Continuous Counseling Research Articles

EMPOWERING ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS' BUSINESS UNITS: A DIGITAL MARKETING OPTIMIZATION MODEL

Introduction: This study aims to develop a comprehensive digital marketing optimization model specifically designed for Islamic boarding schools in East Java, a province with a high concentration of Islamic boarding schools and their associated business units. The intense competition among these schools necessitates the adoption of digital transformation to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of their business operations. Methods: Utilizing qualitative methods and the Analytic Network Process (ANP) for data analysis, this study identifies critical internal challenges, such as low product quality, and external threats, including competition from larger enterprises. The research also explores alternative strategies to address these challenges. Results: The findings indicate that the primary barriers to effective digital marketing stem from both internal and external factors. Strategic solutions are proposed, including the implementation of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and targeted advertising through platforms like Google Ads. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of continuous mentoring and counseling to support the successful application of these strategies. Conclusion and suggestion: This research provides valuable insights into leveraging digital marketing to enhance human resource potential and improve product quality, thereby fostering economic empowerment within Islamic boarding schools and increasing their competitiveness.

Chances, challenges, and changes: reimaging tertiary academia from Indigenous eye-view

ABSTRACT The primary goal of this study was to investigate the opportunities and challenges faced by Indigenous students in a tertiary institution in Bangladesh. A mixed-method research approach was followed, and the sample included Indigenous students of Noakhali Sciences and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh. Using total population sampling, questionnaires were distributed among 90 Indigenous students, and 82 students showed their willingness, participated, and backed their responses. Additionally, to determine what opportunities and support services are available to Indigenous students at NSTU, qualitative data were collected through interviews with different stakeholders at the university. Findings indicate that upon first enrolling in a university, Indigenous students face various obstacles. Several obstacles such as students’ cultural alienation, discrimination, accommodation, financial constraints, and acclimatization to a new environment are foremost. Importantly, the language barrier frequently made it difficult for Indigenous students to understand lectures. Continuous monitoring and counseling were major recommendations from this study.

Education Of Knowledge And Basic Life Support Training For Teenage Students

Individuals and groups, including the general public, are currently required to be able to provide immediate assistance when facing emergency conditions. To ensure assistance is provided according to proper procedures, it is necessary to offer training on Basic Life Support (BLS). Students of SMK Kesehatan Haji Sumatera Utara, who are teenagers with significant potential, are ideal candidates for such training. Although they are organized into a KKR Cadre Team or Youth Health Cadre group, they currently lack the necessary knowledge and need to be equipped with BLS skills. The purpose of this service is to enhance the knowledge and technological capabilities of students at SMK Kesehatan Haji Sumatera Utara regarding Basic Life Support in emergency cases. The method used includes interactive lectures, questions and answers, pre-tests, interventions, and post-tests. The results of the counseling and training showed a marked improvement in knowledge about Basic Life Support and an increase in the skills required to administer BLS. It is essential to carry out continuous counseling and socialization efforts within the school, particularly in the area of Basic Life Support

The Effects of an Adler-oriented Parenting Group on Parenting Efficacy and Family Atmosphere Learning for Parents of the Gifted Students in Junior High School

