Counseling Support Research Articles

Relationship between Dating Violence and Resilience among Young Adults

Abstract: The study looks into the connection between resilience and dating violence. The results point to the significance of including ways to build Resilience for victims of dating violence. To help survivors' resilience, therapists could concentrate on improving coping strategies, self-esteem, and social support systems. To lessen the harmful effects of dating violence, education and preventative initiatives should place a strong emphasis on young people developing resilience skills. With the use of this data, measures should be taken that will lessen dating violence and increase access to tools that foster resilience in contexts such as schools, colleges, etc . This can entail setting aside funds for support groups, counseling services, and awareness campaigns. It is necessary to do additional study to investigate the precise processes by which resilience mitigates the impact of dating violence. The long-term effects of resilience on relationships and mental health outcomes may be better understood through longitudinal research. Furthermore, assessing the success of programmes that emphasize resilience may help direct future efforts in practice and policy. It's critical to take into account the ways that experiences of dating violence and resilience are influenced by variables including gender, race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Promoting inclusivity and efficacy requires designing interventions to meet the specific requirements of diverse communities.

Sustaining private eye care practices during initial days of the coronavirus pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created new challenges for private eye care practices. Safety issues were encountered by both the healthcare workers and patients. This short communication addresses the changes made in our private eye care practice during the pandemic and the valuable lessons learned for the future. Methods: We describe the challenges faced in our tertiary private eye care practice in India with respect to treating patients and preventing the transmission of COVID-19, considering the economic hardship within this area. We discuss the emerging economic, medical, legal, educational, and psychological issues and their solutions, which eye care hospitals could follow in the future to ensure safety without compromising quality of care. Results: Hospitals required efficient operation with reduced fixed expenses. Clinical practices were followed in the hospital as per the recommendations of the country’s apex ophthalmic body. Proper triage and prescreening of patients at the entrance, digitalization, teleophthalmology, staggered appointments, and role-appropriate personal protective equipment were important preventive measures. The operating room protocols were modified to ensure the safety of the operating staff. Special consent was obtained from patients to safeguard against legal repercussions arising from the pandemic. The training of residents and fellows led to new avenues, including the use of digital tools. Hospitals attempted to provide counseling and psychological support to their doctors and staff during these trying times. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic will not be the last pandemic to occur in an ever-changing world. This event provided us with many new insights into the economic, clinical, legal, and psychological challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and with ways to overcome these challenges and emerge intact. Clinical and surgical training suffered during the pandemic; however, the impact was only temporary. Clinical research gained respect because of the efforts undertaken during the pandemic. The pandemic was exceptionally harsh on many private eye care practices, and we hope to provide useful and comprehensive solutions on how to successfully navigate a similar situation if encountered in the future.

노화불안의 척도 개발 및 타당화

This study aimed to analyze the actual contents of elderly people's anxiety about aging, develop a tool to measure aging anxiety based on this analysis, and validate it. Based on the factors of aging anxiety obtained through the analysis of existing scales for aging anxiety, the analysis of literature related to aging and aging anxiety, and in-depth interviews with 15 elderly participants in the "Senior Culture Leisure Total Service Program," 45 preliminary items consisting of 5 domains and 11 factors were selected. As a result of conducting face-to-face and online surveys targeting 50 to 59-year-old pre-elderly individuals and 216 elderly individuals aged 60 and older living in D, G, and I cities, the final sample of 200 respondents was selected. To validate the obtained data, a series of exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and a concurrent validity analysis were conducted. As a result of the analyses, 10 aging anxiety factors corresponding to physical, psychological, social, environmental, and existential domains were identified, including health loss, attractiveness loss, cognitive function loss, emotional changes, material loss, relationship loss, role loss, loss of meaning in life, death anxiety, and contextual maladjustment. Furthermore, these aging anxiety factors showed relatively high positive correlations with the factors of "life stress" selected as criteria for concurrent validity verification. It is expected that the aging anxiety assessment developed and validated in this study will help to diagnose the factors of psychological anxiety in the elderly more precisely and contribute to providing adaptive counseling support for the elderly.

