Comprehensive Counseling Research Articles

Implementation of Education Re-Entry Policy for Adolescent Mothers in Urambo District, Tanzania

In Tanzania, adolescent mothers were pre+viously been prohibited from returning to public secondary schools particularly during the fifth government phase led by the late President John Joseph Pombe Magufuli. However, under his successor President Samia Suluhu Hassan, a new re-entry policy for adolescent mother has been re-introduced. The policy aims to address the challenges faced by adolescent mothers who drop out of school due to pregnancy. Although the policy granted the opportunities for adolescent mothers to continue with their studies after giving birth, its implementation in country is still uncertain. It is against this backdrop that the current study explored the perceptions held by selected educational stakeholders and adolescent mothers to appraise the extent to which the re-entry education policy has thus far been implemented, drawing on a case of the secondary schools sampled from Urambo District, in Tanzania. The study deployed the interpretivist approach and phenomenological research design. Purposive sampling was used to select ten study participants reflecting two counter factual scenarios, namely: adolescent mothers who enrolled through re-entry program after delivery and who did not do so after delivery. The methods of data collection included in-depth interview with adolescent mothers and key informants; and focus grouped discussions with community members. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that implementation of the re-entry policy is marked with several challenges on part of the adolescent mothers which include: lack of support from families and schools. More to say, there prevails a stubbornly rigid and unchanging social stigma subjecting the typologies of the mothers into a state of dilemma, making it difficult for them to perform both the expected double roles of a mother and student simultaneously. The study also disclosed a lack of clarity on the re-entry policy guidelines, which has forced some of the re-entry policy implementers to use their own discretions. Additionally, the findings indicated that awareness creation was not sufficient enough to enable adolescent mother especially in remote areas to enrol back to school after pregnancy. The paper recommends that, for successful implementation of the re-entry policy, comprehensive counselling programmes for adolescent mothers and awareness creation among the educational stakeholders and community members are inevitable.

Mendekatkan Rumput Laut ke Masyarakat: Program Sosialisasi dan Pendidikan untuk Peningkatan Ekonomi Desa Ulidang, Majene

Ulidang Village, part of the Tameroddo Sub-district, has excellent potential in the fisheries and marine sector, although it still faces significant economic challenges. The potential of seaweed as a marine resource that has yet to be fully utilized is the focus of this activity. The main objective is to provide comprehensive counseling on the potential of seaweed, including cultivation methods, nutritional content, and business management aspects. This activity's implementation stage starts with planning, program implementation, and evaluation. The research results showed that socialization efforts, including explanations of seaweed potential, business management, and farming profit simulations, have provided the community with a deep understanding. The pretest and post-test evaluations illustrated the improvement in participants' understanding after the socialization activities. Thus, the development of seaweed farming in Ulidang Village can be a solution to improve community welfare, create jobs, and care for the marine environment. Strategic steps include strong partnerships, community empowerment, and adoption of innovations to ensure the sustainability of seaweed farming at the local and national levels.

Adherence to sports counselling in middle-aged individuals with myocarditis

Abstract Introduction Although current guidelines recommend abstaining from sports for a duration of a minimum of three months in patients with myocarditis, the implementation of this recommendation and its adherence to it are unknown. Objective Investigate counselling and adherence to sports behaviour in patients with myocarditis. Methods A cohort of patients diagnosed with myocarditis, based on the ESC criteria, received questionnaires three months post-diagnosis to assess their activity levels before and after the diagnosis as well as the adherence to sports counselling. Results In our study, 46 myocarditis patients (11; 25% women) with a mean age of 52±14.5years were analysed. At the time of diagnosis, 39 patients (84%) reported physical activity, with 7 (15%) engaging in competitive sports. Following myocarditis diagnosis, 27 (60%) were recommended to abstain from sports or reduce physical activity, with 92% adherence. Of those 11 (23%) were physically active without receiving recommendations continued physical activity (p< 0.001). After three months, less patients were physically active (i.e. 25; 54% patients) compared to 39 (84%) patients at baseline (p = 0.038), 13 of those being physically active but with reduced exercise intensity according to recommendations. Of those who continued exercise without changes (n=13, 28%), only 2 (4%) reported having received recommendations. All competitive athletes (7, 15%) received counselling, whereas significantly fewer recreational athletes 19 (41%) did (p = 0.039). Women received numerical non-significant fewer counselling (4, 36% of all women, compared to 23, 67% of all men; p = 0.186). Conclusion Middle-aged individuals with suspected myocarditis exhibit excellent adherence to recommendations regarding physical activity. However, a notable proportion did not recall receiving counselling on exercise and physical activity. This highlights the need for clinicians to provide comprehensive counselling to all patients with suspected myocarditis consistently.Illustrating the sports behaviourcomparing activity at 0 and 3 months

