Seeking Guidance Research Articles

Beyond Words: Enhancing Clinical Guideline Comprehension With Icons.

The Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework is widely applied in clinical guidelines to facilitate transparent evidence evaluation. While developing Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines on the management of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), panel members suggested developing and implementing a visual aid to enable quicker identification of key information by providers at bedside seeking guidance. We conducted a mixed-methods study evaluating the usability of a newly designed infographic/icon using a survey and focus groups. The survey incorporated a simulated COVID-19 IDSA guideline with and without the icon, followed by comprehension questions. Focus group discussions provided qualitative feedback on the GRADE methodology and icon usability. The survey was returned by 289 health care providers. There was no statistical difference in the correct response rates between icon-aided and non-icon-aided guideline questions (McNemar's chi-square test, P > .1 for both questions). Interactions with the icon notably increased the time taken and number of clicks required to respond to the first question (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < .01). In contrast, response time did not differ between versions for the second question (P = .38). Most subjects (85%) indicated that the icon improved the readability of the guidelines. A focus group follow-up suggested alternative designs for the icon. This study highlights the promise of iconography in clinical guidelines, although the specific icons tested did not measurably improve usability metrics. Future research should focus on icon design and testing within a formal usability framework, considering the impact of GRADE language on user experience.

Разговоры на письме: эпистолярный архив Н.А. Бердяева

The essay examines the book published in 2023 “Nikolai Berdyaev: An Epistolary Conversation. Archival Materials”, containing bilateral correspondence between N.A. Berdyaev and S.L. Frank, as well as letters to Berdyaev from N.O. Lossky and Yu.M. Panebrattsev. This book covers the chronological period from 1922 to 1948, during which Berdyaev was living in exile. The main focus of the book is the correspondence between Berdyaev and Frank, which covers a wide range of topics, including the fate of Russian philosophical research abroad, educational and publishing institutions in Germany and France, as well as the daily challenges faced by Berdyaev during the 1920s and 1940s. A significant portion of the correspondence also discusses the ideas behind Berdyaev’s philosophical works, the process of preparing and publishing them, and the history of “Way” journal (1925–1940). Lossky’s letters (unfortunately, Berdyaev’s reply letters have not yet been found) are more formal and distant, but they also reflect the long-term collaboration between the philosophers, their attention to each other’s work, and their perception of the intellectual life in Soviet Russia as continuing in many ways, both in relation to the past and in connection with emigration. Of particular interest are the letters written by Yu.M. Panebrattsev (1900–1937) from Soviet Russia to Paris between 1930 and 1931, expressing the intense philosophical quest of a relatively young man seeking advice and guidance from Berdyaev. Panebrattsev’s letters provide an interesting insight into how, at the very beginning of the 1930s, he synthesized the trends of Russian idealistic philosophy from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while also appealing to the great philosophical traditions of Europe, consciously avoiding the influence of official philosophy. The reviewed publication makes a valuable contribution not only to the study of Berdyaev’s life and works, but also to the history of the Russian emigration of the first wave

Assessment of academic burnout among undergraduate medical and health sciences students: a survey study from the United Arab Emirates

PurposeThis study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout among undergraduate medical and health science students and to identify the factors associated with its development.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted involving students from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Science University. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey was used to evaluate three subscales of burnout. Ethical considerations were met, and informed written consent was obtained from participants. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between demographic, personal and school environment factors and burnout.FindingsOut of 453 students surveyed, the majority were females (74.8%) aged 18–20 years (60%). Significant levels of burnout were reported, with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment affecting over half of the participants (69%). Factors such as being in the clinical years, long-distance commuting challenges and involuntary college selection were identified as predictors of burnout.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the study provides valuable insights, limitations may include the specific context of the university and potential biases in self-reported data.Practical implicationsThe findings underscore the importance of raising awareness, maintaining work-life balance and implementing coping strategies to support student well-being and foster a positive learning environment. Suggestions include time management and seeking guidance from mentors or mental health professionals.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of burnout among medical and health science students, especially within the unique context of the United Arab Emirates, given the convergence of students from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

Parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues and associated factors among secondary public-school students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia: an institution based cross-sectional study.

