Adequate Guidance Research Articles

Preferred EFL Teaching Approaches to University Professors: A Case Study of Saudi Tertiary Level

This mixed methods study investigates Saudi university EFL professors’ perspectives on current teaching approaches and potential improvements needed. Surveys of 100 faculty and interviews with 10 department heads reveal a continued reliance on grammar-translation and lecture-based methods, despite broader recognition of communicative techniques as more effective. Systemic constraints like standardized curricula, assessments, textbooks, resources, and policies restrict implementation of innovative practices. Though professors acknowledge challenges with prevailing methods, most believe they sufficiently improve English skills, indicating a disconnect between beliefs and second language acquisition theory. Strong support for training in modern approaches shows openness to change given adequate guidance. Recommendations include reforming teacher preparation, balancing grammar with communicative activities, allowing materials flexibility, and linking evaluations to student progress. Updating systemic constraints and empowering educators are critical to shift entrenched practices towards communication-focused instruction aligned with Saudi reform goals. The study provides insights into translating positive perspectives into transformative policies and teaching practices that enhance university student outcomes.

A case for recognition of caste as a sui generis category in international law

AbstractCaste, a system of social division based on inherited status, has a long history in South Asia. At present, Caste is no longer specific to any religion or region, having been exported to various countries by the South-Asian diaspora, often lacking the equality framework required to address Caste-based discrimination. Caste and race are closely interconnected as comparable systems of oppression and discrimination. However, Caste-based discrimination has been accepted as a form of racial discrimination by the UN Committee since 1996 as a sub-element of discrimination under Article 1(1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and as a form of discrimination based on work and descent prohibited by international human rights law since 2000. India has consistently held that caste can neither be equated with race nor covered under descent. The conceptualization of Caste in the wide category of work and descent to cover analogous systems worldwide has proven insufficient to address rampant abuses. Caste is not acknowledged as a distinct ground of discrimination due to its complexities, which require a targeted response internationally. Hence, recognising Caste as a sui generis category of discrimination would provide adequate guidance for national approaches to prevent such discrimination and achieve the equality guaranteed in the international legal framework.

Flexible Approach In English Language Learning Curriculum Design: Optimizing Teaching In Merdeka Curriculum

The Merdeka Curriculum implemented in Indonesia aims to create an education system that is more adaptive and responsive to local and global needs. In English language teaching, curriculum flexibility allows teachers to adjust learning materials to students' local contexts, thus encouraging student engagement in the learning process. This study aims to explore the application of flexibility in English curriculum design under the Merdeka Curriculum in five junior high schools in Solok City, West Sumatra. A qualitative approach with a case study method was used, with data collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and student interviews. The results showed that flexibility in the preparation of teaching materials and teaching methods allowed teachers to adjust teaching to local needs. However, teachers faced challenges in balancing local materials with national competency standards and limited resources. This flexibility increased student engagement, although some students struggled without adequate guidance. In conclusion, support in the form of guidance, training, and additional resources are needed to optimize the implementation of curriculum flexibility

University Dropout: A Systematic Review of the Main Determinant Factors(2020-2024).

This research is a systematic review aimed at synthesizing scientific evidence on the causes of university dropout, focusing on the subcategories of vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects between 2020 and June 2024. Only articles addressing university dropout were considered, analyzing dimensions such as vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects. Articles published in indexed scientific journals with double-blind, double-blind peer, or open reviews between 2020 and June 2024 were included. The main databases used were Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. To assess the risk of bias in qualitative studies, the criteria from the article "Validity criteria for qualitative research: three epistemological strands for the same purpose" were used. For quantitative studies, the criteria from the article "Evaluating survey research in articles published in Library Science journals" were followed. For mixed-method studies, both sets of criteria were combined. A total of 23 studies were included: 15 quantitative (65.22%), 3 qualitative (13.04%), and 5 mixed-method (21.74%). All studies (100%) addressed the subcategories of socioeconomic status and institutional aspects. Regarding the academic performance subcategory, 86% of the studies addressed it, while the vocational guidance subcategory was covered by 73.91% of the studies. Vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects are crucial for reducing university dropout. Providing adequate professional guidance, academic support, financial assistance, and strong institutional support is fundamental to improving student retention and academic success.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DO ALEITAMENTO MATERNO PARA ESTREITAR O VÍNCULO AFETIVO ENTRE MÃE E FILHO

Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in strengthening the bond between mother and child. In addition to providing vital nutrition in the first months and years of a child's life, breastfeeding also promotes a healthy, affectionate relationship. Exclusive practice in the first months is the best form of nutrition, intensifying the emotional bond and contributing to healthy development. Adequate guidance on breastfeeding techniques during the prenatal and postpartum period is essential to ensure the effectiveness of this process. Furthermore, breastfeeding offers benefits for both the baby and the mother, helping with postpartum recovery and protecting against diseases such as breast cancer. However, challenges persist in promoting breastfeeding, with rates below recommendations in some regions due to social and cultural factors. It is essential that health policies and professionals offer support and education to mothers, regardless of their ethnic origin or financial situation. Childcare consultations play a crucial role in monitoring a child's growth and promoting child health. Therefore, the active involvement of health professionals, public policies and society in general is necessary to create an environment favorable to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is essential for promoting healthy relationships between mothers and children, contributing to the physical and emotional health of both.

Psychological and emotional aspects of menstrual health and hygiene management: Experiences of adolescent girls from rural Assam, India

The onset of menstruation is a landmark event in women’s life which is known to bring many psychological and emotional changes along with physical changes. In many countries, particularly in developing and emerging countries, such as India, it also brings various challenges for women to manage menstruation hygienically. Studies have often highlighted several well-known practical and physical barriers to Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM); e.g., lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, lack of affordable menstrual absorbents, and so on. However, there are also some psychological and emotional barriers; such as, trauma of menarche, feelings of embarrassment, stress, anxiety, and shame. These psychological and emotional barriers are known to create tremendous psychological burden for millions of girls while managing their menstruation. However, these challenges and their impact on women’s psychological well-being are relatively less acknowledged and ill-understood. The study was conducted in Assam, India, with a sample of 185 adolescent girls (10-19 years) who participated in 21 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). Findings show that mostly girls were unaware about menstruation before menarche; their first encounter with menarche was traumatic. Lack of adequate guidance and counselling even after menarche result in significant mental pressure among girls. Several cultural and religious restrictions, feelings of shame and embarrassment, myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation were mentioned. The study concludes that the emotional and psychological barriers of MHHM are preventable by improving the channels of proper guidance and counselling about menstruation in a supportive environment. The study suggests some interventions for the same.

Nursing Home Administrators' Experiences of Work Stress and Intention to Quit during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted nursing home administrators (NHAs). This study explores licensed and employed NHA's perceptions about what work stress events would drive their turnover intentions (TI) in year three of the pandemic. As part of a larger survey-based research project collecting numerical and textual data, this study conducted content analysis with qualitative data. Narrative data from 3,859 discrete responses of 1,139 NHAs, from 50 states and Washington D.C, on two open-ended electronic survey questions asking about their work stress and TI were collected February - March 2022. Categories and subcategories were counted and discussed in context as themes. We identified 4 main narrative categories with subcategories about NHA's stress about the regulatory system (e.g., excessive, conflicting, changing regulations), staffing (e.g., insufficient, agency staff), organizational pressures (e.g., work overload), and macro system stressors (e.g. media representation of nursing homes). Three main TI categories with subcategories were identified: the LTC setting and system (e.g., regulatory demands, staffing, facility surveys); personal factors (e.g. stress, career opportunities), and others (e.g., "I would never quit," or "I already decided to quit"). Whole community disaster planning, person-centered surveyor training, improved regulatory guidance, simplified reporting, adequate guidance assistance, and adequate staff could mitigate NHA stress and TI during crises. Administrator resilience should be recognized. Solutions for supporting NHAs can include long-term care industry participation in public health disaster preparedness coalitions, consistent regulatory guidelines with established communication channels, and ongoing crisis leadership training for administrators.

Utility of the turn-back supporting technique using a steerable intermediate catheter: illustrative case.

Selective shunt occlusion (SSO) for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is a safe and effective method that directly intercepts the shunted pouch from the affected sinus with minimal materials. However, it can be challenging to obliterate the shunted pouch if the microcatheter is not supported adequately. A 68-year-old woman presented with tinnitus and was diagnosed with multiple shunted DAVFs in the right transverse-sigmoid sinus (TSS) and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Although the entire sinus packing of the right TSS was performed, a follow-up angiography 7 months later revealed significant cerebral venous reflux due to occlusion of the left TSS and an increasing residual shunt flow in the venous pouch at the confluence of the SSS. A guiding catheter was introduced into the isolated sinus transvenously. Then, a steerable intermediate catheter (SIC) was manually steered into a hairpin shape and hooked on near the pouch prior to navigating a microcatheter into the fistula point. Finally, the fistula pouch was completely obliterated using only two coils under the adequate support of the turned-back intermediate catheter. The turn-back supporting technique using an SIC was useful in achieving SSO for DAVFs, providing both adequate support and guidance for the coaxial microcatheter. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24467.