<p>目前能夠回應青春期資優生特性及其家長特有需求的親職團體並不多見。本研究即在探討「阿德勒取向親職團體」對國中資優生家長在親職效能感與家庭氣氛等之立即性與持續性輔導效果。本研究採前、後測準實驗設計，以高雄市某國中12名資優生家長為對象，分為實驗組及控制組，實驗組接受每週一次，每次120分鐘，共八次16小時之親職團體。本研究工具為親職效能感量表（由家長填寫）及家庭氣氛量表（由子女填寫）。兩組成員在團體開始一週前進行前測，團體結束一週內進行後測，並於結束第四週進行追蹤測。實驗組成員於團體前七次結束時填寫回饋表，並於團體最後一次結束時填寫總回饋表。研究者在團體結束後進行實驗組成員個別訪談，藉以暸解成員在參與團體後的改變情形。資料分析後發現如下：1.能立即提升整體親職效能感與人際溝通；2.能立即提升整體家庭氣氛與家庭溝通；3.能持續提升整體親職效能感、學習引導與生活督導；4.整體家庭氣氛、家庭關係與家庭溝通持續提升。本研究提出親子聯合參與團體、增加家長自我探索、納入資優學生訪談等具體建議，作為輔導應用之參考。</p> <p> </p><p>The purpose of the study is to explore the immediate and continuous counseling effects of an Adlerian-oriented parenting group on parenting efficacy and family atmosphere for parents of the gifted students in junior high school. The research used a quasi-experimental design. Participants were twelve parents of gifted students in a junior high school. Six parents were in the experimental group and Six parents were in a control group. The participants in the experimental group attended 8-week group counseling sessions for two hours per week. Members of the two groups took a pre-test one week before the start of the group, a post-test within one week after the end of the group, and a follow-up test in the fourth week afterwards. Members of the experimental group filled out the feedback form at the end of the first session, and the general feedback form at the end of the last group. The researcher conducted individual interviews with the members of the experimental group after the group. Four significant results were found for those who joined the Adlerian-oriented parenting group. First, parents of the gifted students in junior high school who participated in the parenting group could immediately improve the overall parenting efficacy and "interpersonal communication". Second, parents of the gifted students in junior high school could immediately improve the overall family atmosphere and "family communication" after participating in the parenting group. Third, parents of the gifted students in junior high school can continue to improve the overall parenting efficacy, "learning-guidance" and "life-supervision" after participating in the parenting group. Fourth, parents of the gifted students in junior high school could continue to improve the family atmosphere, "family relationship" and "family communication" after participating in the parenting group. Suggestions as above can be references to applications for the counseling and research in the future.</p> <p> </p>

Impact of Small Group Counseling and Family Support on Increasing Complete Basic Immunization (CBI) Coverage at Siak Health Center

Complete Basic Immunization (CBI) is a crucial public health goal at the Siak Health Center. In recent years, the coverage has decreased from 48% in 2022 to 45.9% in 2023, necessitating effective interventions. This study assesses the impact of small group counseling and family support on increasing CBI coverage. The methodology involves direct small-group sessions and ongoing family visits in informal settings. Counseling materials were supported with visual aids to improve knowledge among mothers about the importance of immunization. Results indicate a positive response from participants, highlighting increased understanding and motivation. This study underscores the need for continuous counseling and monitoring to ensure higher immunization rates.

Prize-based Incentives for Smoking Cessation Among People with HIV: A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART).

Contingency management (CM) is an incentive-based approach that has demonstrated efficacy for smoking cessation in various populations. There is an unmet need for feasible and effective smoking cessation interventions in people with HIV (PWH). The study purpose is to assess efficacy of prize-based CM for smoking cessation in PWH using a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomization Trial (SMART) design selected to tailor intervention intensity based on early treatment response. During phase 1, 129 participants were randomly assigned to high-magnitude prize CM (HM-CM) or standard of care (SoC) for 4 weeks. Participants who did not reduce smoking were randomized in Phase 2 to continued counseling with HM-CM plus monitoring support or only continued monitoring support for 8 weeks. Participants who reduced smoking were randomized to booster monitoring with low-magnitude CM or no additional care. Outcomes were biochemically-verified smoking reduction and 7-day abstinence prevalence at post-treatment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Phase 1 responders (based on biochemical indicators of smoking reduction) were significantly less likely to return to smoking (during treatment and at 6- and 12-months) if they received low-magnitude incentives. Notably, initial exposure to CM vs. SoC did not increase rate of phase 1 response, and high-magnitude incentives later in treatment did not lead to greater smoking cessation for early treatment non-responders. Weekly CM sessions in the first four weeks of smoking cessation intervention did not perform significantly better than SoC. However, brief booster CM sessions aimed at maintaining early smoking cessation hold clinical promise and warrant further investigation. This represents the first trial to examine the use of contingency management for smoking cessation among people with HIV within the context of a Sequential Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial (SMART) design.