Effective communication between adolescents and their parents is crucial for reducing sexual health problems. This open dialogue can help address misconceptions, provide accurate information, and foster a supportive environment where adolescents feel comfortable seeking guidance and discussing sensitive issues related to their sexual health. In Ethiopia, with its diverse ethnic and cultural background, effective communication between parents and adolescents about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is crucial in reducing the likelihood of adolescents engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Despite the importance of such communications, there were no data showing the level of parent-adolescent communication (PAC) in secondary public schools in Gondar town. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues along with its influencing factors, among secondary students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia. We employed an institution-based cross-sectional study design. A total of 424 students were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique, with a 100% response rate. We developed a structured questionnaire from the related literature to collect data from the participants of the study. The data were entered using EpiData version 4.6, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors. The proportion of adolescents who had communicated with their parents was 37.7% (95% CI: 34.65-44.76). In a multivariable analysis at a 95% confidence interval (CI), variables such as being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.09-7.45), belonging to grades 11-12 (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.19-6.98), living with parents/caregivers (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07-5.66), having a positive attitude toward sexual health (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.34-7.82), having poor knowledge about SRH issues (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-7.81), and having good knowledge about the puberty period (AOR=1.23; 95% CI:1.04-7.89) were statistically associated with parent-adolescent communication. This study found a low level of communication between parents and adolescents regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. To address this challenge, it is crucial to implement evidence-based education on SRH topics, such as consent, healthy relationships, communication skills, STDs, contraception, and interpersonal dynamics. Enhancing parent-adolescent dialogue on SRH can be achieved by implementing peer education among senior students and training teachers in effective communication techniques. The study also recommended conducting qualitative research to explore the specific barriers affecting parent-adolescent communication.

O-161 #Infertility: a systematic review of information available on social media platforms

Abstract Study question How accurate, credible, reliable and readable is online information obtained from social media content in relation to the diagnosis and management of fertility problems? Summary answer Information available on social media regarding infertility often uses language that is inappropriate for a lay audience and lacks sufficient accuracy, credibility and reliability. What is known already Social media has become a popular source of information for people seeking guidance, advice and educational resources related to their own fertility journey. Social media can provide free and easily accessible information and can act as a space for community support to share real-world experiences. Many of the platforms delivering this information have not been verified and there is a growing concern regarding the accuracy of the content on these posts. A variation in expertise among content creators and the rapid spread of anecdotal experiences may contribute to the unreliability of information. Study design, size, duration Using real-time analytics software, the #infertility was tracked prospectively during National Infertility Awareness Week, an annual campaign organised by the National Infertility Association (USA) to raise awareness around infertility, on Twitter and Instagram platforms. During this one-week period, a total of 28,612 posts containing the #infertility was posted on Twitter and Instagram. Posts containing non-English language, commercial advertising and content related solely to the lived experience of infertility, for example, a patient’s blog, were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods Once screening was completed, 673 posts (310 on Twitter and 363 on Instagram) were identified as containing information pertaining to the diagnosis and management of fertility problems. Two independent researchers screened the included posts. Posts were evaluated using validated instruments across four domains, including assessments of 1) credibility (White Paper instrument) 2) quality (adapted DISCERN instrument) 3) accuracy (assessed by prioritized criteria developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and researchers) and 4) Readability (Flesch-Kincaid instrument). Main results and the role of chance A total of 28,612 posts, with a reach of 285,826,087 people were identified. Once screening had been completed, there were 310 posts on Twitter containing information pertaining to infertility, with 20,136 engagements and an overall reach of 75,184,476. For Instagram, 363 posts were identified as containing information pertaining to infertility, with 46,443 engagements. The most discussed topics included: 1) lifestyle interventions including nutrition and supplements, 2) polycystic ovarian syndrome, 3) endometriosis and 4) infertility in relation to COVID and the COVID vaccination programme. Only 87 Twitter posts (28%) had clear demonstration of credibility and of those posts the information contained within them was accurate 92% of the time. Of the remaining 72% of Twitter posts, no clear credentials were displayed, and the accuracy of those posts dropped to 34%. 139 Twitter posts (45%) appeared to have an undeclared Trial registration number Not applicable

Landscape of social networking support groups for common dermatological conditions.

