Senior High School Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Information on Their Health in the Kumasi Metropolis

The study examines senior high school students' understanding and attitudes toward information on their health in the Kumasi Metropolis. Multiple sampling techniques (convenient and simple random sampling techniques) were used in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 391 respondents for the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the sociodemographic data. Again, the study used Pearson's correlation coefficient to show the degree of relationship between the level of knowledge of health information and attitudes toward seeking and sharing health information. The study found students' knowledge of the causes and symptoms of malaria, cholera, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) to be appreciably high as a result of readings from textbooks and health professionals. Again, the study found that the students preferred sharing their health information with friends than their parents and schools' authorities. The study further found that the major sources of students' health information included health professionals and textbooks. Lastly, even though some of the students claimed internet sources to their health information, it was not a major source to the student body at large. The study recommends strong health systems on the campuses of senior high schools as they have become communities on their own as a result of the emergence of the free senior high school program. The monitored positive peer-counseling group should also be encouraged by the schools' management and by extension the counseling units for the students to share views on themselves, particularly on health issues where they deem fit.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN FAMILY SUPPORT AND ADOLESCENT'S COMPLIANCE IN JOINING THE INTEGRATED SERVICE POST PROGRAM FOR FAMILY (POSYANDU KELUARGA) AROUND THE WORK AREA OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE OF AIKMEL

Adolescence is a transition period recognized from physical, emotional, and psychological changes happening between 10-19 years of age. Teenagers’ health problems certainly need comprehensive and integrated treatment given through IEC, counseling, peer counseling, clinical/medical services, and referrals, including the Integrated Service Post program as a form of community participation in health services. Therefore, the integrated-service-post program should be able to expand its service range; not only for toddlers, pregnant and breast-feeding women, but also other strategic targets such as teenagers and the elderly. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between family support and adolescent compliance in joining the family posyandu around the working area of the Public Health Center of Aikmel.This research was a descriptive correlation study using an observational approach. The population of this study was 399 teenagers and the samples were 134 drawn using systematic cluster sampling. A questionnaire was used to measure family support and observation sheets were used to find out adolescent compliance in joining the program. The data were then analyzed using the chi-square test.The results showed that the highest participation was shown by teenagers between 12-16 years of aged (70.1%) and the lowest participation was performed by adolescents aged 17-25 years (29.0%). Additionally, based on gender, girls participated more than boys (the participation of girls was 53%). Moreover, the result showed that the higher the education, the higher the family support. Finally, the levels of compliance were 53.7% (compliant) and 56.3% (non-compliant). The statistical test showed that ρ value = 0.009 (ρ < 0.05).Therefore, it can be concluded that there was a significant correlation between family support and adolescent compliance in joining the Integrated Service Post program for families around the working area of the Public Health Center of Aikmel. Hopefully, paramedics/cadres can provide counseling about the importance of family support to increase teenagers’ compliance in joining the program.

Challenging and Changing Lives: The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Peer Counseling Program, a Model for Tertiary Institutions

This paper is about the KNUST Peer Counsellors Program (KPC); an initiative of the KNUST Counselling Center (KCC). Over the years, the number of Peer Counsellors has increased. Students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have likewise increased. The aim of the paper was basically to examine the impact of the peer counselling experience on the students who volunteer to be trained and serve as Peer Counsellors. To the best of our knowledge, no study as yet has examined impact of peer counselling among university students in Ghana. Yet, we believe it is a program worth further exploration and development to equip the youth with altruistic values. Reports from the Peer Counsellors affirm the positive impact of the experience on their lives as young people. It projects a viable developmental pathway, career wise, for some of them aside the promotion of own and others wellbeing. Administrative and functional structure of the KPC is described in the paper and recommended as a program for other tertiary institutions to augment formation and education of students. Citation:Owusu-Ansah, F. E., Peasah, O. S. B., De-Graft Adjei, V., Jantuah, S. and Hackman, J. (2021). Challenging and Changing Lives: The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Peer Counseling Program, a Model for Tertiary Institutions. International Journal of Technology and Management Research (IJTMR), Vol. 6 (2): Pp.73-80. Received: January 3, 2021Accepted: September 1, 2021