Blended Learning in a Language Classroom: Implication for Pedagogy

This paper examined Blended Learning (BL) and its implication to Language learning. It reviews relevant literature over the last two decades on blended learning generally, and language instruction using blended learning techniques in particular. It discusses the concept of blended learning and its features. The paper further explores the discussion of the positive benefits from applying blended learning in language instruction. The paper also highlights some disadvantages of blended learning course for proper understanding and the practice and implementation of this method. An important part of this paper also explores the implications for pedagogy. The major conclusions of the study are that blending learning enhances the learner's experience of a new language, and offers greater efficiency in the communication and practice of a particular language. Efficient and user-friendly technology, with direction instruction and practice in a face-to-face setting are seen as the key to successful blended learning language instruction. The paper then recommends that teachers should be adequately trained in the art of BL because they are still greatly needed by students for their timely and adequate guidance, direction, feedback and comments while students are learning in blended learning environment.

Initial Experience with the 4D Mini-TEE Probe in the Adult Population.

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a vital diagnostic tool in clinical practice, particularly in transcatheter interventions where it aids in both pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance. Traditional TEE probes often require general anesthesia due to patient discomfort. However, the development of miniaturized TEE probes presents a promising alternative, enabling routine examinations and interventions with minimal sedation. This study evaluates the feasibility of performing a complete 2D/4D TEE protocol with the new 4D mini-TEE probe in the echocardiography department and its application in transcatheter interventions. Methods: This is a retrospective study that included 30 consecutive patients from two high-volume European hospitals (Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece, and Rennes University, France) that underwent TEE or transcatheter interventions. The new 4D mini-TEE 9VT-D probe (GE Healthcare) was utilized. The quality of the images and the tolerance of the probe were assessed in the cath lab during interventions and in the echocardiography department during routine TEE examinations. Results: Direct comparison of the 4D mini-TEE probe with the standard 6VT-D probe confirmed the excellent image quality of this new pediatric probe. Most of the patients required minimal sedation or local oropharyngeal anesthesia, with satisfactory tolerance reported. Most of the transcatheter procedures did not require general anesthesia and intubation, resulting in shorter procedural time. Both 2D and 4D imaging modalities offered adequate intra-operative guidance for transcatheter procedures. Conclusions: The 4D mini-TEE probe delivers exceptional imaging capabilities for routine examinations and transcatheter interventions without needing sedation. Its use reduces esophageal trauma and the need for general anesthesia, enhancing patient comfort and safety.

Safety and feasibility of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in small children weighing less than 10 kg.

When young patients with an oval fossa defect present early with symptoms of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, surgical treatment is recommended in small bodyweight rather than transcatheter closure. Outcomes of device closure in consecutive symptomatic children weighing under 10 kg were compared with young children aged below 4 years but weighing above 10 kg. Transthoracic echocardiography under conscious sedation guided the procedure in all without need for balloon sizing, transesophageal echocardiogram, and intubation anaesthesia. Symptoms, anthropometry, shunt ratio, pulmonary pressures, defect and device size, percentage oversizing, device/body weight ratio, complications, and post-procedural growth spurt were compared. Ninety-six patients weighing under 10 kg were compared with 160 patients weighing above 10 kg. In total, 83.3% of patients in the study group and 25% of controls were severely malnourished. The median indexed defect size was 35.2 mm/sq.m and 27.4 mm/sq.m, and the device was oversized by 8.7% and 14.2% in the study group and controls, respectively. The device/body weight ratio was 1.93 in study group and 1.4 in controls. Procedure was successful in all except one patient weighing under 10 kg who had a device embolisation. Both groups showed significant growth spurts and proportion, with severe malnutrition reduced to 42% and 11% in the two groups. Device closure was feasible and safe in patients under 10 kg. Transthoracic echocardiographic imaging on conscious sedation provided adequate guidance. Symptoms and growth significantly improved after intervention. Despite a larger defect size, smaller patients had comparable outcomes. In symptomatic children under 10 kg needing early closure, transcatheter intervention should not be deferred.