Dermatological conditions are one of the most common reasons for clinical visits. Not only can they have a profound effect on patients' cosmetic appearances, but they also have a notable impact on their self-esteem, confidence, and body image, ultimately causing psychological distress. As social networking platforms become the new public space for discussion, patients have transitioned from in-person support groups to seeking online advice, support, and guidance. We conducted queries across various social networking platforms to identify and analyze active social networking support groups for common dermatological conditions. Thirty-six online support groups were identified for the top four dermatological conditions with the highest disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We analyzed, recorded, and categorized each group according to target dermatological condition, social networking platform, support group host, engagement rate, and content of posts. In the groups identified, the majority were patient-driven (88.89%). When evaluating the engagement activity and frequency, 77.78% (n = 28) of groups had daily posts and 22.22% (n = 8) posted weekly. Additionally, we discovered a notable feature among support groups on Facebook and Reddit being more interactive and collaborative. This underscores the importance of enabling patients with dermatological conditions to generate posts and engage in open discourse, rather than absorbing single-user generated content from other popular platforms. Understanding the current landscape of social networking support groups can aid clinicians in disseminating information and resources for patients to create communities with other patients.

Exploring Pedagogical Adaptation Challenges Faced by Novice EFL Teachers in Higher Education: A Study from Hubei Province, China

Exploring Pedagogical Adaptation Challenges Faced by Novice EFL Teachers in Higher Education: A Study from Hubei Province, China

“I’m Better Than This”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Turning Points Leading to Exiting Inceldom

ABSTRACT Scholars are at the beginning stages of understanding the trajectory of incels’ deradicalization process. This study aimed to gain insight into the trajectories of individuals who have left or expressed a desire to leave inceldom, by focussing on the turning points that propel incels to deradicalize from the misogynistic ideology associated with inceldom. To achieve this, 28 threads related to the process of exiting inceldom were extracted from r/IncelExit, a subreddit which caters to incels seeking support and guidance in said process. A reflexive thematic analysis allowed for the identification of three distinct stages in the process of exiting inceldom: 1) pursuing dating, 2) attempting to change ideology, and 3) struggling to leave the incel ideology. Our findings show that, initially, the prospect of entering a romantic relationship was perceived as the primary means of leaving inceldom. However, after experiencing a few attempts at dating, a turning point was reached when individuals recognized the importance of changing their ideology. This stemmed from the realization that the incels’ ideology had a detrimental impact on their overall well-being. Consequently, they turned to their peers on the subreddit for strategies for ideological transformation. Various courses of action were proposed, with particular emphasis on the importance of addressing fundamental needs through self-care practices. Simultaneously, participants reported a range of challenges encountered during the process of leaving inceldom. These findings underscore the requirement for interventions adapted to this clientele’s needs to accompany them through their deradicalization journey. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Putusnya Perkawinan dan Akibatnya dalam Hukum Islam dan Hukum Positif di Indonesia

This study discusses the termination of marriage and its consequences in Fiqh Munakahat. The aim of this research is to examine and understand Fiqh Munakahat which discusses the termination of marriage and its consequences. The method used in this research is a qualitative method of literature review. Essentially, marriage is intended for lifelong happiness between a man and a woman. Divorce is granted if one party fails to fulfill its obligations adequately and the other party is unable to fulfill its obligations, leaving no option but to divorce. The results of this research conclude that the termination of marriage in Islamic law is that the divorce process such as talak, fasakh, or khul' must be regulated with full justice, decency, and caution. Both parties must obtain their rights fairly, including rights to property, maintenance, and child custody. The importance of maintaining family integrity and avoiding divorce except when absolutely necessary is emphasized in Islamic teachings. Furthermore, Islamic law emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution and settlement that respects the rights of all parties involved. By understanding the relevant principles of Islamic law and seeking guidance from qualified scholars and jurists, Muslims can handle the termination of marriage wisely, prioritizing mutual welfare, and upholding the moral values and ethics taught by Islam.