Társadalmi felelősségvállalás a magyar felsőoktatásban: a Lorántffy Zsuzsanna Mentorprogram a Nemzeti Közszolgálati Egyetemen I.

The National University of Public Service is dedicated to social responsibility. One of its forms is volunteering, a cultural aspect that is lacking in the societal embedding in our country (Fejes, Kelemen és Szűcs, 2016). The study presents the results of an ongoing mentoring program at NUPS, where university members provided weekly subject tutoring online for residents of child protection centers in Transylvania. The primary goal of the program is to provide a form of compensation for disadvantages and psycho-social care through the establishment of personal connections (Baráth, 2016), aiding in the improvement of academic performance for underprivileged youth. In the long term, it aims to provide opportunities for the development of coping strategies that support participants in breaking through and achieving further success (Szőtsné és tsai, 2007). In the spring semester of the 2022/23 academic year, three children's homes had 36 students participating in the pilot phase of the program. After methodological training, 28 mentors provided assistance. Mentoring took place weekly in the requested subjects, including related study method counseling. Among the mentors were students, university lecturers, and functional staff, Continuous methodological counseling and experience exchange were provided. Each mentor kept a progress diary. At the end of the program, individual and focus group evaluations were conducted for all participant groups. The results of the pilot research are presented in two parts. The first presents the literature review and the academic background to the programme. The second paper will present the results of the research, the discussion and further steps planned.

병영생활 전문상담관의 경험에 대한 질적 사례 연구: 경계선급 지능 병사 상담 경험을 중심으로

This study aimed to explore the experiences of military counselors from various perspectives and to deeply explore their experiences focusing on meeting and counseling borderline-level intelligence soldiers while working as military counselors. To this end, three military counselors with experience counseling borderline-level intelligence soldiers were selected and the study was conducted using a qualitative case study method. The research results yielded three primary categories, five middle categories, and 16 subcategories. The three primary categories were: ‘Military life of soldiers with borderline intellectual functioning as perceived by military counselors,’ ‘Counseling experiences of military counselors with soldiers who have borderline intellectual functioning,’ and ‘Areas for improvement identified by military counselors through their counseling experiences with soldiers with borderline intellectual functioning.’ Military counselors met borderline-level intelligence soldiers through the initial counseling process and observation of those around them, and during the counseling process, they came to recognize the various difficulties they experienced in military life. The military counselors felt rewarded by the fact that they played a supporting role through continuous counseling for soldiers with borderline intelligence during their military life. However, they experienced various difficulties in counseling due to the characteristics of borderline intelligence, and they recognized that efforts were needed to support soldiers with borderline intelligence at the individual and institutional levels. Based on these research results, practical and institutional supplements that should be considered in the future to support soldiers with borderline intelligence adapting to military life were proposed.

Comprehensive Review of the Psychosocial Impact on Parents of Newborns With Congenital Heart Disease: A Significant Problem in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common and significant congenital disorder. Despite advancements in neonatal care, Congenital heart disease remains a leading cause of death among infants with congenital malformations. Congenital heart disease is responsible for a significant portion of stillbirths and includes several forms with various anatomical variations. A CHD diagnosis leads to significant emotional distress for parents, affecting family dynamics and quality of life. Parents often experience psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and guilt, particularly when diagnoses occur after birth. This literature review explores the psychosocial impact of CHD on families and examines how the timing of diagnosis influences outcomes. Parents face numerous challenges, including managing complex medical care and addressing financial and emotional burdens. Effective communication between healthcare providers and families is crucial, as is providing continuous emotional support and counseling. Early psychological interventions can alleviate depression and anxiety, and pediatric psychologists play a significant role in reducing the negative long-term effects on neurodevelopment. Further research is needed to develop strategies to improve mental health services and enhance the quality of life for families affected by CHD.

