Counseling Services Research Articles

Cross-cultural validation of the genetic counseling outcome scale in Korea.

The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24) was developed to measure patient-reported outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of genetic counseling and testing services. In the current study, the Korean version of GCOS (K-GCOS) was developed to reflect the sociocultural characteristics of Korea, and its clinical applicability was assessed. Overall, 231 Koreans, including patients with genetic diseases and their family members, participated and completed the K-GCOS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Validity was examined by assessing the correlations between K-GCOS scores and other relevant scale scores. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest scores, measured over 2 weeks. We performed exploratory factor analysis of the five structures of GCOS-24. For K-GCOS, four-factor structures were identified: "cognitive-behavioral control," "uncertainty about control," "hope," and "emotional regulation." Four original GCOS-24 items were removed because of low factor loadings and small inter-item correlations. K-GCOS-20 scores were positively correlated with SWLS (r = 0.456) and MHLC-internal (r = 0.213) scores but negatively correlated with HADS (anxiety r = -0.428, depression r = -0.469) and MHLC-internal (r = -0.278) scores. These findings demonstrate that K-GCOS-20 is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating genetic counseling services in Korea.

Therapist cultural humility, Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual centrality, client satisfaction with therapist, and future utilization of counseling services among Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults.

Therapist cultural humility, Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual centrality, client satisfaction with therapist, and future utilization of counseling services among Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults.

Surveillance of Disease Outbreaks Using Unsupervised Uni-Multivariate Anomaly Detection of Time-Series Symptoms.

Effectively identifying deviations in real-world medical time-series data is a critical endeavor, essential for early surveillance of disease outbreaks. This paper demonstrates the integration of time-series anomaly detection techniques to develop surveillance systems for disease outbreaks. Utilizing data from Sweden's telephone counseling service (1177), we first illustrate the trends in physical and mental symptoms recorded as contact reasons, offering valuable insights for outbreak detection. Subsequently, an advanced anomaly detection technique is applied incrementally to these time-series symptoms as univariate and multivariate approaches to assess the effectiveness of a machine learning-based method on early detection of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Gambaran Komunikasi Interpersonal Siswa Ditinjau dari Jenis Kelamin dan Implikasinya dalam Bimbingan dan Konseling

This research is motivated by the existence of students who lack self-confidence when communicating with teachers and peers, because of their lack of self-confidence students are afraid and hesitant to speak and this can be an obstacle to communicating. Lack of skills when communicating such as listening, speaking clearly, and reading other people's expressions. This research aims to:describe the picture of student interpersonal communication, describe the picture of student interpersonal communication in terms of gender. This research uses a quantitative approach with comparative descriptive quantitative type. The population of this study consisted of 523 students and the research sample was 227 students with engineeringproportionate stratifiedrandom sampling. The instrument used is the interpersonal communication scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and to see differences using the t-test. The research results revealed that interpersonal communication among students was in the high category with an average achievement score of 52.86%.There is no significant difference in interpersonal communication between male and female students. The role of guidance and counseling teachers is very necessary to help develop students' interpersonal communication through information services, individual counseling services, and group guidance services for guidance and counseling teachers or school counselors in order to improve students' interpersonal communication.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among University Teachers in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A growing body of evidence suggests an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is little evidence in research documenting the extent of anxiety and depression in the university teacher population and how these relate to feelings of loneliness. This study aims to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among university teachers, identify differences, and further examine the relationships between loneliness and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study participants included university teachers in the College of Health and Medical Sciences from four purposefully selected public universities who completed a survey questionnaire consisting of items that measured anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as loneliness. The final sample included 148 participants (45 participants [30.4%] located in the center or capital; 125 (83.1%) men; and 90 [62.5%] taught both online and face-to-face). The university teachers' sample mean age = 39.07 had an SD = 7.67. As per the findings of this study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was significant (11% and 12.3%) among university teachers in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, this study found a significant association between these symptoms and loneliness. Therefore, incorporating relevant strategies to promote mental well-being and targeting individuals who felt lonely were essential for overcoming health-related burdens. Universities should equip teachers with resources to prevent mental health issues and offer need-based counseling services to alleviate them.