Lost and found: the late discovery of a migrated intrauterine device after 15 years - a case report

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a preferred reversible contraceptive choice for about 159 million women worldwide. While generally safe, they pose risks like uterine perforation and device migration, which happen in about 1 in 1000 insertions. Other common issues include insertion failure, pain, infection, and menstrual changes. This report details a rare case of IUD migration in a 40-year-old woman, discussing the diagnostic challenges and the approaches used to manage such complications. IUD migration to the bladder is uncommon but can lead to serious, often undetected issues, thus underscoring the necessity for regular follow-up after placement. Early diagnosis with imaging is critical for proper treatment, with the World Health Organization recommending surgical removal in symptom-free cases. The rarity of uterine perforation during IUD use highlights the vital need for vigilant monitoring and patient follow-ups to prevent and quickly address such complications. The uncertain timing and cause of IUD migration further stress the importance of comprehensive counseling and regular patient check-ups. Abdominal discomfort may indicate an IUD has migrated, emphasizing the need for patient awareness and routine self-monitoring after placement. CT imaging is crucial for identifying and pinpointing the location of migrated IUDs, facilitating their removal using minimally invasive methods like colonoscopy and laparoscopy. For more complicated scenarios, such as those involving deep embedment, laparotomy may be necessary.

Acceptability of six-monthly PrEP dispensing supported with interim HIV self-testing to simplify PrEP delivery in Kenya: findings from qualitative research

BackgroundIn Africa, dispensing oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) within already strained public health facilities has led to prolonged waiting periods and suboptimal experiences for clients. We sought to explore the acceptability of dispensing PrEP semiannually with interim HIV self-testing (HIVST) versus quarterly PrEP dispensing with clinic-based HIV testing to optimize clinic-delivered PrEP services.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study within a non-inferiority individual-level randomized controlled trial testing the effect of six-monthly PrEP dispensing with HIVST compared to the standard-of-care three-monthly PrEP dispensing on PrEP clinical outcomes in Kenya (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03593629). Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years, refilling PrEP for the first time, and either in an HIV serodifferent relationship (men and women) or singly enrolled (women only). A subset of participants in the intervention group completed serial in-depth interviews (IDIs) at enrollment, six months, and 12 months. We utilized stratified purposive sampling to ensure representation across participant groups. We analyzed our qualitative data thematically using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches, the latter guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).ResultsBetween May 2018 and June 2021, we conducted 120 serial IDIs with 55 participants; 64% (35/55) were in a serodifferent relationship, 64% (35/55) were women, and the median age was 32 years (IQR 27–40). Overall, participants found this novel PrEP delivery model highly acceptable; it was well-liked, private (TFA construct: affective attitude), and less burdensome (TFA construct: burden) compared to standard PrEP delivery. Additionally, participants were confident in their ability to participate in the intervention (TFA construct: self-efficacy). Some participants, however, highlighted model disadvantages, including fewer opportunities for in-person counseling and potentially less accurate HIV testing (TFA construct: opportunity costs). Ultimately, most participants reported that the intervention allowed them to achieve their HIV prevention goals (TFA construct: perceived effectiveness) and that their confidence in at-home HIVST and PrEP continuation increased following each semiannual clinic visit.ConclusionsSemiannual PrEP clinic visits supported with six-monthly drug dispensing and interim HIVST was acceptable among PrEP users who experienced the intervention in Kenya. More comprehensive pre-intervention counseling and training on HIVST may help alleviate the client concerns presented, which were often resolved over time with intervention experience.

