Peer Support System Research Articles

The Prevalence of Mental Distress and the Role of Social Support among Medical Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Mental distress is highly prevalent among medical students globally, significantly impacting their academic performance and well-being. Objective: This study investigates the prevalence of mental distress and the role of social support in mitigating distress among medical students in Bangladesh. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to December 2022 at Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College and Uttara Adhunik Medical College, Dhaka. A total of 200 medical students participated through random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring levels of mental distress and perceived social support. Results: The prevalence of moderate to severe mental distress among the students was 48%, with 34% experiencing anxiety and 28% reporting depressive symptoms. Females (55%) reported higher distress levels than males (41%). Students with strong social support from family and peers demonstrated significantly lower levels of mental distress (p < 0.05). Those lacking adequate social support were 40% more likely to report severe anxiety and depression. The correlation between social support and reduced mental distress was statistically significant, indicating that students who perceived high social support were 35% less likely to experience severe symptoms. Conclusions: Mental distress is prevalent among Bangladeshi medical students, with social support acting as a critical buffer. Strengthening peer and familial support systems may alleviate distress and improve students' well-being.

Menstruation Knowledge, Stigmatization and Support Perception of Adolescent Boys in a Rural Secondary School in Benue State, Nigeria

Purpose: To assess menstruation knowledge and stigmatization and support the perception of adolescent boys in a rural secondary school. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 121 secondary school boys drawn from all classes using a simple random sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and perception of menstruation. Findings: Most of the respondents, 55.4 % were aged between 15-18 years. Those in their fourth-year class (SS1) were more (40.5%). Some felt that menstruation was a disease (13.4%), contagious (24%), and unclean (29.8%). Those with correct knowledge of menarche were 97.5%. Those willing to obtain more knowledge on menstruation were 79.3%. More than half, 57% were unwilling to share food, items, and bedrooms with a menstruating female and 38.8 % believed that women should observe restrictions during their period. Those willing to offer support were 47.9% which was the highest and no support 1.7%. Teasing of girls in their period was reported by 20.6% of the respondents. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: There was good knowledge of menarche. However, misconceptions about menstruation and teasing were observed. This study contributes to theory by exploring boys' perceptions of menstruation and linking their misinformation to menstrual stigma. Practically, it emphasizes the need for educational programs, awareness campaigns, and peer support systems to reduce stigma and improve understanding. On a policy level, it advocates for menstrual education in school curricula, gender equality in health education, and policies addressing cultural misconceptions around adolescent reproductive health. More health education on menstruation needs to be given to secondary school boys.

Clues to fostering a program culture of academic integrity: findings from a multidimensional regression model

Using multivariate regression, we identified situational, personal and contextual variables correlated with business students’ self-reported rates of academic misconduct. The most influential predictors of increasing academic misconduct were: higher estimates of peers’ academic misconduct, increasingly negative perceptions of the program’s academic integrity culture, and rating questionable academic behaviours less seriously. Individual priorities, personal characteristics and social support were less influential. We then analyzed our quantitative results in light of our deep understanding of the broader context to derive richer insights from the interplay of our independent variables. Importantly, our results indicate that program-led proactive messaging designed to foster a culture of academic integrity can effectively buffer tendencies towards academic dishonesty. Absent ongoing messaging, however, increasing academic pressures may erode those initial benefits. Moreover, repercussions of major academic integrity breaches can be long lasting, suggesting an even greater need for fostering a culture of academic integrity a priori. Finally, we recommend a public health practice of identifying positive deviants – individuals who thrive in challenging environments – and then in an effort to change a peer support system that fosters academic misconduct into one that discourages it, engaging with those individuals to understand why and how they resist the status quo.

Social Acceptance Among Children with Learning Difficulties

This study explores social acceptance among children with general learning difficulties/children with special needs (CSN) using a qualitative approach involving structured interviews with 144 students and in-depth interviews with three teachers. The research highlights the social dynamics of CSN inclusion, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment, positive teacher attitudes, and peer education programs in promoting social integration. Findings show that students, particularly females at the junior high level, generally hold positive attitudes towards CSN. At the same time, concerns over emotional behaviors like tantrums create interaction challenges, especially among elementary school boys. Teachers ensure equal participation for CSN through individualized support, inclusive activities, and peer support systems. This study's originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of peer attitudes across educational levels. It offers insights into gender differences, behavioral challenges, and the teacher's role in promoting inclusive education through adaptive teaching methods and social support.