Challenging Case: New-Onset Hallucinations and Developmental Regression in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Nick is a 5-year-old boy who began displaying self-stimulating behaviors and decreased social interactions shortly before turning 3 years. At the age of 3.5 years, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a local developmental-behavioral pediatrician. His parents recall that the physician described Nick to be "high functioning" and encouraged them to expect that he would attend college and live independently as an adult. Upon receiving the diagnosis, intervention was initiated using an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) approach. With this intervention, he demonstrated initial gains in the use of complex language and improved social interactions.Concerns regarding suspected psychosis emerged just before starting kindergarten when Nick began experiencing ego-dystonic visual and auditory hallucinations. Initially, Nick verbally responded to the hallucinations and vividly described what he was experiencing. Shortly after the onset of these hallucinations, Nick experienced a significant decrease in the frequency and complexity of his expressive language and became more withdrawn. Over time, his hallucinations intensified, and his parents became increasingly fearful for his safety. Various antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications, steroids, and immunotherapy have been trialed with limited improvement of his symptoms.An extensive medical evaluation yielded the following:1. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain: dilated perivascular spaces.2. Urine organic acids: ketosis and increased lactic acid.3. Antinuclear antibody: minimally positive.4. Vitamin B12: elevated.All other studies, including lumbar puncture, electroencephalogram (awake and asleep), genetic studies (chromosomal microarray, fragile X testing, and whole exome sequencing), metabolic studies, inflammatory markers, and thyroid panel, were negative/normal.Nick is enrolled in a special education classroom within a school that utilizes an ABA-based approach for all students. As part of his educational programming, he receives 25 hours of ABA in a 1:1 setting, 2 hours of speech therapy, 3 hours of occupational therapy, 1 hour of physical therapy, and 30 minutes of music therapy weekly. Current concerns include significant head-banging and thrashing before falling asleep, hyperactivity, unsafe behaviors (e.g., banging on windows, climbing high to reach desired items), aggression toward caregivers, limited ability to complete self-care tasks (e.g., personal hygiene, toileting), significant decline in expressive language, and continued response to internal stimuli.Nick's parents now present to a multidisciplinary center seeking guidance regarding additional therapies/interventions to assist in management of his current developmental and behavioral challenges as well as information regarding his expected developmental trajectory as he reaches adulthood.

Clinical Overview of Sarcopenia, Frailty, and Malnutrition in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis.

Sarcopenia, frailty, and malnutrition in patients with liver cirrhosis are commonly observed and are associated with higher long-term mortality. Therefore, recognizing patients with increased nutritional risk and providing recommended interventions are essential in the long- and short-term management of cirrhosis, especially as alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease continues to rise. Various assessment tools are available to gauge frailty and malnutrition but are infrequently used. Given the global burden of liver cirrhosis, periodic screening for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty is desperately needed as it improves liver transplantation outcomes. Necessary steps include addressing knowledge gaps in professional healthcare workers and patients and using standardized assessment tools to counteract physical deconditioning as early as possible. One potential method for assessing sarcopenia involves using computed tomography to evaluate the skeletal muscle index. Regarding frailty, useful tools for longitudinal assessment include the liver frailty index and the Karnofsky performance status. Addressing educational requirements related to malnutrition involves seeking guidance from dieticians, who can provide counseling on achieving sufficient calorie and protein intake to combat the progression of malnutrition.

Orange grower's perception of drought impacts and strategies for mitigation and adaptation: A study of the Vidarbha region in India

Vidarbha, a region in Maharashtra, India, is famous for its sweet-sour-flavoured Nagpur Orange. Vidarbha is witnessing droughts after every alternate year resulting in crop failure and causing distress to orange growers. The present study attempts to – 1) identify critical challenges Vidarbha orange growers face during drought impact and 2) examine the farmers' perception and awareness about drought impacts, and different adaptation and mitigation strategies in practice at the farmer's level. This research used a field study approach in the drought-prone Vidarbha region to acquire orange farmers' perceptions of the drought impact. We have used a three-stage method to carry out this study. In the first stage, a Delphi method is adopted to identify and validate orange growers' challenges due to drought impact. The second stage comprises utilising multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM)-based best-worst method to prioritise and determine the most critical challenges. This is followed by descriptive statistical analysis in the third stage to determine the overall perception of orange growers about drought and its adaptation and mitigation strategies. It is observed through findings that – “inadequate water bodies, lack of availability of capital, and high cost of drip irrigation” are critical challenges orange growers witness during drought. While “installing an efficient irrigation system and pest control” are the adaptation strategies, and “seeking guidance from the agriculture department” and “reliance on weather forecast” are the mitigation strategies widely adopted by Nagpur orange growers to alleviate drought stress.

