Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) is an emerging concern globally but remains under recognized in low-resource and patriarchal societies. In Pakistan, sociocultural stigma and lack of mental health infrastructure may exacerbate this burden. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of paternal PPD, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate awareness among Pakistani fathers.

A cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted across three provinces of Pakistan, enrolling 475 fathers of infants under one year of age. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a structured questionnaire covering demographics, reproductive history, awareness of PPD, and psychosocial stressors. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation.

A BDI score ≥10, indicating mild or greater depressive symptoms, was observed in 70.1% of participants, while 10.1% had severe symptoms suggestive of clinical depression. Only 19.4% of fathers were aware that men could experience PPD. Significant associations were found between paternal depression and maternal PPD (p=0.002), adverse life events (p=0.003), and lack of family support (p=0.045). Age showed a weak positive correlation with depression severity (r=0.19, p<0.001). No significant associations were observed for occupation, number of children, awareness, or access to leave policies. A majority (94.7%) reported no access to paternal mental health services.

This is the largest study to date on paternal PPD in Pakistan, highlighting a substantial burden of depressive symptoms among new fathers. Cultural stigma, poor awareness, and lack of support structures contribute to under-recognition and under-treatment. Multi-level interventions to address paternal PPD, including but not limited to screening strategies, paternal-inclusive care, and public education are urgently needed

To assess preparedness for Candida auris in Canadian hospitals.

Cross-sectional survey.

Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) hospitals.

In June 2024, surveys were e-mailed to the infection prevention and control departments of 109 CNISP hospitals and their 33 microbiology laboratories. The surveys assessed policies for patient screening/management and laboratory processes supporting C. auris transmission prevention. Results were compared to a similar 2018 survey.

All 109 hospitals and 32/33 laboratories responded. Most hospitals had policies for admission screening (80%, 87/109) and policies/defined plans for post-exposure screening (95%, 104/109). Policy presence increased from 18% to 73% in 56 hospitals completing both 2018 and 2024 surveys (P < 0.001). Among hospitals with admission screening policies, 69% (60/87) screened for recent out-of-country hospitalization. All but one hospital implemented transmission-based precautions for cases; 70% (76/109) continued precautions indefinitely. Overall, 94% (99/105; excluding hospitals with exclusively private rooms) and 55% (60/109) of hospitals screened roommates and wardmates, respectively. Frequency and timing of screening and policies regarding precautions for exposed patients varied. All hospitals used axilla and groin swabs, at minimum, for screening. Most (81%, 26/32) laboratories identified all clinically significant Candida isolates to species level, increasing from 48% to 85% (P < 0.001) in the 27 laboratories completing both 2018 and 2024 surveys. Twenty-four laboratories (75%) had standard operating procedures for processing screening specimens; 96% (23/24) used direct plating onto chromogenic agar.

Despite progress in C. auris preparedness, areas for improvement remain. Variability in practice may be related to evidence gaps and resource constraints.

To measure transmission frequencies and risk factors for household acquisition of community-associated and healthcare-associated (HA-) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Prospective cohort study from October 4, 2008, through December 3, 2012.

Seven acute care hospitals in or near Toronto, Canada.

Total of 99 MRSA-colonized or MRSA-infected case patients and 183 household contacts.

Baseline interviews were conducted, and surveillance cultures were collected monthly for 3 months from household members, pets, and 8 prespecified high-use environmental locations. Isolates underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing.

Overall, of 183 household contacts 89 (49%) were MRSA colonized, with 56 (31%) detected at baseline. MRSA transmission from index case to contacts negative at baseline occurred in 27 (40%) of 68 followed-up households. Strains were identical within households. The transmission risk for HA-MRSA was 39% compared with 40% (P=.95) for community-associated MRSA. HA-MRSA index cases were more likely to be older and not practice infection control measures (P=.002–.03). Household acquisition risk factors included requiring assistance and sharing bath towels (P=.001–.03). Environmental contamination was identified in 78 (79%) of 99 households and was more common in HA-MRSA households.

Household transmission of community-associated and HA-MRSA strains was common and the difference in transmission risk was not statistically significant.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–7