Organizational Climate Related to Patient-Perpetrated Sexual Harassment: VA Primary Care Provider Perceptions.

Patient-perpetrated sexual harassment toward health care providers is common and adversely affects provider well-being, workforce outcomes, and patient care. Organizational climate for sexual harassment-shared perceptions about an organization's practices, policies, and procedures-is one of the strongest predictors of harassment prevalence. We conducted a pilot survey assessing provider perceptions of the Veterans Health Administration (VA)'s climate related to patient-perpetrated sexual harassment. Responding providers completed a survey assessing: (1) experiences with patient-perpetrated sexual harassment; (2) beliefs about VA's responses to patient-perpetrated sexual harassment of staff; and (3) perceptions of VA's organizational climate related to sexual harassment for each of 4 perpetrator-target pairings (patient-perpetrated harassment of staff, patient-perpetrated harassment of patients, staff-perpetrated harassment of staff, and staff-perpetrated harassment of patients). Respondents included 105 primary care providers (staff physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) at 15 facilities in the VA Women's Health Practice-Based Research Network. Seventy-one percent of responding providers reported experiencing patient-perpetrated sexual harassment in the past 6 months. Respondent perceptions of VA's responses to patient-perpetrated harassment of staff were mixed (eg, indicating that VA creates an environment where harassment is safe to discuss but that it fails to offer adequate guidance for responding to harassment). Respondents rated organizational climate related to patient-perpetrated harassment of staff as significantly more negative compared with climate related to other perpetrator-target pairings. Future work with representative samples is needed to corroborate these findings, which have potential ramifications for VA's ongoing efforts to create a safe, inclusive environment of care.

Echocardiography-guided percutaneous closure of oval-shaped secundum atrial septal defects

BackgroundAn atrial septal defect (ASD) is considered oval-shaped when its shortest diameter is less than 75% of the longest diameter. Research on percutaneous closure of oval-shaped ASDs is limited, with no known reports of non-fluoroscopic closure for this population.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of non-fluoroscopic percutaneous closure for oval-shaped ASDs.MethodsThis single-center retrospective study evaluates patients undergoing non-fluoroscopic percutaneous closure of oval-shaped ASDs, defined by the shortest to longest diameter ratio < 0.75, a circular index of 1.33, or ultrasound visualization of an oval shape. Device size was chosen to be 0–4 mm larger than the defect’s longest diameter, based on transthoracic and transesophageal ultrasound measurements.ResultsWe identified 78 patients (33.3% children, 20.5% males) with a mean age of 27.4 ± 16.3 years and a mean weight of 46.8 ± 19.8 kg. The mean longest diameter and mean shortest diameter of ASDs were 23.3 ± 6.8 mm and 15.8 ± 5 mm, respectively. The mean ratio of the shortest to longest diameter was 0.7 ± 0.1. Percutaneous closure was not attempted in 7/78 (9%) patients. Three out of 71 (4.2%) procedures were fluoroscopy-guided upfront due to technical difficulties, and 5/71 (7%) were converted to fluoroscopy-guided closure. Overall procedural success rate was 98.6% (70/71) including 63/71 (88.7%) performed with zero fluoroscopy. Mean device size was 26.5 ± 7.1 mm. Mean procedural time was 45.3 ± 22.6 min. Eleven intraprocedural complications occurred including 6 arrhythmias, 3 pericardial effusions, and 2 device dislodgements.ConclusionTranscatheter closure of oval-shaped ASD is safe and feasible. Echocardiography is adequate for adequate operative guidance.

Effectiveness of Health Behaviour Modification for Chronic Non-communicable Disease Patients with Health Coaches at Khiensa Hospital, Surat Thani Province