Postnatal Outcomes of Fetal Variants of Unknown Significance in Prenatal Chromosomal Microarray Analysis: A Single-Center Study.

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) can identify clinically significant microdeletions and microduplications, providing valuable insights into the genetic basis of various disorders. Our study was to evaluate clinical management and prognosis of fetuses with prenatal variants of unknown significance (VOUS) and determine diagnostic approaches for subsequent pregnancies. This study included 2,953 fetuses undergoing CMA at the Prenatal Diagnostic Center of Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022, identifying 162 cases with VOUS. Parent-of-origin testing determined the origin of copy number variations. Prenatal genetic counseling was provided, and outcomes were followed for 3-36 months post-birth. All 162 VOUS cases received prenatal genetic counseling. Among these, 123 continued the pregnancy; 22 chose termination, and 17 were lost to follow-up. Of the continuations, 116 delivered at term and 7 preterm. Post-birth follow-up showed 5/123 live-born fetuses developed relevant clinical phenotypes. Parent-of-origin testing in 21 cases identified 18 hereditary and 3 de novo variants. Additionally, five subsequent pregnancies were monitored, with two undergoing amniocentesis and three receiving low-risk noninvasive prenatal testing, all with positive outcomes. VOUS, occurring in approximately 5% of cases, require comprehensive prenatal genetic counseling and show generally favorable outcomes. Despite low association with adverse clinical phenotypes, the importance of postnatal follow-up and regular report updates is emphasized to detect potential clinical associations early.

The Most Common Side Effects, Concerns and Discontinuation Patterns of Oral Contraceptive Pills Among Polish Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Over the decade, variety and effectiveness of contraception methods have greatly improved, resulting in increased popularity of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). However, hormonal contraception carries the risk of multiple side effects. The lack of sufficient knowledge often leads to the development of health concerns, which can affect patient's adherence. The aim of our research was to describe a side effect profile of OCPs and assess the most frequent concerns and discontinuation reasons in Polish women. The survey included questions regarding OCPs utilization patterns, side effects, health concerns and attitudes of the responders. This cross-sectional study was based on a survey, which was distributed online and open from 29 April to 15 May 2022. The survey included questions regarding OCPs utilization patterns, side effects, health concerns and attitudes of the responders. Out of 1699 respondents, the current OCPs intake was reported by two thirds of women and 22% had a history of using them in the past. Seventy-nine percent of all OCPs users experienced adverse effects while 9% reported having concerns about safety and potential adverse effects. Decreased libido and weight gain were the most significant reasons for ceasing hormonal contraception. Moreover, the most common concerns and the most unfavorable side effects varied in different age groups. The occurrence of anxiety depended on age and education. Healthcare professionals prescribing OCPs should provide their patients with comprehensive counseling. Understanding and addressing concerns of young women can improve their compliance and reduce the number of unintended pregnancies.

Career Counseling and Wellness: Recommendations for School Counseling Practice

Amid the escalating concern about students’ mental health and overall well-being within the K–12 educational settings, the role of the school counselor has prompted the examination of fostering positive outcomes. Research has indicated that challenges to students’ mental well-being lead to adverse consequences impeding students’ long-term growth, impacting college and career readiness. Thus, addressing these challenges is crucial for long-term student wellness and success. With the increasing complexities faced by students today, there is a pressing need for school counselors to equip themselves with tools to effectively promote child and adolescent well-being and career readiness. This article emphasizes how intentional and well-implemented programs within a comprehensive school counseling program can cultivate students’ career readiness while fostering positive mental health. By highlighting the importance of college and career literature, this article outlines a method for implementing interventions for mental wellness and optimizing student/human functioning. School counselors are uniquely positioned to provide such services and interventions to support the well-being of students, and this article outlines recommendations for implementation to enhance comprehensive school counseling programs.