Exploring Nurses' Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Settings in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study.

Nurses working in palliative and end-of-life care settings face significant emotional challenges due to the demanding nature of their profession. This study aimed to explore the emotional resilience of these nurses, understanding the factors that contribute to their resilience, the impact on their professional well-being and performance, and strategies to enhance resilience. A qualitative study was conducted involving 15 registered nurses from various healthcare facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observational data. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes. The study identified three key themes: Emotional Challenges and Resilience-Building, Support Systems and Resources for Resilience, and Professional Growth and Fulfillment as Resilience Factors. The findings revealed the emotional toll of patient suffering, highlighting resilience-building strategies, such as peer support, mindfulness, and reflective practices. Support systems, including workplace support, organizational resources, and mentorship, were identified as crucial for fostering resilience. Professional growth, a sense of purpose, and recognition emerged as factors contributing to resilience. This study underscores the importance of emotional resilience for nurses in palliative and end-of-life care settings. Healthcare organizations can enhance resilience by implementing resilience training, providing counseling services, fostering a supportive culture, and offering professional development opportunities. Addressing the emotional needs of nurses is vital for their well-being and the delivery of compassionate care.

GuidanceaAnd Counseling Services for Learning Difficulties for Samborejo Students (ABK) Pekalongan District

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Every child has the right to receive a decent education in every school regardless of the child's abnormalities. From here a problem arises called learning difficulty. Special needs counseling services are special services and special practices rather than in general. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics of ABK with specific learning difficulties and remedial services. The method used is descriptive qualitative, the technique is through observation and interviews. The results of the MI Samborejo School research showed that three children had learning difficulties. Service results The remedial service program is only for children with special needs, namely children who have difficulty reading, writing, and cannot understand questions. This service program is carried out after the children come home from school and only lasts for one hour. Learning to read starts from recognizing letters, reading two syllables to reading short sentences. Learning media uses reading books that contain pictures to encourage students with special needs to understand reading more easily because there are pictures. The remedial service program is carried out three times a week. </span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Pengaruh Layanan Informasi terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa MAN 3 Medan

This research aims to examine the influence of information services on student learning motivation at MAN 3 Medan. The research background highlights the importance of guidance and counseling services that help students understand their strengths and weaknesses and accept themselves positively, which is the basis for self-development. The main focus of this research is information services in guidance and counseling, which aims to equip students with knowledge about education, work and personal social development. These services are designed to help students plan and organize their lives more effectively. Learning motivation, which is a driving force from within and outside students to achieve learning goals, is a key aspect in this research. This type of research is Quasi Experiment research with a quantitative type approach. The research results show that the information services provided by guidance and counseling teachers at MAN 3 Medan, in accordance with the service implementation plan, have a positive impact on increasing student learning motivation. Counseling teachers play an important role in supporting and increasing learning motivation through information services, which have proven effective in helping students achieve their academic goals. This research confirms that good information services can significantly increase student learning motivation.

Clinical Load Index (CLI): Design, Development, and Review of Research

ABSTRACT This article describes the development of the Clinical Load Index (CLI), a new metric for accurately describing and comparing staffing levels across college and university counseling centers. The CLI was developed by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) with support from the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) and the International Accreditation of Counseling Services, Inc. (IACS). Historical approaches to measuring staffing levels are reviewed alongside the design principles used to develop the CLI. Data collection methods, resulting CLI distributions from four academic years (2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022), and research findings using the CLI are reviewed. Implications for staffing college and university counseling centers are reviewed.