Background: Patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases often struggle to control their blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and they frequently experienced physical, mental, and self-care practice issues that needed to be addressed. However, they may not receive adequate guidance, or the guidance they receive may be mismatched to their needs, or they may be misunderstandings between providers and patients. Therefore, medical treatment alone is insufficient; lifestyle and behavioural changes are also required throughout treatment. Objectives: This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of health behaviour modification for chronic non-communicable disease patients through health coaching at Khiensa Hospital, Surat Thani Province. Methods: The study included 550 participants who underwent a three-month health behaviour change process for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. Each group of ten participants was supervised by a single health coach. Health literacy, health behaviour modification, and blood sugar levels were assessed before and after participating in the process using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed by using a paired t-test to compare the mean scores of the effectiveness of health behaviour modification for chronic non-communicable disease patients through health coaching using STATA. Result: The results showed that the average health literacy scores related to chronic noncommunicable diseases increased significantly from 162.0 to 170.2 after intervention. Similarly, the average health behaviour modification scores increased significantly from 51.4 to 55.1. Furthermore, average blood sugar levels decreased from 114.1 mg/dl to 109.2 mg/dl. Our statistical analysis revealed that the significant differences in the average scores of health literacy, health behaviour modification, and blood sugar levels before and after participating in the process (t=170.3, 151.6, and 95.0, respectively, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The Ministry of Public Health should develop policies to support and prioritize holistic patient care and promote proactive health promotion services for patients through intensive health promotion program activities led by health coaches to enhance the effectiveness of care for chronic non-communicable disease patients.

Effect of cemented vs uncemented on outcomes for hemiarthroplasty in the elderly: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

In patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty in the elderly, the choice of the cemented method remains controversial. This meta-analysis was undertaken to compare the impact of cemented vs uncemented on outcomes for hemiarthroplasty in the elderly. This study included randomized controlled trials comparing the postoperative effects of cemented vs uncemented in patients with hemiarthroplasty. With no language restrictions, we searched Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Collaboration), Clinical Trials.gov, the ISRCTN registry, as well as gray literature with no language restrictions from January 1966 to April 2023. Data were quantitatively summarized using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. This study included 13 randomized controlled trials with 3485 patients. The primary outcomes of the meta-analysis showed that cemented fixation in elderly patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty was superior to noncemented in 1-year mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77, 0.97). Moreover, cemented was associated with a reduced risk of intraoperative periprosthetic fracture (RR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.50), postoperative periprosthetic fracture (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16,0.72), and loosening (RR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.97). Cemented hemiarthroplasty is superior to noncemented in terms of survival. Moreover, cementation reduces the incidence of some implant-related complications. More extensive trials are needed to provide adequate guidance for choosing the proper cemented method.

How Students Learn during the Pre-Briefing and Observation of Facilitation in a High-Fidelity Patient Simulation: A Narrative Analysis.

The rapid development of technology has led to the emergence of innovative teaching approaches, such as high-fidelity patient simulation (HFPS). HFPSs have been shown to significantly enhance students' decision-making and intellectual skills. This study aimed to investigate how students learn from the pre-briefing to observation period of the facilitation of the HFPS based on the original quasi-experimental studies. This study analyzed the narratives from 92 students in the intervention group about their learning during the pre-briefing and observation of facilitation. The results indicated that the students learned more independently, received better support and resources for learning, were provided with more appropriate and safe care for the simulated case, and developed higher-level intellectual skills, such as self-directed learning, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning. Importantly, the structured guidelines provided roles and responsibilities and guiding questions or aspects for observation that directed the students to learn more actively and effectively while performing their roles in the HFPS. The structured guidelines serve as a roadmap to instruct students on learning during pre-briefing and applying what they have learned during the facilitation of the HFPS. This roadmap includes the learning journey from novice to competence in knowledge and skills and also from knowing to application. Therefore, this study's results have contributed important knowledge about well-structured HFPS guidelines for all stages of the HFPS, addressing the need for adequate guidance and learning support during the pre-briefing and observation of facilitation. The elements identified during the pre-briefing and observation of facilitation are crucial for directing students to learn and significantly enhance their understanding and application of knowledge and skills, ultimately promoting the development of higher-level intellectual skills, professionalism, and engagement. Nurse educators can incorporate these elements into HFPS training in curricula to enhance students' involvement and optimize the HFPS as an effective teaching tool with structured guidelines providing guidance and support throughout various stages of HFPS training.

Development of a digital app-based sambo sports book for students at high school level extracurricular activities

The survey in North Sumatra was conducted by researchers in the areas of Medan, Tanah Karo, Tebing Tinggi, Asahan, Serdang Bedagai, Deli Serdang, Labuhan Batu, Tanjung Balai, Humbahas, and Binjai, many coaches and athletes still do not have adequate guidance in Indonesian. Most of the information is still in foreign languages, making it difficult to understand Sambo's techniques and rules. This study aims to develop a digital application-based sambo sports book. Method, in this research, uses the research and development (R&amp;D) method. The research subjects consisted of 10 athletes, coaches, and sambo sports enthusiasts for the main field trial and 20 athletes, coaches, and sambo sports enthusiasts for the operational field trial. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and questionnaires, with instruments in the form of feasibility assessment sheets from sambo sports experts, linguists, media experts, and user subjects. Data analysis was carried out using a percentage quantitative descriptive technique. The results showed that this digital application-based sambo sports book was very good and feasible. This book has great potential to improve the understanding of sambo techniques and rules among athletes, coaches, and sambo enthusiasts by providing easy-to-understand guidelines in Indonesian and emphasizing the importance of technology-based approaches in Sambo.