Demographic and lifestyle influences on depression, anxiety, and stress among graduate students: An analytical study of mental health outcomes

This study investigates the frequency and intensity of depression, anxiety, and stress in graduate students, with a specific emphasis on demographic and lifestyle variables. A cohort of 385 postgraduate students successfully administered the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and furnished their demographic details. The sample was gender-balanced, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female participants. It comprised students from both urban (47.3%) and rural (52.7%) areas. The marital status distribution was as follows: 84.9% were married, 14.3% were single, and 0.8% were separated, divorced, or widowed. The survey participants were accommodated in three different ways: living with family (36%), staying in dorms (31%), or renting separately (33%). SPSS data analysis indicated that a considerable proportion of individuals suffered psychological discomfort. Specifically, 36.5% reported depression, 39.2% reported anxiety, and 27.8% reported stress. The correlation and regression studies revealed substantial relationships between demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and mental health outcomes. Significantly, financial worries, academic demands, and absence of work-life equilibrium were major sources of stress. The results emphasize the immediate requirement for customized mental health interventions in educational institutions. Recommended approaches encompass proactive mental health assessments, easily available therapy services, peer support systems, and programs aimed at enhancing resilience. Tackling these psychological obstacles is crucial for improving the welfare, educational achievements, and career growth of postgraduate students.

Answering the Call for Community: Establishing a Collaborative Peer Support System for Faculty Librarians

This article explores how the creation of a community of practice among early-career librarians effectively fosters change in academic libraries. The authors distributed a survey to evaluate the needs of untenured faculty librarians at their institution and assess the best approach to address these needs. The results indicated that their library’s established model of mentorship between untenured and tenured colleagues left gaps that could be best met through the creation of a peer support group. The authors share the survey results, indicate the implications from these findings, and suggest how librarians at other institutions can implement similar communities of practice.

Distrust in the Health Care System and Adherence to Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C Virus Who Inject Drugs.

This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (October 2013-April 2017) involving 150 People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) seen in opioid agonist treatment programs in the Bronx, New York, and investigates the impact of distrust in the healthcare system on adherence to Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) HCV treatment therapy among PWIDs. The distrust was scaled on a 9-item instrument and the adherence to DAA medications was measured using electronic blister packs. This study demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between levels of distrust and medication adherence: 71.8 ± 2.2% (se) vs. 77.9 ± 1.8%, p = 0.024 between participants with higher and lower distrust levels. Despite the absence of significant association of distrust with sociodemographic or substance use characteristics, these findings suggest that building trust within the healthcare system is paramount for improving adherence to DAAs among PWIDs. The results call for a healthcare approach that emphasizes trust-building through patient-centered care, sensitivity training, peer support, and health system reform to effectively address the treatment needs of this marginalized population.

Peer support as pressure ulcer prevention strategy in special school learners with paraplegia.

Adults with spinal cord injuries perceived peer support as beneficial in preventing secondary health conditions, but the role of peer support among adolescent learners with paraplegia in special schools is still unknown. To explore the perspectives of current and previous learners with paraplegia on peer support to prevent pressure ulcers in a special school. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study design was used. The authors conducted 12 semi-structured telephonic, audio-recorded interviews and a focus group discussion with current and previous learners with paraplegia attending a special school. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated, and data were organised using the Nvivo-12 Pro program. Through conducting an inductive thematic analysis categories, sub-themes and themes were identified from the participants' narratives. The participants' perspectives included positive and challenging aspects of peer support reflected in four sub-themes: group-based support, individual peer mentoring, challenges with peer support and the roles of the school physiotherapist regarding peer support. Learners saw peer support as a crucial strategy in preventing and reducing pressure ulcers. Establishing a peer support system with group and individual components in special schools could be a game-changer to end pressure ulcers among learners with paraplegia and ensure better health and educational outcomes. Physiotherapists in special schools should support peer support initiatives among learners with paraplegia to ensure successful pressure ulcer prevention.