Impact of COVID-19 on celebration of death, mortuary, and funerary customs in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions significantly impacted religious activities related to death celebrations, mortuary practices, and funerary rituals in Bangladesh. Bereaved families faced a harsh reality, unable to perform the full rituals for their loved ones due to the pandemic outbreak. This study explores the adjustments and modifications made in cultural rituals and how they affected bereaved families and close relatives. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the observance of death rituals in Bangladesh and the effects on bereaved families and close relatives. MethodsThis study employed a qualitative approach and gathered data through 3 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 58 in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from three distinct groups: (1) individuals who had experienced the death of a relative during the pandemic, (2) caregivers who provided support to those experiencing loss, and (3) volunteers actively involved with funeral and burial services. This selection strategy ensured a diverse range of perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on death rituals. ResultsThe pandemic forced people to observe funerals or make significant sacrifices to traditional practices reluctantly. Disruptions to long-standing traditions and widespread emotional toll were as various segments of society struggled to find closure in saying goodbye to loved ones. Due to the severity of the pandemic, people became heavily reliant on priests, crematorium workers, and funeral volunteers for mortuary services. Both Hindu and Muslim religions discouraged family gatherings during post-burial rituals. The fear of contracting the virus further limited bereaved families’ ability to bid farewell to their deceased loved ones properly. ConclusionThis research highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on death rituals and the resulting emotional distress for bereaved families in Bangladesh. The findings are pivotal in guiding the development of concrete policies for future pandemic preparedness and response. Such policies might encompass guidelines for safe and culturally sensitive mortuary practices, psychosocial support and grief counseling initiatives for affected communities, and strategies to mitigate religious anxieties during public health emergencies.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A New Player in the Foetal Programming of Childhood and Adult Diseases?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an emerging field in medicine that incorporates complex procedures and has profound ethical, moral, social, religious, and economic implications not just for the individuals who have access to this method but also for society. In this narrative review, we summarise multiple aspects of ART procedures and the possible consequences on the mother and newborn. Moreover, we provide an overview of the possible long-term consequences of ART procedures on the health of newborns, although longitudinal evidence is particularly scant. Users should be informed that ART procedures are not risk-free to prepare them for the possible negative outcomes that may occur in the perinatal period or even in childhood and adulthood. Indeed, risk estimates point to increased liability for major nonchromosomal birth defects; cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and urogenital (in male newborns) defects; and any other birth defects. Less certainty is present for the risk of neuropsychiatric sequelae in children conceived through ART. Thus, its application should be accompanied by adequate counselling and psychological support, possibly integrated into specific multidisciplinary clinical programmes.

The role of clinic-based breastfeeding peer counseling on breastfeeding rates among low-income patients

BackgroundDespite the benefits of breastfeeding (BF), rates remain lower than public health targets, particularly among low-income Black populations. Community-based breastfeeding peer counselor (BPC) programs have been shown to increase BF. We sought to examine whether implementation of a BPC program in an obstetric clinical setting serving low-income patients was associated with improved BF initiation and exclusivity.MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental time series study of pregnant and postpartum patients receiving care before and after implementation of a BPC program in a teaching hospital affiliated prenatal clinic. The role of the BPC staff included BF classes, prenatal counseling and postnatal support, including in-hospital assistance and phone triage after discharge. Records were reviewed at each of 3 time points: immediately before the hire of the BPC staff (2008), 1-year post-implementation (2009), and 5 years post-implementation (2014). The primary outcomes were rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity prior to hospital discharge, secondary outcomes included whether infants received all or mostly breastmilk during inpatient admission and by 6 weeks post-delivery. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were utilized as appropriate.ResultsOf 302 patients included, 52.3% identified as non-Hispanic Black and 99% had Medicaid-funded prenatal care. While there was no improvement in rates of BF initiation, exclusive BF during the postpartum hospitalization improved during the 3 distinct time points examined, increasing from 13.7% in 2008 to 32% in 2014 (2009 aOR 2.48, 95%CI 1.13–5.43; 2014 aOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.24–2.65). This finding was driven by improved exclusive BF for patients who identified as Black (9.4% in 2008, 22.9% in 2009, and 37.9% in 2014, p = 0.01).ConclusionInpatient BF exclusivity significantly increased with the tenure of a BPC program in a low-income clinical setting. These findings demonstrate that a BPC program can be a particularly effective method to address BF disparities among low-income Black populations.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Providers' Mental Health: Experiences at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya.