PEER COUNSELING TRAINING AS A METHOD OF SEXUAL HEALTH PROMOTION IN ADOLESCENTS

ABSTRACT One characteristic of adolescents is their tendency to share information, tell stories, and gather with their peers. They may experience the negative effects of these habits when they do not have adequate life skills, especially in terms of sexuality. On the other hand, these activities present an opportunity for health promotion through peer-based approaches or peer counseling. The goal is to know the effects of peer counseling methods as media of information to increase adolescents’ knowledge and attitude regarding sexual problems. The study used a quasi-experimental approach with a nonequivalent control group design. The sample consisted of 17 respondents between 15-24 years old living in Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected with the purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. The results showed that there was a difference in the average knowledge level (p = 0.021) and attitudes (p = 0.000) of respondents related to sexuality before and after receiving peer counseling training. Methods and media used in delivering health information to adolescents should be diversified in schools, in the community, and in health services to generate interest in accessing and heeding appropriate health information. Keywords: peer counseling, sexuality, adolescents, health promotion

Episodic memories of wilderness experiences foster sustainable leadership style transformation

PurposeThis research evaluates (1) work situations prompting participants to recall memories of a wilderness-based leadership training program, (2) the content of such memories, and (3) the leadership attitudes and behaviors inspired by those memories.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews was performed with 36 leaders who had participated in a wilderness leadership transformation program in the past (on average six years before).FindingsThe findings suggest that, at moments with emotional pressure and psychological stress, episodic memories of wilderness experiences have a positive influence on actual leadership style. Memories involved moments of solitude, a deep connection with nature, and peer-to-peer counseling. The interviewees regularly relived their emotion-laden wilderness experiences, acquiring direction and guidance. Simultaneously, episodic memories of nature immersion promoted an enduring transformation of their leadership styles.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings cannot be blindly generalized as referring to all leaders. The leaders in this study are a subset of leaders who are inclined towards personal growth and leadership development. It is challenging to motivate leaders unkeen on changing to achieve better leadership.Practical implicationsThis study indicates that the inclusion of emotional concepts to address the root causes of learning among leaders might be the most promising way to innovate leadership development.Originality/valueThe present study makes a novel contribution to relevant literature by examining leadership transformation through episodic remembrance of leaders' experiences in nature.

PELATIHAN KONSELOR SEBAYA PADA SISWA KELAS XI SMAN 1 WONOGIRI MENGGUNAKAN ZOOM MEETING DI ERA PANDEMI COVID-19

<p><strong><em>Abstract.</em></strong> <em>The purpose of peer counselor training activities for class XI students of SMAN 1 Wonogiri using a zoom meeting in the Covid-19 pandemic era is to provide information about peer counselors and provide peer counselor skills to students at SMAN 1 Wonogiri. This training also provides information on guidance and counseling services, increases the ability to become peer counselors, and makes peer counselors an extension of counseling services in schools to help solve peer problems. Peer counselor training were carried out in 4 stages. Phase 1, by sharing and questioning, several training participants were asked to share their experiences while receiving guidance and counseling services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Stage 2 is the provision of material about peer counselors. The material is delivered in the form of lectures on peer counselor materials, discussions, provides examples of peer counselor activities through videos and carries out practices in the form of role-playing as a counselor and counselee. Stage 3 is the practice and implementation of peer counselor guidance and stage 4 is to evaluate the results of the peer counselor practice. The results of peer counselor training include improving the image of counseling guidance services through peer counseling activities, providing interpersonal skills to students, increasing knowledge and skills to become peer counselors so that students can become partners for guidance and counseling teachers.</em></p><p> </p><p><strong><em> </em></strong></p><p><strong>Abstrak.</strong> <em>Tujuan dari kegiatan pelatihan konselor sebaya pada siswa kelas XI SMAN 1 Wonogiri menggunakan zoom meeting di era pandemi covid-19 adalah memberikan informasi mengenai konselor sebaya dan memberikan ketrampilan konselor sebaya kepada siswa di SMAN 1 Wonogiri. Pelatihan ini juga memberikan informasi mengenai layanan bimbingan dan konseling, meningkatkan kemampuan menjadi konselor sebaya, dan menjadikan konselor sebaya sebagai perpanjang tangan layanan BK di sekolah untuk membantu memecahkan permasalahan teman sebaya. Pelatihan konselor sebaya dilaksanakan dalam 4 tahap. Tahap 1 dengan dengan sharing dan tanya jawab beberapa peserta pelatihan diminta untuk menyampaikan pengalaman selama menerima layanan bimbingan dan konseling di masa pandemi covid-19. Tahap 2 yaitu pemberian materi mengenai konselor sebaya. Materi disampaikan dalam bentuk ceramah mengenai materi konselor sebaya, diskusi, memberikan contoh kegiatan konselor sebaya melalui video dan melaksanakan praktik dalam bentuk role-playing sebagai konselor dan konseli. Tahap 3 yaitu praktik dan pendampingan pelaksanaan konselor sebaya dan tahap 4 yaitu mengevaluasi hasil dari praktik konselor sebaya. Hasil kegiatan pelatihan konselor sebaya antara lain meningkatkan citra layanan bimbingan konseling melalui kegiatan konseling sebaya, memberikan ketrampilan interpersonal kepada siswa, menambah pengetahuan dan keterampilan menjadi konselor sebaya sehingga siswa dapat menjadi partner guru bimbingan dan konseling.</em></p><p> </p><div id="gtx-trans" style="position: absolute; left: 28px; top: 565px;"> </div>

