs in Africa and South Asia face significant challenges to achieving UHC by 2030. As countries recover from the pandemic’s aftermath, significant investments and innovations are needed to ensure progress toward UHC. Efficient resource mobilization through internal accruals, international cooperation, and resource sharing is needed.