PENGELOLAAN E- LAYANAN KONSELING DALAM PENINGKATAN DISIPLIN PESERTA DIDIK BERBASIS WHATSAPP

Counseling services are less effective in conveying relevant and useful information to students, as well as the use of media is not optimal and there is a lack of time in providing counseling services to improve student discipline. Electronic counseling is an alternative that is relevant to technological developments and the needs of today's modern students. However, it is necessary to manage WhatsApp-based e-counseling services to improve student discipline at SMAN 4 Banda Aceh. The aim of this research is to determine the planning, implementation and obstacles to WhatsApp-based e-counseling services in improving student discipline. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The research subjects were guidance and counseling teachers, homeroom teachers, and students. Data collection techniques use observation, interviews and documentation, then the data is analyzed through triangulation techniques. The results of this research show that planning WhatsApp-based e-counseling services was carried out through stages: 1) survey of student needs and interests; 2) communication with parents and homeroom teachers 3) formation of several Whatsapp groups; 4) distribution of tasks to guidance and counseling teachers; 5) and long term planning. The implementation of WhatsApp-based e-counseling services is carried out in stages: 1) Analysis of student needs via the assessment questionnaire link; 2) introduction of WhatsApp-based counseling materials to parents and students; 3) individual counseling and group counseling via WhatsApp; 4) follow-up to students who have not changed; 5) collaboration with parents and homeroom teachers to resolve cases. Obstacles in managing WhatsApp-based e-counseling services include: 1) students are late in filling out assessment questionnaires via the website; 2) misuse of WhatsApp; 3) technological limitations; 4) lack of non-verbal communication between counselors and students

The Effect of Stress on the Academic Performance of School-Going Adolescents in Central Monrovia, Liberia

The current study aimed to examine the effect of stress on the academic performance of school-going adolescents. For this study, a sample of 60 adolescents ranging in the age group of 12 to 19 years were randomly selected from five secondary schools (J. J. Roberts United Methodist School, Monrovia College, William V. S. Tubman High School, St. Peter Lutheran High School and College of West Africa) in Central Monrovia. The research instrument used by the researcher was a questionnaire. The questionnaire combines both quantitative (closed-ended questions and qualitative (open-ended questions) data. The instrument used to generate data was the questionnaire titled: The effect of stress on the academic performance of school going adolescents (ESAPSGA). Data obtained as responses were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for quantitative data and Nvivo for the qualitative data. The findings of this study show that stress has a big effect on how well students in Central Monrovia, Liberia do in school. Results showed that the sources of academic stress include schoolwork (exams, assignments, and grades), bullying from friends, family problems, and money issues. It affects students negatively through depression, distraction, and panic attacks, which leads to poor academic performances as they responded in the questionnaires administered. Results also showed that the majority of school-going adolescent manage stress by listening to music, followed by talking to a friend/ family or parent about the problem. Based on the findings and conclusions of this research, the following recommendations are made: 1. School managements should organize stress reduction programs such as sport clubs and activities for students. 2. School managements should have a school counsellor so that students can get access to counseling services that include music therapy. 3. School management should create a nurturing and empathetic school environment.

Exploring the lived experiences of adolescent girls affected by head lice infestation: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundHead lice infestation is a prevalent dermatological condition among adolescent girls, which has wide-ranging adverse physical, psychological, and emotional effects on their lives. However, these experiences have been sparsely documented. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of Iranian adolescent girls regarding head lice infestation.MethodsIn this phenomenological study, a purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 adolescent girls who were experiencing head lice infestation. Collaboration was established with local schools to identify and recruit the participants. Subsequently, the purpose and nature of the study were explained to the identified participants and their guardians. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to gather the necessary data. The collected data underwent analysis using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. To enhance the credibility of the findings, Lincoln and Guba’s (2004) criteria were applied. The management of the data was facilitated through the utilization of MAXQDA software version 0.9.5.ResultsThe average age of the participants, aged 12 to 17, was 14.5 (standard deviation = 1.7). In terms of education, the majority of them had completed upper secondary education (n = 8, 53.3%), followed by lower secondary education (n = 4, 26.6%). The participants’ experiences were categorized into four main themes and 15 sub-themes. The main themes included living in the shadow of fear, torment of infestation, “struggling with head lice, and disturbing ramifications. The sub-themes encompassed social fear, fear of harm, fear of beauty decline, stigma, bullying behavior, self-blame, adversity, challenging struggle, effective coping, nonconforming behavior, family disruption, academic disruption, health threats, and confused mental state.ConclusionDuring head lice infestation, adolescent girls endured negative experiences and extensive fears, considering it a significant ordeal. They encountered multiple challenges while dealing with lice and utilized both adaptive and maladaptive strategies to cope with the infestation. It is recommended to enhance public awareness regarding head lice infestation, and healthcare providers should offer emotional support and counseling services to affected girls and their families.