The Implementation of Parental Obligations in the Fulfillment of Children’s Rights: A Case Study in Banjaran Godang Village Based on the Compilation of Islamic Law and the Child Protection Law

This research aims to examine the implementation of parental obligations in Banjaran Godang Village in fulfilling children’s rights, specifically the right to education, play, and growth and development, based on the Compilation of Islamic Law and the Child Protection Law. This study adopts a combined approach, namely qualitative with the field research method and normative, by analyzing data qualitatively to describe the problem and answer the research objectives. The results showed that implementing parental obligation in fulfilling children’s rights in Banjaran Godang Village is not fully aligned with the Compilation of Islamic Law and Child Protection Law. There is a misunderstanding among parents who consider formal education merely Sunnah and prioritize trading and farming skills, based on their interpretation of the life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW in his childhood. As a result, children’s rights to play, grow, and develop are neglected. Therefore, it is recommended that the Banjaran Godang Village Government develop a comprehensive and sustainable counseling and outreach program regarding children’s rights and parental obligations. This program should involve religious leaders to correct misunderstandings about formal education in Islam, experts in the field of child protection to provide a comprehensive understanding of children’s rights, and related institutions to optimize program implementation.

Program Edukasi untuk Peningkatan Keterampilan Administrasi Logistik Unit Food di PT Sekar Bumi Tbk

This service outlines the implementation of an educational program aimed at improving the logistics administration skills of the food unit at PT Sekar Bumi Tbk. Through training needs analysis, comprehensive counseling, and training methods that include theory and practice, this program has succeeded in significantly improving employees' technical and soft skills. The evaluation results show a reduction in errors in managing logistics administration, goods release and goods entry transactions, receiving finished products from the packing team, and following the loading process for local and export shipments. In addition, establishing a culture of collaboration and continuous learning among employees creates an innovative work environment. Thus, this educational program not only strengthens human resource capacity, but also increases the competitiveness of PT Sekar Bumi Tbk in the increasingly competitive frozen food industry, preparing employees to face future challenges more prepared and responsive.

8676 Hereditary Fructose Intolerance Unmasked: Report of a Pediatric Case Exploring Differential Diagnosis of Hypoglycemia and Genetic Insights