Facilitators and barriers to initiating and completing tuberculosis preventive treatment among children and adolescents living with HIV in Uganda: a qualitative study of adolescents, caretakers and health workers

IntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) have a 20-fold risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease compared to HIV-negative people. In 2021, the uptake of TB preventive treatment among the children and adolescents living with HIV at the Baylor-Uganda HIV clinic was 45%, which was below the national target of 90%. Minimal evidence documents the enablers and barriers to TB preventive treatment (TPT) initiation and completion among children and adolescents living with HIV(CALHIV). We explored the facilitators and barriers to TPT initiation and completion among CALHIV among adolescents aged 10-19years and caretakers of children below 18years.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study from February 2022 to March 2023, at three paediatric and adolescent HIV treatment centers in Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted at TPT initiation and after completion for purposively selected health workers, adolescents aged 10–19 years living with HIV, and caretakers of children aged below 18years.ResultsThe desire to avoid TB disease, previous TB treatment, encouragement from family members, and ministry of health policies emerged as key facilitators for the children and adolescents to initiate TPT. Barriers to TPT initiation included; TB and HIV-related stigma, busy carer and adolescent work schedules, reduced social support from parents and family, history of drug side effects, high pill burden and fatigue, and perception of not being ill. TPT completion was enabled by combined TPT and ART refill visits, delivery of ART and TPT within the community, and continuous education and counseling from health workers. Reported barriers to TPT completion included TB and HIV-related stigma, long waiting time. Non-disclosure of HIV status by caretakers to CALHIV and fear of side effects was cited by health workers as a barrier to starting TPT. Facilitators of TPT initiation and completion reported by healthcare workers included patient and caretaker health education, counselling about benefits of TPT and risk of TB disease, having same appointment for TPT and ART refill to reduce patient waiting time, adolescent-friendly services, and appointment reminder phone calls.ConclusionThe facilitators and barriers of TPT initiation and completion among CALHIV span from individual, to health system and structural factors. Health education about benefits of TPT and risk of TB, social support, adolescent-friendly services, and joint appointments for TPT and ART refill are major facilitators of TPT initiation and completion among CALHIV in Uganda.

Effective method for life-style modifications focused on dietary sodium intake in chronic kidney disease: sub-analysis of the FROM-J study

BackgroundLifestyle modifications by educational sessions are an important component of multidisciplinary treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). We attempted to identify the best method to teach these modifications in order to ensure their acceptance by patients and investigated its effectiveness in CKD practice.MethodsThis study is a post-hoc analysis of the FROM-J study. Subjects were 876 CKD patients in the advanced care group of the FROM-J study who had received lifestyle modification sessions every 3 months for 3.5 years. Two-hundred and ten males (32.6%) and 89 females (38.2%) showed success in sodium restriction. In this study, we examined factors affecting sodium restriction in these subjects.ResultsSubjects received three or more consecutive educational sessions about improvement of salt intake. The median salt-intake improvement maintenance period was 407 days. The number of dietary counseling sessions (OR 1.090, 95%CI: 1.012–1.174) in males and the number of dietary counseling sessions (OR 1.159, 95%CI: 1.019–1.318), CKD stage progression (OR 1.658, 95%CI: 1.177–2.335), and collaboration with a nephrologist (OR 2.060, 95%CI: 1.073–3.956) in females were identified as significant factors improving salt intake. The only factor contributing to the maintenance of improved salt intake was the continuation of dietary counseling (p = 0.013).ConclusionAn increased number of educational sessions was the only successful approach for males to implement and maintain an improved salt intake. Providing the resources for continuous counseling is beneficial for lifestyle modifications and their maintenance in the long-term management of CKD. Continuous counseling for lifestyle modifications is highly cost-effective.Trial registrationThe FROM-J study was registered in UMIN000001159 on 16/05/2008.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Keluarga Dalam Perawatan Pasien Paliatif