In 2020, healthcare providers were expected to provide care to individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), putting them at risk of acquiring COVID-19. The possibility of acquiring poorly understood infectious diseases while providing care may have an impact on the mental health of providers. We conducted a study to explore the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare providers. Between April and August 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 60 healthcare providers in the infectious disease unit (IDU) and other units of the hospital (non-IDU). The healthcare providers completed an online self-administered survey form with demographic data (age, sex, average income, and known contact with a COVID-19 patient). We used semi-structured interview guides to understand the healthcare providers' lived experiences of stress, anxiety, depression, and their associated factors. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and coded and analyzed the transcripts to derive thematic concepts related to mental health experiences. The healthcare providers had a median age of 37 years [IQR 20.0-58.0], and 56.7% were female, 30.0% nurses, 18.3% medical doctors, and 11.7% laboratory technologists. The healthcare providers reported increased stress during the pandemic, attributed to the high demand for patient care, changes in social life, and fear of COVID-19 infection. They also reported experiences of anxiety and depression as a result of limited knowledge at the beginning of the pandemic and the perception that "COVID-19 resulted in death". Testing positive for COVID-19, high exposure to COVID-19 risks, and the death of patients and colleagues reportedly affected the healthcare providers' mental health. Additionally, the healthcare providers reported mental health support through debriefing meetings, peer-to-peer support, and psychological counseling, with privacy and confidentiality concerns. Healthcare providers faced mental health issues such as stress and anxiety while taking care of COVID-19 patients. An effective mental health response requires institutional practices that address context-specific challenges such as privacy and confidentiality.

Exploring the Psychological Impact of Quarantine: An Investigation into Eating Patterns, Emotions, and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece.

The implementation of quarantine measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges linked to adverse psychological effects, notably affecting individuals' eating patterns. This study aimed to investigate the eating patterns of individuals during lockdowns compared across sex, age, and income levels, and examine the influence of positive and negative emotions, as well as loneliness, on these patterns. Across-sectional online studywas conducted with 450 participants (aged 18-74 years old). One questionnaire about demographics, the Demographic Questionnaire, and three validated self-report scales (Eating Attitudes Test, comprising the Dieting, Bulimia, and Food Preoccupation, and Oral Control subscales, the Modified Differential Emotions Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale) were employed. Convenience and snowball sampling were used. The data were collected between April and May 2021, primarily through social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The survey questionnaire was shared via these platforms and users could answer if they wanted. Also, they were asked to send the questionnaire to their closecontacts. Additionally, the survey questionnairewas distributedface-to-face to 80 participants. The statistical analyses included linear regression and mediation analyses. Abnormal eating patterns (e.g. eating behaviors that tend to have signs of diet such as constant avoidance of fattening foods, the individual's involvement with becoming leaner, extreme control or preoccupation with food, overeating and purging methods)were identified in 25% of the 450 participants participated in this survey, aged 18-74 years. Moderate levels of negative/positive emotions and loneliness were predominantly reported.Female sexwas significantly associated withabnormal eating patterns (p=0.010), particularly dietary behaviors (p=0.029).Negative emotions (p=0.032) and loneliness (p=0.001) emerged as predictive factors for overall eating patterns and bulimic behaviors. Negative emotions exhibited a direct correlation with eating patterns, while loneliness played a significant mediating role (p=0.032). Furthermore, the association between negative emotions and bulimia was partially mediated by loneliness (p=0.018). This study underscores the pivotal roles of negative emotions and loneliness in shaping eating patterns during quarantine.Multilevel public health interventionsare needed to address the negative effects of quarantine and pandemics in general. Screening tests for mental health in the school and job environments could highlight the need for shaping interventions, such as counseling, group empowerment, and family support in order to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating behaviors and mental health in general.