Mutational spectrum associated with oculocutaneous albinism and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome in nine Pakistani families

BackgroundOculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetically heterogeneous condition that is associated with reduced or absent melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, resulting in reduced vision, high sensitivity to light, and rapid and uncontrolled eye movements. To date, seventeen genes have been associated with OCA including syndromic and non-syndromic forms of the condition.MethodsWhole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify pathogenic variants in nine Pakistani families with OCA, with validation and segregation of candidate variants performed using Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the identified variants was assessed using various in-silico tools and 3D protein structural analysis software.ResultsWES identified biallelic variants in three genes explaining the OCA in these families, including four variants in TYR, three in OCA2, and two in HPS1, including two novel variants c.667C > T: p.(Gln223*) in TYR, and c.2009 T > C: p.(Leu670Pro) in HPS1.ConclusionsOverall, this study adds further knowledge of the genetic basis of OCA in Pakistani communities and facilitates improved management and counselling services for families suffering from severe genetic diseases in Pakistan.

Evaluation of the Intervention Effects of College Psychological Counseling Services on the Self-Concept of Impoverished College Students

Evaluation of the Intervention Effects of College Psychological Counseling Services on the Self-Concept of Impoverished College Students

The history of smoking cessation support in Hungary: A narrative review.

Tobacco use remains the largest preventable cause of death worldwide, including Hungary with a smoking-related death rate in 2019 of 360/100000 (age-standardized death rate), among the highest in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. Despite the well-formulated tobacco control interventions defined by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in place, smoking prevalence in 2019 was high (27%) and has not decreased since 2014. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on addressing and treating smokers. This narrative review summarizes the progress in smoking cessation support in Hungary to identify strengths and areas for improvement. A literature search was conducted in the Hungarian Arcanum Digital Science Library. After 2012, data were derived from the National Methodology Center for Cessation Support reports. The National Korányi Institute for Pulmonology established the first organized network of cessation counselling services in 1987 in outpatient pulmonary clinics (OPCs) sponsored by a State Insurance tender. By 1999, individual behavioral counselling with medication was accessible to 130 healthcare providers, due to the support of pharmaceutical companies. Since 2005, the National Health Insurance Fund has financed smoking cessation support in OPCs, albeit at a low value. Having recognized that OPCs are overburdened by the organizational tasks of cessation support and that funding is intermittent, from 2020, the counselling service has transferred to the existing network of health promotion offices, although without specific funding for cessation programs and communication. Adequate and regular funding for established counselling services and nicotine withdrawal treatment is essential to achieve progress in tobacco control. The role of healthcare professionals is outstanding; therefore, individual responsibilities should be recognized.

Versorgungsqualität und -sicherheit nach Implantation eines Linksherzunterstützungssystems: eine qualitative Studie zur Patient*innenperspektive auf relevante Versorgungsaspekte

IntroductionImplantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) requires extensive aftercare. It is largely unclear how aftercare should be designed from the patients’ perspective. Implications can be developed based on an examination of the healthcare context. Its main components are mapped on five tiers in the Human Factors of Home Health Care Model by Henriksen, Joseph, and Zayas-Caban (2009). Using this model, the present study explores the patient perspective on the context of healthcare after an LVAD implantation. MethodsWe employed a qualitative cross-sectional study, in which LVAD patients participated in semi-structured interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using content analysis. First, relevant meaning units were identified and deductively categorized into the model. Then, categories of care-related aspects were developed inductively within each of the model tiers. ResultsWe interviewed 18 patients aged 33 to 78 years who had been living with the LVAD between a few weeks and more than 10 years. Twenty-eight categories related to care aspects were developed within the model tiers: 3 categories on patient characteristics (e.g., self-management skills), 3 on caregiver characteristics (e.g., professionalism), 11 healthcare-related tasks and requirements (e.g., wound management), 8 on factors of the physical environment (e.g., controllability), medical devices and technologies (e.g., carrying systems for external components), and cultural, social and community environment (e.g., interaction with peers), as well as 3 on external environmental factors (e.g., healthcare infrastructure). DiscussionThe present study represents the first investigation focusing on aspects of the healthcare context influencing healthcare quality and safety from the perspective of LVAD patients in Germany. LVAD aftercare covers a broad and complex range of tasks. For this, patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals need specific knowledge, which is lacking in various respects. In the first place, this is compensated by the patients’ own initiative and the personal care provided by the VAD outpatient clinics. ConclusionThree key recommendations to optimize aftercare from the patient perspective are derived: Patients would benefit from a more flexible and decentralized aftercare concept, to which telemedicine could contribute. LVAD-specific expertise among general healthcare providers is perceived as insufficient by patients and could be strengthened through training and counseling services. The broad scope of tasks and the high level of responsibilities in LVAD aftercare pose challenges for patients and their families, which could be addressed through continuous information and training programs.