Freshgraduate Motivation of Stikes Yarsi Mataram as Careworkers To Japan Through The Kaigho Fukushi-Shi Peer Support System

Freshgraduate Motivation of Stikes Yarsi Mataram as Careworkers To Japan Through The Kaigho Fukushi-Shi Peer Support System

The Development of a Family and Community-based Treatment and Rehabilitation Model for Substance Users

Introduction Substance abuse has severe impacts on daily life and property of patients, families, and communities. Treatment and rehabilitation of drug users through a family and community-based approach is a key to promote and support family and community participation in addressing substance abuse. This approach centers on the patients, their families, and their communities, which enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of substance abuse resolution. Objectives 1) To describe nurses’ and health team’s perception regarding factors influencing the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users through a family and community-based approach, and 2) To develop a family and community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users. Design This study employed Research and Development, conducted in four phases. This article presents phases 1 and 2. Methodology The development of a family and community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users in phase 1 consisted of 2 steps: 1) Describing nurses’ and health team’s perception regarding factors influencing the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users through a family and community-based approach, 2) Evaluation of the existing treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users. Phase 2 included the development of a new treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users through family and community based within the network of Phetchabun Province, using Appreciation-Influence-Control process. Data were collected from January to April 2024, utilizing a questionnaire on perceptions of factors affecting the rehabilitation of substance users through a family and community-based approach, and a guideline for focus group. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including percentage, mean, standard deviations, Min-Max, and median. Qualitative data used content analysis. Results The nurses and health team perceived factors affecting the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users within the community at a high-level including knowledge and skills, roles and responsibilities, structures, participation, and management. Evaluation of the traditional model (Community-Based Treatment and Care: CBTx) revealed opportunities for improvement including the database system, family and community participation, and clear coordination, leading to the development of a family and community-based rehabilitation model. The model included five parts: 1) Development of the capabilities of professional nurses and interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitating substance users in the community, 2) Peer support system, 3) Rehabilitation processes, 4) Family and community participation, and 5) Follow-up/empowerment visits. Recommendation Nurses and health team can implement the family and community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users within a community. It is recommended that future studies examine the effectiveness of this newly developed Family and Community-based Treatment and Rehabilitation model for substance users.

Risk factors for burnout in the preparation of student final projects

Introduction: Burnout is a condition when someone feels exhausted from doing something. An individual who is at risk of burnout feels stress as the onset and prolonged fatigue. Objective: The research aimed to find out the risk of burnout in writing the thesis of the students. Method: the research employs the correlational quantitative design and the cross-sectional approach. The population was 274 students who had been writing the thesis. The sample was selected by using the quota sampling technique and as many as 162 students were chosen to be included as the samples. The independent variables of the research were stress, family support, and peer support system and the dependent variable was burnout. The data were gathered by using 4 questionnaires that were filled by the respondents. The analysis was conducted by using chi-square (Pearson Chi-Square) and the significance level was = 0.05. Result: The result shows that stress stated significance correlation with burnout incidence in writing a thesis, where the value of p (0,000). Meanwhile, the family support confirmed its relationship by obtaining the value of p (0,003), and the peer support system also showed the value of p (0,003) that established the correlation between burnout and the thesis writing of the students. Conclusion: The study shows the correlation of stress, family support, and peer support systems related to burnout risk. Further studies should include other variables such as workload, rewards, community, fairness, value ambiguity, and role conflict.