The association of domestic violence during pregnancy with maternal psychological well-being in the early postpartum period: A sample from women with low socioeconomic status in Eastern Turkey

AimTo examine the association of women's exposure to domestic violence during pregnancy with postpartum maternal psychological well-being (postpartum depression and anxiety) in the early postpartum period. MethodsThe sample of this descriptive correlational research study comprised 358 women. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Domestic Violence Screening Tool, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale. The one-way multivariate analysis of variance, and a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to analysis of data. ResultsThe mean scores of the HITS, the EPDS, and the PSAS were 6.00±16.00, 7.47±5.57, and 72.02±18.63 respectively. Considering the cut-off values of the scales, the women were found to be at risk for exposure to domestic violence (20.1%), postpartum depression (24%), and postpartum anxiety (11.2%). Education level and having social security was significantly associated with women's HITS and PSAS score.Women with high mean domestic violence scores had high mean postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety scores. Women's mean domestic violence and postpartum anxiety scores were significantly and positively associated with their mean postpartum depression scores (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe results of this study revealed that women were frequently exposed to DV during pregnancy, education level and social security were important predictors of exposure to DV, and that DV associated with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Exposure to DV and postpartum anxiety increased the risk of postpartum depression. It is recommended to integrate screening, guidance, and supportive counseling practices into routine antenatal care to improve the mental health of pregnant women at risk.

Prevalence and Pattern of Stroke Cases Seen at the Neurology Clinic of Physiotherapy Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study .

Background: Stroke is a condition of public health concern. It affects people of different age brackets, leading to long-term debilitation with a significant percentage of survivors left with permanent disabilities Methods: The study adopted a descriptive retrospective study design in which the data of a total of 338 adult male and female stroke patients who attended the neurology clinic of Physiotherapy Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), between December 2012 and December 2022 were retrieved and studied following ethical clearance. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data in frequency tables. Results: Majority of the stroke patients were male 208 (61.5%), married 300 (88.8%), and between the ages of 51 and 60 (28.7%). The most common type of stroke was ischaemic stroke 295 (87.2%) with majority between the age bracket of 61-70 (26.6%). First episode of stroke was the most prevalent 301 (89.0%) with majority of the survivors between the age bracket of 51-60 (25.7%). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor 195 (57.7%) and was also most prevalent among the age bracket of 51-60 (16.0%). Lastly, majority of the stroke patients had right sided hemiparesis 192 (56.9%). Conclusion: The risk factors and clinical presentation of stroke vary from individuals to individuals. Adequate education, counseling, medical, and financial support should be given to stroke survivors in order to prevent and manage the condition.

Effects of Caffeine on Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants: A Scoping Review

Objectives:Breastfeeding mothers often consume caffeine in varied quantities. The common dietary sources of caffeine include tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and sodas. Over time, caffeine has become a widely accepted substance to use throughout pregnancy and lactation. As the range of volumes of caffeine is variable in various beverages, it is essential to explore the positive and negative effects of caffeine on breastfeeding mothers and their babies.Methods:A scoping review of evidence-based literature was undertaken to examine the effects of caffeine on breastfeeding mothers and their babies. We searched major databases using the key terms “caffeine,” “breast milk,” “newborns,” “infants,” “mothers,” and “breastfeeding.” Altogether, 21 articles were shortlisted for this review based on their relevance to the topic.Results:Caffeine travels in small amounts from the mother to the infant, and the infant is typically unaffected in amounts less than 300 mg/d. Caffeine is reported to reduce postnatal depression and fatigue among breastfeeding and has been found useful in treating acute morbidities in neonates like apnea of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A high intake of caffeine (450 mg or more of caffeine per day) in a short time is reported to have detrimental biochemical and neurodevelopmental effects in breastfed infants, anemia, and low iron level in breast milk. Controversy exists surrounding the effects of caffeine on breastfeeding duration of mothers. Recommendations include education and counselling for breastfeeding mothers on the dangers of caffeine consumption, avoidance of frequent and high intake of caffeine during lactation, and monitoring caffeine levels in various beverages/products.Conclusion:The use of caffeine has shown both positive and negative effects on breastfeeding mothers and infants. As a high intake of caffeine (450 mg or more of caffeine per day) is reported to have negative effects, breastfeeding mothers and infants must be protected from the detrimental effects of caffeine through increased education, counselling, and psychosocial support. Clinical practice guidelines are needed on the safe consumption of caffeine by breastfeeding mothers. Future research must examine the effects of varied levels of caffeine found in different products on breast milk composition, duration, health status, and breastfeeding outcomes of term and preterm newborns.