Abstract Disclosure: N. Solano: None. D. Baboun: None. A. Granados: None. A. Carrillo-Iregui: None. Introduction: Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is an uncommon autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of aldolase B, a crucial enzyme involved in fructose metabolism. This deficiency causes an accumulation of fructose-1-phosphate, which triggers a cascade of metabolic disturbances including hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, and hepatic dysfunction. If left untreated, HFI can lead to severe complications, including liver failure and even death. Diagnosing HFI can be challenging due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and the absence of routine screening tests. Case presentation: A 4-year-old girl was referred from an outside hospital for hypoglycemia requiring intravenous dextrose infusion. The patient became lethargic 30 minutes after consuming a honey-based cough syrup. Upon presentation to the emergency department, her blood glucose level was 41 mg/dL. Her past medical history revealed an episode of lethargy and persistent vomiting at age 21 months, coinciding with an intussusception. A finger blood glucose test at the time was undetectable, and further evaluation revealed metabolic acidosis, elevated liver enzymes, and a normal ammonia level. Plasma amino acid, acylcarnitine, carnitine, urine acylglycine, carnitine, and urine organic acid levels were all within normal limits. Fatty acid oxidation and glycogen storage disease panels were also negative. On inquiry into her dietary habits, her parents recalled she would spit fruits out whenever tasting them, suggesting an innate aversion to fructose-rich foods. Initial comprehensive inpatient workup, including a critical sample, yielded no definitive results. She underwent a strict 24-hour inpatient fast and remained asymptomatic, with blood glucose levels above 65 mg/dL, ruling out hyperinsulinism. A broader next-generation sequencing (NGS) hypoglycemia panel was ordered, which identified a heterozygous pathogenic variant, c.178C>T (p.Arg60*) maternally inherited, and a likely pathogenic variant, c.379+1G>T (Splice donor) paternally inherited, in the aldolase B gene. Both confirmed the diagnosis of hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). The family received comprehensive dietary and genetic counseling. Conclusion: HFI is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening inborn error of metabolism. Maintaining a high index of suspicion, considering a broad differential diagnosis, and obtaining a detailed dietary history, including fruit consumption, are crucial for identifying and managing HFI in infants and children with unexplained hypoglycemia. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and dietary intervention to prevent severe complications in patients with HFI. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for comprehensive dietary counseling and education for patients' families to ensure lifelong adherence to a fructose-restricted diet. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Parent Education and Counseling (PairEd-C) Intervention to Improve Family-Centered Care: Protocol for a Prospective Acceptability Study Using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Family-centered care (FCC) is an intervention approach based on a respectful relationship between family and health care providers (HCPs) to ensure the health and well-being of children and their families. Although HCPs have a better perception of FCC, the level of its implementation is low. Reasons for low implementation include limited understanding, lack of training, and lack of implementation guidelines and tools to support implementation. Thus, we developed the Parent Education and Counseling (PairEd-C) intervention to improve FCC in pediatric oncology settings and assess its acceptability. The objective of this study is to assess the prospective acceptability of the PairEd-C intervention using the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) in the pediatric oncology department in a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. The study was conducted using an exploratory qualitative study design. We aimed to recruit 10 to 15 participants for the in-depth interview. The study participants were health service leaders working in child cancer, HCPs, social workers, and parents of children with cancer. The intervention was developed using the integration of the first phase of the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and testing complex interventions and the behavior change wheel (BCW) framework. The main PairEd-C intervention components align with the intervention functions of education, persuasion, training, environmental restructuring, modeling, and enablement, which were intended to improve FCC in the pediatric oncology unit by providing structured and comprehensive education and counseling of parents of children with cancer. The intervention was implemented by providing training for the health care team, facilitating discussion among HCPs and setting a shared plan, improving the commitment of the health care team, providing education for parents, improving parents' capacity to attend the intervention sessions, arranging discussion among parents of children with cancer, and provision of education and counseling on distress. The HCPs working in the unit received training on the designed intervention. The trained educators and the health care provider delivered the intervention. Data will be analyzed using deductive thematic coding with a framework analysis technique based on the 7 TFA constructs. Atlas ti. version 9 will be used for data analysis. Funding was acquired in 2017, and ethical clearance for conducting the study was obtained. We conducted the interviews with the study participants from December 2023 to January 2024. As of the acceptance of this protocol (June 2024), 12 study participants were interviewed. The data analysis process was started subsequently, and the manuscript will be completed and submitted for publication in early 2025. This acceptability study is expected to show that the designed intervention is acceptable to study participants, and the findings will be used to improve the intervention before progressing to the next step of our project. DERR1-10.2196/54914.

Austrian consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited heart disease that is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy unexplained by secondary causes. Based on international epidemiological data, around 20,000-40,000 patients are expected to be affected in Austria. Due to the wide variety of clinical and morphological manifestations the diagnosis can be difficult and the disease therefore often goes unrecognized. HCM is associated with asubstantial reduction in quality of life and can lead to sudden cardiac death, especially in younger patients. Early and correct diagnosis, including genetic testing, is essential for comprehensive counselling of patients and their families and for effective treatment. The latter is especially true as an effective treatment of outflow tract obstruction has recently become available in the form of afirst in class cardiac myosin ATPase inhibitor, as anoninvasive alternative to established septal reduction therapies. The aim of this Austrian consensus statement is to summarize the recommendations of international guidelines with respect to the genetic background, pathophysiology, diagnostics and management in the context of the Austrian healthcare system and resources, and to present them in easy to understand algorithms.