Negative Implications of Drug and Substance use on Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which encompasses aspects such as thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. Several factors including drug abuse have been recognized to cause mental health disorders; hence, the urgent need to globally address these factors. Drug abuse emerges as a complex public health issue, involving the misuse of legal and illegal drugs, with consequences extending beyond individual health. The relationship between mental health and drug abuse intensifies challenges, as drug misuse contributes to the development or worsening of mental health disorders. This review examined biological, psychological, and social determinants, and advocate for a standardized approach to address the complex issue of drug abuse. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and others, were used to access resources, in which thirty-three (33) literatures were reviewed. Results of the reviewed literatures revealed that the impact of drug abuse on mental health involves neurobiological alterations affecting neurotransmitter levels and structural changes in the brain. This does not only affect individuals, but also results in societal burdens, such as increased healthcare costs and criminal justice involvement, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. The classification of drugs into legal and illegal categories highlights the diversity of substances and emphasizes the need to understand their effects on mental well-being. Categories include legal drugs, prescription medications, socially accepted substances, and illegal drugs with varying dependency potentials. Addressing mental health disorders induced by drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, involving strategies like Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Peer Support, 12-Step Programs, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC). These methods guarantee a care continuum that centers on the individual and emphasizes recovery, acknowledging the relationship between mental health and drug abuse disorders. Nevertheless, the review highlights a research gap in that, in-depth research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aforementioned interventions. Additionally, exploring innovative strategies to address challenges such as stigma, limited treatment accessibility, and the cyclical nature of addiction would enhance intervention effectiveness.

What is current care for people with Long COVID in England? A qualitative interview study

ObjectiveTo investigate current care for people with Long COVID in England.DesignIn-depth, semistructured interviews with people living with Long COVID and Long COVID healthcare professionals; data analysed using thematic analysis.SettingNational Health...

Experience of naturally occurring peer support among people using psychiatric day-care in China: an interpretative phenomenology approach.

China presently does not have an established peer support system, and the efforts of peer support workers are not acknowledged in the context of the growing global trend of community-based mental rehabilitation. This study aims to examine the first-hand experiences of persons who participate in psychiatric day-care facilities in Shanghai, China, and receive support from their peers. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how these informal peer support programs function and provide valuable knowledge for the establishment of more structured peer support programs that align with Chinese social culture. A total of 14 participants attending psychiatric day-care centres were selected for face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews using snowball sampling. The interviews took place between July 2021 and February 2022. The text data of the interview were acquired through transcription and then augmented using the interview scripts and additional resources. The data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis until the themes reached saturation. A total of three overarching themes and eight corresponding sub-themes were produced: 1. reconstructing a social network: an ordinary interpersonal connection, becoming and conducting oneself, proceeding the process of adaptation in the company of peers; 2. balance and multiple roles within the relationship: selective self-exposure, managing proximity and distance; 3. sense of meaning and sense of community: supporting others while empowering oneself, love as expanding consciousness, advocating for the notion of group identity. This study is the initial examination of the contact and naturally occurring peer support that takes place among individuals in psychiatric day-care centres in China. The study's findings revealed that participants interact with others who have undergone similar conditions in the day-care setting, enabling them to rebuild an important social network. It is crucial to consider the possible benefits of peer support, assess the obstacles, and facilitate the personal recovery of individuals with mental disorders using the theory of recovery.

Examining Parental Alcohol Use and Peer Relationships as Predictors of Substance Use Severity

In the United States, issues with substance use among adolescents has grown in its prevalence, and past research has shown a continuity in substance use amongst children with substance involved parents. In adolescence, young men tend to report higher rates of alcohol use when compared to young women. As such, we were interested in examining gender as a moderating factor on the relationship between parental alcohol use and substance use severity. Amazon’s MTurk was used to recruit 185 participants with a history of substance use to complete a series of surveys. Participants reported parental alcohol use during childhood and involvement with pro-social peers. Results revealed gender did not moderate the relationship between parental substance use and respondents’ self-reported substance use. However, there were strong correlations among substance use severity, parental alcohol use, and involvement with pro-social peers. Specifically, respondents who were the child of a mother who experienced problems with alcohol were 3.12 times more likely to have a severe SUD. This effect was not observed when paternal alcohol use was examined as a predictor of substance use severity (p=0.651). Respondents involved with pro-social peers are less likely to have a severe substance use disorder (p less than 0.001). Together, children whose mothers struggled with alcohol use were more likely to develop a severe substance use disorder. In contrast, having a father who struggled with alcohol use did not affect respondents’ involvement with substance use. Furthermore, having a peer support system reduces subsequent substance use, regardless of parental alcohol use.