Mathematics Self-efficacy among Secondary Level Students

Low level of mathematical self-efficacy in students lessens their drive to study, which could culminate to poor mathematical outcomes. The objective of the paper was to figure out the level of mathematical self-efficacy among secondary level students. For this study quantitative paradigm was adopted, data were collected from the survey from 402 secondary school students of grade 9 to 12, randomly selected from two institutional and two community schools of Kathmandu. To measure the level of mathematics self-efficacy, the 14 items pertaining to mathematics self-efficacy were borrowed from MSEAQ prepared by May (2009). The alpha coefficient of the Self-efficacy scale was 0.91 and from the component matrix, each items have a factor loading greater than 0.4. A medium level of math self-efficacy but the lack of uniformity in mathematics self-efficacy was found. The mean mathematics self-efficacy score of male students was higher than female; the self-efficacy was slightly higher in institutional school than community school students. The mean self-efficacy score of grade 12 students was found highest and grade 9 was found least. The math self- efficacy was statistically significantly different based on gender and based on grade, but not based on types of school. The findings of this study indicate the need of stakeholders sustaining a support system that includes counselling, motivation, parental and teacher support, and other means to enhance students' mathematics self- efficacy.

Understanding the Experiences and Counseling Needs of Black Women with Infertility

ABSTRACT The lack of acknowledging infertility in the Black community often leaves women bewildered about their situations and the availability and influence of counseling support. In addition to these perplexities, counseling scholars have not fully documented the intersectional experiences of Black women experiencing infertility challenges. Utilizing an intersectionality approach, this study makes meaning of the interpretations surrounding mental health and Black women experiencing infertility challenges. The data analysis of 13 interviews captures how Black women reflect on infertility experiences, narrate mental health and coping responses, and explain counseling needs and barriers. Findings from this study suggest that self-concept and internal understanding may draw upon historical racial contexts of femininity and reproductive value and the societal expectation to shoulder personal responsibility for challenges. This study provides counselors with ways to conceptualize this population through race, gender, and feminist theory while sharing strategies to guide clients toward healing gendered and race-related challenges.

IJCM_69A: Attitudes and perceptions among undergraduate students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness in a medical college in Mangalore, India

Background: Mental illness poses a significant global health burden, with negative attitudes towards mental illness contributing to treatment gaps and disparities in care. Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of medical students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness is crucial for addressing these challenges. This study aimed to assess attitudes and perceptions among undergraduate medical students in an Indian medical college, particularly focusing on the impact of clinical exposure to psychiatry. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 MBBS undergraduate students using a composite questionnaire comprising sections on demographics, attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatry, perceived need for mental health support, perceptions of treatment effectiveness, and interest in pursuing psychiatry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results: Overall, students exhibited a negative attitude towards mental illness based on the Opinion of Mental Illness (OMI) scale, particularly in factors such as Authoritarianism, Benevolence, and Interpersonal Aetiology. However, exposure to clinical psychiatry postings led to a significant improvement in attitudes. Despite positive attitudes towards psychiatry as a specialty, attitudes towards its inclusion in the curriculum were less positive after clinical exposure. There was significant support for peer counselling among students. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of clinical exposure in shaping attitudes towards psychiatry among medical students. Efforts should be made to address negative perceptions and enhance the integration of psychiatry in undergraduate medical education. The potential for peer counselling also signifies a need for supportive mental health services within medical colleges. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a more positive attitude towards mental illness and psychiatry among future physicians.

Youth Violence Does not Discriminate: Inclusive Violence Prevention Support Services Focused on Counseling and Peer Support are Essential for Youth and Young Adults.