Introduction: According to WHO data, it is estimated that more than 40 million people need palliative care every year. This includes patients with cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Palliative patient care often involves support from the family, and this condition can affect the patient's quality of life as well as the family's own well-being. Many families do not have sufficient knowledge about palliative care, including how to manage symptoms, provide daily care, or understand the patient's emotional needs Objective: Participants in this activity totaled 35 people Method: The method for this community service activity is continuous counseling Result: Based on the training results, data showed that there was an increase in knowledge with the average increase in post-test results being 15.2 with the highest score on the post-test being 98. Conclusion: The conclusion of community service regarding increasing family knowledge in palliative care has succeeded in increasing family understanding and skills in caring for family members who need palliative care. Families now better understand the concept of palliative care, including aspects such as pain management, symptom control, and emotional support. These activities also help reduce the stigma that may exist regarding palliative care and overcome the uncertainty that families often feel. Better knowledge allows families to feel more prepared and confident in carrying out care

Evaluation of female university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward human papillomavirus infection and vaccination. Multicenter cross-sectional study

IntroductionHaving good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccinations is the cornerstone for increasing the use of HPV vaccinations and preventing cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV and HPV vaccinations, as well as to identify associated factors among female undergraduate health science students at both the University of Gondar (UoG) and Bahir Dar University (BDU), Amhara, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional-based multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2023, to July 30, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 633 female undergraduate health science students, and data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were coded, entered in Epi-data, and exported to SPSS for analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were inserted in a multivariate logistic regression model, and those with a P-value of < 0.05 in the multivariate binary logistic regression were considered statistically significant factors for knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HPV and vaccine against it.ResultsThe study included 600 participants with a mean age of 20.8 ± 0.75 years. Using Bloom’s cutoff points for the KAP study, among the participants, 436 (72.7%) had good knowledge about HPV, whereas 315 (52.5%) had good knowledge about HPV vaccinations. More than half of the participants, 359 (59.8%) heard about HPV vaccinations in Ethiopia. More than half of the participants, 342 (57%) had favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccinations. Only 261 (43.5%) participants believed the HPV vaccine was safe and effective. All participants had never been tested for HPV, and 471 (78.5%) refused to have their samples for regular HPV testing. The factors like ages between 21 and 23 years (AOR, 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22–3.09) and favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.88; 95%, CI: 1.15–3.41) were associated with the participant’s knowledge about HPV vaccinations. Having good knowledge about the virus (AOR: 1.92; 95%, CI: 1.11–5.88) and its vaccine (AOR:1.60; 95%CI: 1.07–2.47) were factors associated with the attitude of the participants about HPV vaccinations. Additionally, HPV vaccination practice was significantly associated with the attitude of the participants toward HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.15–3.45), knowledge about HPV (AOR: 1.18; 95%CI: 0.55–5.50), and HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.08–2.44).ConclusionThis study revealed that half of the students had good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward HPV vaccinations, but there was poor HPV vaccination practice. There is still a need for continued health education, training, and counseling services for students to strengthen HPV vaccination practices, improve students’ attitudes and knowledge about the benefits of vaccination, and improve counseling abilities against HPV-induced cancer.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Influence of an Individualized Nutritional Support on the Nutritional Status of Cancer Patients