Did changing work and family demands during COVID-19 (de)motivate academic parents to craft sustainable careers?

Covid-19 has introduced many contextual changes into individuals' work and family lives, affecting their career sustainability. Although previous studies have provided evidence for these changes, little is known about how changing contextual demands (de)motivated them to take proactive initiatives for crafting sustainable careers. This study aims to explore how changing work and family demands of academic parents during Covid-19 affected their career sustainability indicators and career initiatives regarding health, happiness, and productivity. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 academic parents during the post-lockdown period of Covid-19 in Turkey. We analyzed the qualitative data by using content analysis via MAXQDA software. Results revealed differing career sustainability experiences and initiatives regarding gender roles, career stage, and work/family demands and resources. Notably, women academics with higher contextual demands and lower contextual resources and early-career academics reported relatively adverse experiences concerning their health, happiness, and productivity. Besides, even though early-career academics faced problems with sustaining their career development, they were relatively more oriented to engage in career initiatives, such as reorganizing developmental needs, improving career skills, and seeking career support and guidance. This study sheds light on the context, time, and person aspects of sustainable careers during Covid-19. Moreover, the study represents one of the first investigations into the proactive initiatives for crafting sustainable careers during the pandemic and provides a deeper insight into the (de)motivators for career proactivity.

Critical review of self-diagnosis of mental health conditions using artificial intelligence.

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised various aspects of our lives, including mental health nursing. AI-driven tools and applications have provided a convenient and accessible means for individuals to assess their mental well-being within the confines of their homes. Nonetheless, the widespread trend of self-diagnosing mental health conditions through AI poses considerable risks. This review article examines the perils associated with relying on AI for self-diagnosis in mental health, highlighting the constraints and possible adverse outcomes that can arise from such practices. It delves into the ethical, psychological, and social implications, underscoring the vital role of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and nursing specialists, in providing professional assistance and guidance. This article aims to highlight the importance of seeking professional assistance and guidance in addressing mental health concerns, especially in the era of AI-driven self-diagnosis.

‘Snapshot in time’: a cross-sectional study exploring stakeholder experiences with environmental scans in health services delivery research

ObjectiveTo describe stakeholder characteristics and perspectives about experiences, challenges and information needs related to the use of environmental scans (ESs).DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and participantsA web-based survey platform was used to disseminate...

Using ChatGPT to promote research competency: English as a Foreign Language undergraduates' perceptions and practices across varied metacognitive awareness levels

AbstractBackgroundIntroducing new technologies in education sparks debates, disrupting traditional practices, and requiring teacher adaptation. ChatGPT is an example. Research explores its benefits and concerns in education, with recommendations for classroom use. Nevertheless, limited evidence supports ChatGPT as a tool for supporting English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' research competency. Moreover, while the literature primarily focuses on the perspectives of scholars and teachers, it is essential to incorporate students' viewpoints in order to maximize the potential of this technology.ObjectivesThe present study investigated EFL undergraduates' perceptions and practices of ChatGPT as a tool for promoting their research competency. Additionally, the study examined the potential influence of metacognitive awareness (MA) levels in this context.MethodsThe study utilized a mixed‐method research design, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 27 EFL undergraduates (12 with low MA and 15 with high MA) over one semester. Data sources included a self‐report questionnaire, self‐study log, and semi‐structured interviews.Results and conclusionsQuantitative analysis showed significant differences between low and high MA groups in their perceptions of ChatGPT (U = 37.500, Z = 2.570). Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between MA scores and students' perceptions and practices of ChatGPT. Qualitative analysis revealed diverse perceptions and practices of ChatGPT between the high MA and low MA groups, showcasing behaviours ranging from replication to using ChatGPT as a thought‐stimulating and supportive tool, accessing supplementary information, and seeking guidance. Key factors for effective ChatGPT use included prompt formulation, systematic thinking, self‐regulation strategies, and trust in AI.