피해자 진술 제도를 둘러싼 영미권의 논쟁과 그 정책적 함의

This study aims to examine the potentially controversial elements of the current victim statement system in Korea and to find solutions to them so that the system can develop in the right direction. The potential issues under discussion are drawn from the experience of Western societies, particularly the Anglo-American region. The main concerns of this article include the following issues: the conditions of acceptable statement content, the issue of allowing victims' sentencing opinions, the permissibility of references to victims' values and characteristics, the form of delivery of victim statements (oral statements, written statements, proxy statements by third parties, standard forms, etc.), the use of video or music in victim statements, and the right of the defendant to cross-examine victim’s statement. The debates and policy implications of each of these topics are organized through two frameworks: an instrumental model, which focuses on the impact of victim statements on sentencing, and an expressive model, which focuses on the victim's well-being and communicative abilities. The analysis found that the controversy and confusion surrounding the victim statement system stems in part from a lack of clarity on the purpose of the system and inadequate practical guidance for its operation. Based on this discussion, this article suggests that the following are important considerations for proper operation of victim statements: clarifying the purpose of the system and providing adequate guidance to victims; limiting prejudicial and inflammatory statements and expressions; exploring non-adversarial and eclectic approaches to the issue of a defendant's right to cross-examine a victim about his or her statements; involving victim support workers in the preparation of victim statements; and ensuring that victim statements are oriented toward victim restitution and healing.

Experiences and Perceptions of Cervical Cancer Screening Using Self-Sampling among Under-Screened Women in Flanders.

Primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening on samples collected by women themselves has proven to be an effective strategy for cervical cancer screening (CCS) and may increase participation rates in women who do not partake (regularly) in screening. The aim of this study is to investigate reasons for non-participation and perceptions of CCS using self-sampling methods among under-screened women in Flanders. Individual interviews with 15 underscreened women aged 30-64 years were conducted. During the interviews, participants were given the opportunity to try out a urine and vaginal self-sampling kit. Thematic analysis was based on Ajzen's model of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The results showed that 14 out of 15 participants were more likely to participate in CCS if they had the option to self-sample. One of the main findings was a lack of knowledge on different aspects of cervical cancer. Most women had a positive attitude toward cancer screening and primary prevention such as HPV vaccination. Subjective norms were influenced by healthcare professionals, peers, and organized government initiatives. Informational, organizational, contextual, and emotional factors were mentioned as barriers as well as facilitators for participation. Additionally, high self-efficacy was considered to make self-sampling more convenient. All women showed the intention to use at least one method of self-sampling. We can conclude that women who do not participate in CCS would be more motivated to participate using self-sampling methods. Adequate education and guidance should be provided.

University Dropout: A Systematic Review of the Main Determinant Factors

Introduction This research is a systematic review aimed at synthesizing scientific evidence on the causes of university dropout, focusing on the subcategories of vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects between 2020 and June 2024. Methods Only articles addressing university dropout were considered, analyzing dimensions such as vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects. Articles published in indexed scientific journals with double-blind, double-blind peer, or open reviews between 2020 and June 2024 were included. The main databases used were Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. To assess the risk of bias in qualitative studies, the criteria from the article “Validity criteria for qualitative research: three epistemological strands for the same purpose” were used. For quantitative studies, the criteria from the article “Evaluating survey research in articles published in Library Science journals” were followed. For mixed-method studies, both sets of criteria were combined. Results A total of 23 studies were included: 15 quantitative (65.22%), 3 qualitative (13.04%), and 5 mixed-method (21.74%). All studies (100%) addressed the subcategories of socioeconomic status and institutional aspects. Regarding the academic performance subcategory, 86% of the studies addressed it, while the vocational guidance subcategory was covered by 73.91% of the studies. Conclusions Vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects are crucial for reducing university dropout. Providing adequate professional guidance, academic support, financial assistance, and strong institutional support is fundamental to improving student retention and academic success.