Background: Muscle mass loss, impaired dietary intake, and poor nutritional status are hallmarks of patients with cancer. Cancer-associated malnutrition can lead to several negative consequences, including poor prognosis, reduced survival, increased therapy toxicity, reduced tolerance and compliance to treatment, and diminished response to drugs. The main aim of this study is to understand the prevalence of malnutrition using Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria (GLIM Criteria) and evaluate the impact of tailor-made nutritional intervention on the nutritional status of patients with cancer. Methods and Material: An interventional prospective study was conducted among 100 adult hospitalized cancer patients. The study was based on the Nutrition Care Process model, where nutritional assessment was done using GLIM criteria and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), and muscle mass was assessed using the Handgrip Dynamometer. Nutritional diagnosis was made based on assessment; nutritional intervention was provided through Individualized Nutritional Counseling &amp; Oral Nutritional Support, and nutritional monitoring was done for patients during their stay in hospital using 24-hour daily dietary recall. Nutritional evaluation was done at the time of discharge using GLIM criteria, MUST, and Handgrip Strength (HGS). Data analysis was done using SPSS v24 statistical software (developed by IBM) to find out the Mean and Standard Deviation. Paired t test, Chi-square test, and Regression Analysis were used to analyze the qualitative variables. Statistical significance was defined as P &lt; 0.05. Results: The current study evaluated 100 participants among whom 26% of participants were malnourished as assessed by MUST and 22% participants had poor muscle strength. A paired t-test was performed and it was found that the calorie intake (1504.1 ± 158.7) and the protein intake (56.08±7.01) were almost double after the nutrition intervention. The difference was found to be highly statistically significant with P &lt; 0.01. Thus, nutrition intervention significantly (P &lt; 0.01) improved calorie and protein intake. The overall mean MUST score at baseline was 0.39 which was reduced significantly (P &lt; 0.000) to 0.17 at the end of the study. The HGS improved significantly (P &lt; 0.000) from 10.02 to 25.51 after the nutrition intervention and it was evidenced by 2.5 times increase in HGS (25.51 ± 2.40) by the end of the study. Conclusion: Individualized nutritional support with continuous monitoring and counseling resulted in improvement in nutritional status as evidenced through their improved MUST score and HGS.

Risk factors and service gaps affecting a sustainable work: a qualitative multi-stakeholder analysis in the context of persons with acquired brain injury living in Switzerland

IntroductionAlong with the social and economic challenges posed by an aging society, creating work conditions that allow persons to stay healthy and work into old age has become a major task of Western societies. Retaining employment after returning to work is particularly difficult for individuals with a disability, as evidenced by the high rate of premature labor market dropout. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) exemplify this challenge, as it often impairs cognitive, technical, and interpersonal abilities that are crucial in today’s labor market. To effectively support these individuals, vocational integration practitioners require comprehensive knowledge of risk factors for premature labor market dropout and effective strategies for sustainable work.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify perceived risk factors and related service gaps regarding sustainable work for people with ABI, as reported by affected individuals, employers, vocational integration professionals, and health professionals.MethodsSecondary data analysis. Data that was originally collected through seven focus groups and two interviews with persons with ABI, 15 interviews with employers, and 13 interviews with vocational integration and health professionals in the context of the project ‘Sustainable employment’ was re-analysed thematically.ResultsTwo major themes of risk factors were identified: (1) person-related factors (including the subthemes: post-ABI impairments; lack of understanding of post-ABI impairments; poor health management) and (2) environment-related factors (including the subthemes: challenges related to the service structure; insufficient knowledge and education about ABI; challenges at the workplace; difficulties in private life). While stakeholders noted the variety of the currently available services, they particularly pointed to the missing long-term monitoring and counseling services for persons with ABI following the initial return-to-work, reflecting a major challenge for sustainable work. An overarching gap related to the fragmentation of the service structure and the lack of case coordination along the working life.ConclusionsMultiple stakeholders emphasized the importance of empowering individuals, ensuring easy access to professional support, and providing a suitable work environment to address key risk factors and facilitate sustainable work for individuals with ABI. Continuous coaching, long-term monitoring and counseling following return-to-work, were identified as potential strategies to achieve these goals.