Parental Engagement in Identifying Information Needs After Newborn Screening for Families of Infants with Suspected Athymia

Congenital athymia is a rare T-lymphocytopaenic condition, which requires early corrective treatment with thymus transplantation (TT). Athymic patients are increasingly identified through newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Lack of relatable information resources contributes to challenging patient and family journeys during the diagnostic period following abnormal NBS results. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities, including parental involvement in paediatrics, are valuable initiatives to improve clinical communication and parental information strategies. Parents of infants with suspected athymia were therefore invited to discuss the information they received during the diagnostic period following NBS with the aim to identify parental information needs and targeted strategies to address these adequately. Parents reported that athymia was not considered with them as a possible differential diagnosis until weeks after initial NBS results. Whilst appropriate clinical information about athymia and TT was available upon referral to specialist immunology services, improved access to easy-to-understand information from reliable sources, including from clinical nurse specialists and peer support systems, remained desirable. A roadmap concept, with written or digital information, addressing parental needs in real time during a potentially complex diagnostic journey, was proposed and is transferrable to other inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and rare diseases. This PPIE activity provides insight into the information needs of parents of infants with suspected athymia who are identified through SCID NBS, and highlights the role for PPIE in promoting patient- and family-centred strategies to improve IEI care.

Testing an educational intervention to enhance resilience and self-efficacy among schoolteachers in Karachi Pakistan

ObjectiveA pilot study using a pre-post interventional design, was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a resilience-based training workshop on the self-efficacy and resilience of schoolteachers in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Four in person workshops were held at the school’s location during January to June 2022.ResultsA total of 14 teachers participated in the workshop. The effectiveness of interventions was evaluated by assessing self-efficacy and resilience in pre- and post-teaching modules. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test determined a significant difference between the pre- to post-module scores of Self Efficacy (p = 0.016) and resilience (p = 0.006). The pre-median scores with IQR of Self-Efficacy were 28 (10), and Resilience scores 76 (12); and post-scores for Self-Efficacy and Resilience scores increased to 35 (5.5) and 88 (14) respectively. This indicated significant improvement in general self-efficacy and resilience skills after four weeks of training. This pilot study showed that building knowledge regarding mental health struggles in students and oneself, learning ways to cope with stress and manage student behavior, and forming a peer support system are crucial in building self-efficacy and resilience in teachers.

Mental health stigma in the medical profession: Where do we go from here?

Mental health conditions are highly prevalent among physicians with high rates of depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, suicidal ideation and burnout reported among medical practitioners at all levels of training and practice. This phenomenon is in part contributed by a highly stressful clinical environment with an often suboptimal support system for doctors. Concerningly, there is hitherto a striking reluctance amongst medical trainees/practitioners to seek treatment/help for mental health-related conditions due to fear of associated stigma and negative career repercussions. In this article, we sought to raise awareness of the mental health stigma that has long been prevailing in the medical community, and review the key drivers of such stigma at the individual, community and organisational level. In general, drivers of mental health stigma in the medical profession include self-stigmatisation predisposed by physician personality and character traits, societal stereotypes about mental illness permeating through the medical community, and systemic constructs such as mandatory mental health declarations for medical licensure that perpetuate the unfortunate perception that mental illness appears synonymous with job impairment or incompetency. To destigmatise mental health issues in the medical profession, we herein propose multi-pronged strategies which can practically be implemented: 1) normalisation of mental health issues through open dialogue and sharing, 2) creating a supportive, “psychologically friendly” work environment through increased accessibility to workplace mental health support services, peer support systems, and reduction of psychiatric “name-calling” practices, and 3) reviewing systemic practices, in particular the mandatory mental health declarations for medical registration, that perpetuate mental health stigma.

A significance of a structured peer support system for University students: A review

A significance of a structured peer support system for University students: A review

Message from the Editor-in-Chief

I am proud to introduce our 2023 Special Issue focusing on university and college Thai graduates. In an increasing complex global set of events, we are reminded of the importance and value the role of education has in securing our futures. It is important that our scholars of tomorrow maintain their trust and faith in how their contribution will encourage others to pursue their hopes and dreams. To that end, this issue provides numerous strategies, program suggestions, personal development, teacher and peer support systems, and guidelines to empower upcoming educators, supervisors and managers. We are proud to present this Special Issue with a focus on sharing the latest research findings that may assist in improving student retention rates and improving the overall tertiary student experience, through contributions from China and Thailand.