Effectiveness of peer counseling and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors in the Philippines

Background The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months remain low in the Philippines. To help meet the 90% early initiation of breastfeeding target and to improve infant and young child feeding practices in the Philippines, the Millennium Development Goals - Fund 2030 Joint Programme (JP) on Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0–24 months old was implemented. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of visits by peer counselors during pregnancy and after delivery, and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting these optimal breastfeeding practices. Methods We used data from the Endline Survey of the JP to study the effects of prenatal and postnatal peer counselor visits, and membership in breastfeeding support groups, and their possible interactions with initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth among children aged 0 to 24 months and EBF at 6 months among children aged 6 to 24 months, while adjusting for confounding. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to assess these associations. Results Of the 2343 mother-infant pairs, only 1500 (63.1%) practiced early initiation of breastfeeding. Of the 1865 children aged 6 months or older, only 621 (34.7%) were exclusively breastfed at 6 months. After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no strong evidence that peer counselor visits were associated with early initiation or EBF at 6 months. However, members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.49 times higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding (95% CI [Confidence Interval] 1.12, 1.98) and 1.65 times higher odds of EBF (95% CI 1.20, 2.24) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups. There was no interaction between the different exposure variables and early initiation and EBF at 6 months. Conclusions Our findings suggest breastfeeding support groups may be institutionalized to promote both early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF in the Philippines, while the role of peer counselors in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors should be further reviewed. Our suggestion to integrate non-healthcare professionals to promote early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF could be tested in future intervention studies.

Characteristics and Interventions of Bullying Behavior of Teenagers under the Background of Informatization

With the rapid development of industrialization and informatization, the significant improvement of human civilization, people pay much more attention to education and mental health, especially the mental health of teenagers. In recent years, the impact of campus bullying on adolescents' physical and mental health has aroused widespread social concern. A self-designed questionnaire is used to investigate 392 teenagers in the research. The characteristics and related factors of bullying and being bullied of student among three grades areexplored, and targeted intervention measures are explored. The result shows that compared with senior students, junior students are more involved in bullying behavior. Bullying behavioris closely related to class factors: bullying behavior often starts from classmates, and occurs mostly in classrooms. Interpersonal relationship, affection to the class is negatively correlated with the frequency of bullying and being bullied. A multi-level intervention system of "school, class and individual" need to develop mainly by prophase prevention, class construction and peer counseling.

Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Experiences Among Low-Income Women in the US: A Qualitative Evaluation

Objectives Positive experiences with breastfeeding counseling is a key, but often overlooked aspect of high-quality, person-centered, and equitable breastfeeding services. We explored the experiences of women enrolled in the Breastfeeding Heritage and Pride program (BHP), an evidence-based breastfeeding peer counseling program serving predominately low-income minority women in Connecticut and Massachusetts throughout pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 28 women receiving counseling from BHP peer counselors, community health workers who have successfully breastfed and completed specialized training on lactation management. Women were asked to describe their experiences with BHP and to share examples of when good quality counseling was and/or was not provided. Each interview was conducted in the woman's preferred language (English or Spanish), audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and findings were organized according to the World Health Organization quality of care framework for maternal and newborn health, which describes three domains important for promoting positive experiences: effective communication; respect and dignity; and emotional support. Results Peer counselors were described as “friendly,” “warm,” and “genuine” in their interactions, which encouraged open communication. Peer counselors provided timely, credible breastfeeding information and used everyday words that facilitated understanding. Women appreciated that peer counselors respected their infant feeding decisions, including choices to supplement breast milk with infant formula or stop breastfeeding, and did not raise their voices, use rude language, or make judgmental comments that would constitute “mom shaming.” Women felt peer counselors gave them the “strength” to continue breastfeeding through consistent encouragement, especially when they lacked support from friends and family. Conclusions Positive experiences with BHP were valued by women and empowered them to meet their breastfeeding goals, suggesting that efforts to expand access to high-quality breastfeeding peer counseling should measure and promote positive breastfeeding counseling experiences. Funding Sources NIH/NHLBI; CDC; W.K. Kellogg Foundation.