Effect of social and behavioral change interventions on minimum dietary diversity among pregnant women and associated socio-economic inequality in Rajasthan, India

BackgroundMaternal dietary diversity is a key to improving the birth and child health outcomes. Besides socio-economic factors, the nutrition specific program- Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) interventions aimed to improve maternal dietary diversity has varied levels of impact on the socio-economic groups in poor resource setups.ObjectiveTo measure the factors associated with the minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among pregnant women in selected districts of Rajasthan with special emphasis on the SBCC components. Additionally, it measures the socio-economic gaps in the behaviour of consumption of diversified diet during pregnancy.MethodsData from a cross sectional survey of 6848 pregnant women, who have received a continuous SBCC counselling and registered under a state introduced conditional cash transfer program, during May to June, 2023, in five intervention districts -Banswara, Baran, Dunagrpur, Pratapgarh and Udaipur in Rajasthan was used. A 24 h recall based food consumption behaviour has been gathered to measure the MDD of pregnant women. Study has used descriptive statistics, multivariate regressions, and multivariate decomposition analysis to address the research objectives.ResultsStudy finds that only 55.2% of pregnant women are consuming diverse diet in the study duration with mean dietary diversity score is 4.8 (+/- 1.5). Logistic regression finds that SBCC components such as frontline workers (aOR = 1.3, CI: 1.1–1.4), community motivators (aOR = 1.9, CI: 1.7–2.1), and participation in MCHND (aOR = 1.0, CI: 0.9-1.2) have significant and higher likelihood on consumption of MDD food on previous day. A higher education and belonging from richer wealth quintile also show higher association for consumption of MDD. Multivariate decomposition shows, among richest and poorest wealth categories there is 19% point difference (58% difference due to coefficient vs. 42% difference due to composition) in MDD consumption. This is positively contributed by the caste and educational categories of women.ConclusionDespite a predominant vegetarian diet consuming population, better maternal dietary diversity was observed among those exposed to higher dose of SBCC intervention package. Educational status and caste of the respondent were significantly associated with minimum dietary diversity and contributed to the socio-economic inequality highlighting the importance of tailored and sustained SBCC interventions.

Soil Quality Testing and Counseling Coastal Agricultural Communities in Taiwan

The Mailiao Town is a traditional agricultural community, located in the south-central region of Taiwan. In this region, the northeast monsoon is entrained with salt for seven months a year. Soil fertility test results between 2011 and 2021 showed that the tillage soil was alkaline and salinized. The content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in the soil were mostly excessive. In the region, open-air continuous farming with heavy fertilizer has been performed. Based on the 10 years of data from the test of soil fertility, we counseled farmers to understand the significance of the values in the reports and the impact on crop growth. We promoted rational fertilization with a series of agricultural counseling actions. The results of the continuous counseling showed that the dependence on nitrogenous fertilizer gradually decreased with the continuous increase of the application of organic fertilizers. The total nitrogen and exchangeable sodium content in soil decreased significantly, and the carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) increased every year. The soil environment became close to equilibrium gradually. As a result, the yield and quality of local crops have gradually improved.

The impact of continuous and intermittent supportive counseling on self-efficacy and continuation of breastfeeding in lactating women affected by COVID-19: a quasi-experimental trial