Violence disproportionately affects individuals of low socioeconomic status, and rates of injury amongst youth and young adults (YYAs) are rising. Little is known about how the social needs of this high-risk subgroup compared to the overall violently injured population. This is a retrospective review of an intake assessment of violently injured victims admitted to a level I trauma center (Jan 2022-Aug 2023). Data collected include race, age, mechanism of injury, and protective and predisposing factors for violent injury. We compared the risk factors of YYAs (=≤ 24years) to those of adults (>24) and evaluated rates and types of violence prevention services requested by age group. Of 350 individuals surveyed, 94 (27%) were <= 24years and 256 (73%) were >24years. Younger patients were less likely to be male (77% vs 86%, P = .03) and experienced more firearm injury (76% vs 51%, P < .001). They reported less alcohol use (20% vs 38%, P < .001), similar rates of mental illness (25% vs 26%, P = .62), less housing instability (5% vs 22%, P < .001), and similar access to government benefits (20% vs 29%, P = .2) compared to the older cohort. Services were requested by 41% of the study population (N = 142); the younger cohort was 2.9 times more likely to request non-financial services (P = .042). Violently injured youth and young adults (YYAs) experience disproportionately high rates of gun violence. Efforts should be made to prioritize legal, peer support, and mental health services over financial services for this population.

Exploring the psychological experience of novice nurses in stomatological hospitals in China: a phenomenological study

BackgroundAt the onset of their professional journey, novice nurses often undergo a multifaceted psychological experience as they transition from theoretical knowledge to clinical practice, potentially impacting their development of professional identity. However, limited research has been conducted on the psychological aspects pertaining to newly graduated nurses in stomatological hospitals in our country.MethodsThe phenomenological method and semi-structured interviews were used in this study, and the sample size of the interview was purposive sampling method. A semi-structured virtual interview was conducted with 21 new nurses in the department of stomatology. Colaizzi’s analysis method was used to analyse the interview data.ResultsBased on Kramer’s reality shock theoretical framework and analyzing interview data, this study extracted the psychological experiences of novice nurses during their first year of employment across four distinct stages. The four stages include: cheerful period, frustration period, adjustment period and competency period. Six themes and nine sub-themes were derived from the four period.ConclusionDue to the lack of professional knowledge, novice oral nurses will experience a series of complex positive and negative emotions at the beginning of their career. Through the research, the training of oral specialty theory, good psychological counseling and peer support can improve their participation in oral outpatient nursing. At the same time, the establishment of oral care quality assurance system and the improvement of oral care higher education in our country will become the focus of future research.

Examining Challenges and Evaluating Supportive Counseling Approaches for Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”

IntroductionIntroduction: Research indicates that 2-8% of students exhibit ADHD symptoms, a condition impacting personal, social, and academic functionality (Kwon et al., 2018). A significant proportion encounter educational and socio-emotional challenges, often leading to academic disruptions; indeed, 11-21% of such students defer enrollment for two consecutive years (DuPaul et al., 2021). Studies have highlighted pronounced issues related to academic performance within this demographic (Henning et al., 2022). These findings emphasize the critical need for innovative interventions and a deeper understanding of ADHD’s impact on young adults in academic contexts.ObjectivesTo investigate challenges and evaluate supportive counseling approaches for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”MethodsThis study utilized a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews to understand the experiences and perspectives of university students with ADHD from across the country. The diverse sample comprised students from various academic disciplines and levels. Data were collected, ensuring participants’ comfort, and were analyzed using content analysis method, revealing insightful themes and patterns about ADHD’s impact in students’ quality of life and academic issues. The findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of ADHDResults The results of the study highlight the significant academic and organisational difficulties faced by participants with ADHD. Many struggled intensely to maintain concentration in class, with distractions causing significant attentional lapses and increased anxiety. Procrastination was a recurring problem, leading to last-minute submissions and increased stress. Forgetting to complete academic tasks, such as course registration, had a cumulative negative impact on participants’ academic journeys. These findings highlight the complex challenges faced by people with ADHD in educational settings, and the need for comprehensive interventions. Addressing these multifaceted issues goes beyond academic accommodations and requires inclusive learning environments, counselling, peer support, and specialised faculty training to create a supportive ecosystem conducive to the success of individuals with ADHD.ConclusionsThis study highlights the multifaceted challenges, notably in concentration and task management, faced by individuals, presumably with ADHD, within academic settings. The reported struggles emphasize the urgent need for specialized interventions and support structures, focused on fostering concentration, effective task management, and administrative diligence. The insights provided are instrumental, guiding future research and intervention strategies aimed at addressing the identified needs and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Factors Associated with Compliance to Treatment Adherence of HIV/AIDS Patients in Kendari City