Forgotten Victims of War: A Rapid Review of Counseling Needs and a Proposed Intervention Model for Civilian Survivors

The counseling needs of civilian war victims, particularly those not classified as refugees, have been largely neglected in academic counseling research. This study addresses this gap by conducting a rapid literature review to evaluate the current state of counseling services available to these individuals. Using Google Scholar and Web of Science, we identified and reviewed studies on counseling services for war veterans, refugees, and civilians in conflict zones. This review revealed a significant lack of structured counseling support for non-refugee civilian war victims, despite their high vulnerability. Findings indicate that while substantial efforts have been made to support refugees and veterans, the mental health needs of civilians who remain in conflict areas are often unmet, with existing services being sparse and inadequately documented. To address this issue, we propose a preliminary model that includes culturally sensitive counseling programs, training for local counselors, and international collaboration to provide sustainable support. This study highlights the urgent need for focused research and practical interventions to develop comprehensive counseling programs for these overlooked victims of war, and encourages researchers to address this critical gap in mental health services.

Effects of structured contraceptive counseling in young women: Secondary analyses of a cluster randomized controlledtrial (the LOWE trial).

Unwanted pregnancy constitutes a huge health issue. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are the most effective methods for preventing unwanted pregnancy, especially among young women. This study evaluates the intervention effect of structured contraceptive counseling on the choice, initiation, and use of LARC in young women. This is a secondary analysis of women aged 18-25, enrolled in a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial performed in abortion, youth, and maternal health clinics across the Stockholm County in Sweden. Clinics were randomized (1:1) to provide structured contraceptive counseling (intervention) or standard counseling (control). Surveys were administered at the clinic visit and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary outcome focused on the choice of LARC among women 18-25 years of age. Secondary outcomes included initiation, and use of LARC at 3 and 12 months, satisfaction with the counseling received and information on extended use of combined hormonal contraceptives. The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03269357). From September 2017 to May 2019, 770 women aged 18-25 years from 28 clinics/clusters were recruited. There was a significant intervention effect on LARC choice (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 3.25-10.94), initiation (aOR 4.43, 95% CI 2.32-8.46), and use at 12 months (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.31-3.73). The odds of LARC choice at pre-booked visits were higher and more women received information about extended-use regimen for short-acting reversible contraception in the intervention group compared to the control group. The intervention package was well received, but with higher satisfaction at pre-booked compared to drop-in visits. Our study demonstrates that comprehensive structured contraceptive counseling significantly increases LARC choice, initiation and use, with high satisfaction among young participants, especially at pre-booked visits. The results highlight an approach that merits implementation to increase quality of care in contraceptive services, to enhance reproductive health for adolescents and young adults.

Patient Preferences and Expectations in Analgesia for First Trimester Surgical Abortion

<i>A central component of a patient’s abortion experience is pain perception and optimization of pain management choices. Yet, data on patients’ experience of pain and their preferences regarding pain strategies are limited and tend to utilize solely quantitative data. This study utilized a qualitative thematic analysis to identify patient priorities, preferences, and expectations for pain management during first-trimester surgical abortion with nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Thirty-one patients seeking a first-trimester surgical abortion, self-selecting inhaled nitrous oxide (NO) (16 patients), or oral sedation (PO) with oxycodone and Ativan (15 patients) enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Participants provided demographic data, rated procedure pain on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS), and participated in semi-structured interviews. We analyzed qualitative data using a content analysis approach. Pre-procedure participants wanted a positive experience. Participants endorsed an ideal analgesic as having a quick onset of action, minimal side effects, no addiction potential, and being effective at reducing pain. After the procedure, there we start differences between priorities in NO and PO participants. NO participants valued the resumption of everyday activities, while PO participants desired ongoing anxiolysis. Anticipatory counseling often mitigated higher procedure pain and more medication side effects than anticipated. Participants emphasized that positive interactions with providers/staff significantly improved their abortion experience. Preemptive comprehensive counseling about procedure and analgesic effectiveness, along with providing options for analgesia, will facilitate an affirmative and patient-centered abortion experience.</i>

Implementing Effective School-Based Mental Health Services: A Guide for School Counselors

Across the United States, the number of children with mental health conditions has continued to rise. However, access and utilization of mental health services vary greatly. School-based mental health complements comprehensive school counseling and provides an opportunity for K–12 students to receive needed treatment they may not otherwise have access to. School counselors are well positioned to support the development, implementation, and sustainability of effective school-based mental health programming. We provide an overview of implementation science and case examples that detail the school counselor’s role in this work.