BackgroundPromoting exclusive breastfeeding can have a great effect in reducing the complications and mortality rate of mother and child.ObjectiveThe study aimed to compare the effects of continuous and intermittent supportive counselling on the self-efficacy and continuity of breastfeeding among Lactating mothers with COVID-19.MethodsThe study was a semi-experimental research method and was conducted on 73 mothers with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran from May 2021 to April 2022. In the continuous counselling group, counselling was provided daily for 14 days, while in the intermittent counselling group, counselling was provided once a week for four weeks. Breastfeeding continuity was assessed based on the World Health Organization’s classification, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using Dennis’ standard breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire (BSE) up to four months after delivery. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, paired t-tests, analysis of variance with repeated measures, and survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) with a 95% confidence level.ResultsThe survival analysis revealed that the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding occurred in 17 cases within the continuous counselling group and in 22 cases within the intermittent counselling group. The rates of continuation for exclusive breastfeeding were 52.8% and 40.5% in the continuous and intermittent counselling group respectively. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the continuation of breastfeeding and the trend of changes in the mean scores of breastfeeding self-efficacies between the continuous and intermittent counselling groups. Furthermore, comparing the change in breastfeeding self-efficacy scores between the one-month and four-month follow-ups within the continuous counselling group, a statistically significant increase was observed.ConclusionThe results indicated no difference in the effectiveness of continuous and intermittent counseling methods in improving breastfeeding continuity in women with COVID-19. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of different counseling approaches on breastfeeding outcomes during crises.Trial registrationThe study was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website on 29/06/2021 with the registration code IRCT20150731023423N19. It can be accessed via this link: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/55391/view.

Perioperative and Postoperative Continuous Nutritional Counseling Improves Quality of Life of Gastric Cancer Patient Undergoing Gastrectomy

Post-gastrectomy syndrome (PGS) and body weight loss (BWL) decrease quality of life (QOL) and survival of the patient undergoing gastrectomy. We have introduced perioperative and post-discharge continuous nutritional counseling (CNC) to prevent BWL and improve QOL after gastrectomy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CNC on QOL using the Post-gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Eighty-three patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent curative gastrectomy between March 2018 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received either pre-discharge nutritional counseling alone (control group, n = 45) or CNC (CNC group, n = 38) after gastrectomy. QOL at 12 months after gastrectomy was compared between the two groups. In QOL assessment, change in body weight (−7.98% vs. −12.77%, p = 0.0057), ingested amount of food per meal (7.00 vs. 6.07, p = 0.042) and ability for working (1.89 vs. 2.36, p = 0.049) were significantly better in CNC group than control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that CNC was a significantly beneficial factor for abdominal pain subscale (p = 0.028), diarrhea subscale (p = 0.047), ingested amount of food per meal (p = 0.012), Ability for working (p = 0.031) and dissatisfaction at the meal (p = 0.047). Perioperative and postoperative CNC could improve QOL in the patient undergoing gastrectomy in addition to preventing postoperative BWL.

The secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in US adults 75 Years and older in daily practice: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 survey

BackgroundPharmacologic therapies, risk factor control, and lifestyle alterations were independently proven to reduce long-term cardiovascular events. However, comprehensive research examining the extent to which individuals aged 75 and above in the United States adhere to national guidelines for the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is limited. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine the current state of secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in persons 75 years of age and older in the United States and to examine the factors that contribute to inadequate drug utilization and poor control of numerous risk factors. MethodsWe identified patients over 75 years of age with coronary heart disease based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018 and analyzed the adequacy of risk factor control and adherence to lifestyle and medication recommendations to assess the effectiveness of coronary heart disease management. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with uncontrolled risk factors or noncompliance with recommended medications. ResultsWe collected information from 1566 known coronary heart disease patients aged ≥75 years of age. The majority were at target goals for blood pressure (58.88%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (66.85%), and glycated hemoglobin (76.12%). Only 27.8% and 36.06% were at targets for body mass index and waist circumference, respectively. 91.95% reported smoking cessation, 85.98% followed recommended alcohol consumption, whereas only 10.34% reported sufficient physical activity. For β blockers, angiotensin -converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, and antiplatelet drugs, the utilization of indicated therapy was 54.41%, 49.36%, 54.79%, and 19.03%, respectively (6.26% for all 4 medications). The results of the logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome were critical markers of numerous uncontrolled risk variables as well as noncompliance with medication regimens. ConclusionsA vast majority of coronary heart disease patients ≥75 years in the USA exhibited suboptimal overall control of critical coronary heart disease risk factors. For this patient population, more knowledge is necessary to enable patients to receive continuous support, guidance, and counseling.