Introduction: HIV/AIDS remains a serious problem both in Indonesia as a whole and specifically in Southeast Sulawesi. The primary way to address HIV/AIDS is through treatment. Numerous factors make it challenging to predict the causes of compliance and non-compliance among HIV/AIDS patients in seeking treatment. Therefore, research is needed to develop interventions aimed at improving treatment compliance among HIV/AIDS patients. This study aims to analyze factors related to the behavior of treatment compliance among HIV/AIDS patients in the city of Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi Province.&#x0D; Method: This research is a quantitative study with an analytical research design. The method used is a Cross-Sectional Study. The sample size of 88 individuals. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire technique. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency distribution tables, while inferential analysis utilized the Chi-square test and/or Fisher's Exact Test.&#x0D; Results: The research findings indicate that only 2 factors (perception of disease severity and health worker attitudes) are related to treatment compliance, while the other 6 factors (perceived benefits of treatment, perceived barriers to treatment, family support, health counselor support, drug availability, and health education) show no association and have no detected connection. The most dominance factor is the healthcare worker attitude.&#x0D; Conclusion : The conclusion of this research is that perception of diseases severity and healthcare worker attitude is the 2 variabel that have connection with treatment adherence and need improvement to keep the patient and improve their treatment.

Predictors of antiretroviral treatment failure to the first line therapy: a cross-sectional study among Iranian HIV-positive adults

BackgroundHIV virological failure is one of the main problems in HIV-infected patients, and identifying the main predictors of such treatment failure may help in combating HIV/AIDS.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study included 1800 HIV-infected patients with either virological failure or treatment response. HIV viral load, CD4 count, and other tests were performed. Statistical analysis was used to determine the predictors of virological failure.ResultsClinical stage, treatment with reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), under therapy for three years or more, suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART), age > 40 years, CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3, unemployment, being infected through sex, and the presence of symptoms were the predominant risk factors for virological failure. In addition, 55% of patients who experienced virological failure failed to experience immunological and/or clinical failure.ConclusionAs the first study in southern Iran and the second in Iran, Iranian policymakers should focus on intensive counseling and adherence support and emphasize more effective treatment regimens such as protease and integrase inhibitors (PIs and INTIs), to increase the chance of a treatment response to ART. The accuracy of identifying clinical and immunological criteria in resource-limited settings is not promising. The present findings can be used to determine effective measures to control HIV treatment failure and design efficient strategies for the ambitious 95–95–95 plan.

Frequency Of Anxiety in Pre-Operative Surgical Patients in the Tertiary Care Hospitals, Karachi

Background: Preoperative anxiety significantly impacts patient outcomes and healthcare delivery, with varying degrees of prevalence reported globally. Understanding and managing this anxiety are crucial for improving surgical experiences and patient recovery. This study focuses on tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, aiming to elucidate the frequency and determinants of preoperative anxiety among elective surgery patients. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of preoperative anxiety among patients awaiting elective surgeries in various surgical units of tertiary care hospitals in Karachi and to identify significant contributing factors. Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional design, 400 patients scheduled for elective surgeries across six surgical units were assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). SPSS version 24 facilitated the analysis, focusing on global anxiety prevalence and its associations with demographic and clinical variables. Results: The study revealed a 62.0% prevalence of preoperative global anxiety. The APAIS scores indicated higher anxiety related to the surgery (mean = 7.27 ± 2.31) compared to anesthesia (mean = 5.14 ± 2.35). Significant associations were found between anxiety levels and age groups (p=0.002), surgical procedures (p&lt;0.001), and type of anesthesia (p&lt;0.001). ENT and urology patients exhibited notably higher anxiety, at 75.0% and 68.0% respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant impact of gender on preoperative anxiety, with females showing increased vulnerability [aOR 1.91 (95% CI 1.13-3.21); p=0.015]. Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety remains a prevalent concern, with female patients exhibiting higher levels of anxiety than their male counterparts. The findings advocate for targeted counseling and informational support for patients, especially females, prior to surgery and anesthesia consultations, underscoring the need for healthcare professionals to address and mitigate preoperative anxiety effectively.