Rainbow Serpents and Boiling Springs: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Fight for Groundwater in the United States and Australia

Around the world, Indigenous people are preparing for futures of climate uncertainty and resource shortages. Indigenous communities are looking to the past and seeking guidance from their traditions – diverse systems of knowledge that change over time – so that they and future generations might nurture connections to the “deep time” of geological and human histories. In this essay we examine how the Wangan and Jagalingou Family Council in Australia and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in the United States have taken long-term views on ecological sustainability and sovereignty. We focus on these two Indigenous communities on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean because they are among the highest-profile battles over ancient groundwater in the past decade. Set against a backdrop of global settler state interference and exploitative economic practices, both cases reveal how the concept of kinscapes – or a shared sense of relatedness to interconnected ecosystems, histories, and places (or nodes) of belonging – can sharpen our understanding of environmental stewardship and its importance to Indigenous sovereignty. Whereas mining corporations and settler governments continue to make decisions with short- to medium-term objectives in mind, Wangan and Jagalingou and Agua Caliente leaders have used legal battles over groundwater to underscore their spiritual and physical connectedness with local environments. Like Indigenous communities around the world, the Wangan and Jagalingou Family Council and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians are making ontological choices by asserting their sovereignty through environmental stewardship.

Stitching Narratives: Poetic Autoethnography of Black Women’s Mentorship in Academia

This study utilizes collaborative poetic autoethnography to explore the mentorship experiences of three Black women doctoral students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Through a series of poems, the research illustrates the nuanced challenges and resilience in seeking guidance within spaces that often marginalize their voices. This writing centers intersectionality as a theoretical framework, illuminating the complex dynamics of identity as they intersect with academia. The poetic narratives serve as a way for expressing the lived realities of these students, highlighting the lack of Black women mentors and the consequent need to navigate a system not built with them in mind. The study calls for a reimagined mentorship that is acutely responsive to the multifaceted identities of Black women in academia, advocating for increased representation and intentional support.

Culture Shock in Higher Education: Experiences of Freshmen in Two English Education Departments

The transition from high schooling to higher education often triggers culture shock among newcomers, particularly those majoring in English education. This study aims to investigate the nature of culture shock experienced by freshmen majoring in English and their coping mechanisms. The study includes four participants—two males and two females—from the English Education Department of two different universities in Pekalongan. Employing a narrative approach, the research unveiled five categories of culture shock: course load, teaching methodologies, learning resources, assignment frequency, and self-confidence. The study also found eight strategies employed by these students to navigate culture shock: personalized learning approaches, embracing mistakes confidently, seeking guidance from seniors, practicing self-disclosure, approaching lecturers for assistance, understanding the education system, refraining from comparisons with peers, and fostering relationships and friendships. These findings offer valuable insights to assist new students in mitigating negative culture shock, while pursuing their English studies. However, due to the contextual limitations, which many not apply to other educational settings, future studies should explore diverse academic backgrounds.

Exploring the Dynamics of Student Perception of Administrative and Support Services in Higher Education

This research provides a comprehensive understanding of international students' experiences in Philippine HEIs, offering valuable insights for institutions to enhance administrative services and support mechanisms for this diverse demographic. This mixed-methods study delved into the dynamics of international students' experiences in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, with focus on visa application, admission, enrolment, instructional delivery, awareness of support services, satisfaction levels, and coping mechanisms. Drawing insights from 234 international students across two universities in Baguio City, the findings underscore the positive perceptions of students in critical areas. Notably, the visa application, admission, enrolment efficiency, and instructional delivery all received strong agreement, indicating a high level of satisfaction among the international student population. A nuanced awareness pattern emerges, with a notable discrepancy between traditional support services (such as library materials and medical services) and online services (including networking events and free campus internet). While the overall satisfaction with support services is evident, the dissatisfaction with free campus internet services stands out as a specific concern. The findings indicate a diversity of strategies, from self-care and positive reframing to engagement with social media and seeking guidance from teachers and school counsellors used as coping strategies utilized by students. However, the prevalence of entertainment-focused coping mechanisms, such as watching movies and television, signals the importance of a holistic approach to student well-being beyond academic support. Institutions are recommended to focus on refining communication strategies for online services and addressing specific concerns raised by students. Additionally, fostering a supportive environment that recognizes and accommodates the diverse needs of international students is crucial.