The Effect of Social Media Influencer Warranting Cues on Intentions to Use Non-Hormonal Contraception

ABSTRACT Young women increasingly get sexual health information from social media influencers, who use persuasive communication and can alter attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. Contraception is a commonly discussed health topic among influencers on social media. Previous research suggests that influencers negatively frame and encourage the discontinuation of hormonal contraception. At the same time, influencers also encourage the uptake of less effective non-hormonal options, such as fertility awareness-based methods. Though descriptive content analysis work details these patterns in influencer contraceptive messaging, there is no experimental research that explains message effects. The purpose of this study was to experimentally test the effect of influencer contraceptive-related messaging on behavioral health intentions. This study introduces warranting theory as a potentially valuable model for explaining online health communication message effects. Specifically, this study tested the effect of influencer messages containing sponsorship and medical disclaimers on intentions to use non-hormonal contraception. U.S. females (n = 296) ranging in age from 18–29 years old participated in a survey. Findings suggest that the interaction led to decreased intentions to use non-hormonal contraception. However, findings did not support a relationship between influencer messaging and impressions, which highlights potential boundary conditions for warranting theory and high-risk health behaviors. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between perceived trustworthiness and expertise of the influencer and intention to use non-hormonal contraception. Future research should test influencer messaging using real social media content and consider the effect of parasocial relationships. Practical implications highlight the need for comprehensive contraceptive counseling.

Uptake and Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine during Pregnancy in Africa: A Scoping Review.

Malaria poses a significant threat to pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating effective interventions like the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). However, challenges persist in the uptake and effectiveness of this intervention. This scoping review aims to explore IPTp-SP uptake in African countries, identify influencing factors, and assess its effectiveness in preventing malaria and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. This scoping review follows Arksey and O'Malley's framework, employing the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, JSTOR, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, focusing on studies post-2000 published in the English language. The search produced 15,153 records, of which 104 full-text records were eligible and 101 papers were included in this review. The findings suggest varying IPTp-SP uptake rates, spanning from 5.3% to 98.9%, with their effectiveness supported by longitudinal studies, randomised controlled-trials (RCTs), cross-sectional surveys, and mixed-method studies. IPTp-SP demonstrates efficacy in reducing malaria during pregnancy, placental parasitaemia, and anaemia episodes, alongside improved birth outcomes. Common adverse effects of IPTp-SP include prematurity and low birth weight. Facilitators of IPTp-SP uptake include education and ANC attendance, while commonly reported barriers included inadequate knowledge and healthcare system challenges. The findings also suggest adverse effects such as prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal and perinatal mortality associated with IPTp-SP uptake. It is vital to strengthen antenatal care services by integrating comprehensive counselling on IPTp-SP and address healthcare system challenges. Community engagement, women's empowerment, and context-specific interventions are necessary for promoting IPTp-SP uptake and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Africa.

A Study on the of Nutrition, Health and Hygiene Counselling impact on Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder, especially among women and children in developing countries. This study investigates the impact of nutrition, health, and hygiene counseling on the prevalence and management of iron deficiency anemia. Through a combination of dietary modifications, health education, and hygiene practices, the study aims to evaluate improvements in hemoglobin levels and overall health outcomes. Participants included women of reproductive age and children from a rural community, who were provided with structured counseling sessions over six months. Baseline and post-intervention data on hemoglobin levels, dietary intake, and hygiene practices were collected and analyzed. The results demonstrate significant improvements in hemoglobin levels and a reduction in the incidence of IDA, highlighting the effectiveness of comprehensive counseling as a sustainable intervention strategy.