Antarctica is known for its harsh climate and long, dark winters. Scientists and support staff posted in various base stations in Antarctica face unique challenges, which include social isolation, lack of communication from the outside world and prolonged working hours. This may lead to changes in their mental health status during their posting. A longitudinal observational study is planned to evaluate the mental health status and changes in it among the Antarctic expeditioners. A detailed protocol is presented in this paper.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Institutional Ethics Committee of Teerthanker Mahaveer University gave ethical approval for this work vide letter number TMU/IECNov23/80 dated 24 November 2023.

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Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

Data collection is yet to commence. Data once collected will be available upon reasonable request to the authors.