Implementasi Manajemen Konseling Kesehatan Mental bagi Mahasiswa Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Barat

Undergraduate students are individuals who experience a transition period that focuses on searching for self-identity. During this transition period, students will experience changes in their behavior, emotions and cognition. This change will affect the mental health status of students. Mental health problems in students are a serious problem to be handled because students' mental health problems are invisible but can have bad consequences if not treated immediately. Negative stigma towards mental health has an impact on students' awareness and initiative to resolve their mental health problems. Students feel embarrassed and think that this mental health problem can heal by itself. In fact, mental health problems will get worse if they are not handled well. The importance of mental health counseling services for students as a medium for early detection of mental health problems. Mental health screening can detect several mental health problems so that existing problems can be prevented and students' mental health status can improve. The role of the academic community is very important to support the existence of mental health counseling services. Moreover, policies and service standards do not yet exist at ITEKES Muhammadiyah West Kalimantan. Thus, this underlies strategic planning activities for mental health services that can be beneficial for students and have an impact on student welfare in maintaining their mental status.

Hubungan Body Image dengan Self Esteem pada Siswa SMA dan Implikasinya dalam Pelayanan Konseling

This research is motivated by students who have low self-esteem because students feel they have a negative body image. Students tend to be dissatisfied with their body shape, and even consider physical condition to be a mandatory standard that other people pay attention to. This research aims to describe body image and self-esteem in students and their implications for counseling services. This type of research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive methods. The population of this study was 694 students of SMAN 1 2x11 Enam Lingkung who were registered in the 2024/2025 academic year, the sample for this study was 328. Sample selection used proportional random sampling technique. The data collection technique uses a scale for body image and self-esteem. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques. The research results show that overall body image is in the medium category, while overall self-esteem is in the high category. Services that can be provided to students to improve body image and self-esteem include information services and group guidance services.

Ulcerated Breast Cancer: How Fear Led to Delayed Diagnosis?

Diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and overall survival rates. Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and establish national screening programs, the fear of undergoing mastectomy remains a significant obstacle, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Various socioeconomic and cultural factors prevalent in diverse societies can impact patients’ behaviors towards seeking timely medical attention for diagnosis. Breast cancer patients often face obstacles such as inadequate emotional support, communication barriers, and limited access to counseling services. This case report highlights the imaging features of a 56-year-old patient who presented with a 15 cm ulcerated mass in her right breast and delves into the factors causing to the delayed diagnosis.

College Student Learning Preparedness: Do Time Management Skills and Sleep Quality Matter?

The success of the learning process is more probable when students demonstrate high levels of readiness to learn. However, evidence from previous studies suggests that not all students possess this readiness. This study aims to investigate the individual and combined effects of time management and sleep quality on students' preparedness for learning. Utilizing a quantitative survey design, the research engaged 178 students from the Kerinci State Islamic Institute. Sample size determination followed the Krejcie & Morgan formula, with sample selection executed through Simple Random Sampling. Data collection incorporated the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, Time Management Scale, and Sleep Quality Scale. Analysis of the research data involved simple and multiple linear regression. Results indicate that both time management and learning readiness significantly influence students' preparedness for learning, with time management exerting a stronger impact. This research carries substantial implications for addressing students' learning readiness challenges through the promotion of effective time management strategies and the assurance of adequate sleep quality. Such interventions can be efficiently implemented through higher education's guidance and counseling services, involving counselors and additional support structures.