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Engaging with people living with HIV: challenges experienced by Malaysian counsellors

Tuan Abdullah TN, Mat Min R

AIDS Care, 2021 06;33(6):795-800.
PMID: 32338043 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1757024

People living with HIV (PLHIV) suffer from mental issues and need emotional support. Counselling is a part of HIV and AIDS care and management, and provides emotional support to PLHIV. Knowledge about HIV and AIDS care and management is not part of the counselling training curriculum in Malaysia. This study aims to explore the challenges experienced by registered counsellors who engage in counselling sessions with PLHIV. A total of five counsellors participated in this qualitative research. Data were gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews, and each of the interviews was conducted within one and half hours. Each of the participants was interviewed three times. The interviews were audio-recorded with the consent of the participants. The emergent themes were further explored in subsequent interviews until thematic saturation was reached, and data were analysed based on the grounded theory approach. The findings showed that lack of knowledge, limited training, and stigma among the registered counsellors contributed to resistance and poor trust among the PLHIV. Knowledge concerning the care and management of HIV and AIDS can be incorporated in a counselling training programme, and ongoing training related to HIV and AIDS are required.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors*
Fulltext Global trends and themes in genetic counseling research

Zakaria WNA, Yoon SY, Wijaya A, Ahmad AH, Zakaria R, Othman Z

Eur J Hum Genet, 2023 Oct;31(10):1181-1184.
PMID: 37142766 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01371-3

This article seeks to highlight the most recent trends and themes in genetic counseling that are of broad interest. A total of 3505 documents were published between 1952 and 2021, with a trend toward increase in paper/year. The most common documents are original articles (2515, 71.8%), followed by review articles (341, 9.7%). Journal of Genetic Counseling publishes the highest number of genetic counseling articles (587, 16.7%), followed by Clinical Genetics (103, 2.9%) and the South American Journal of Medical Genetics (95, 2.7%). Co-occurrence analysis revealed five research themes: genetic testing, cancer, genetic counselor, prenatal diagnosis, and psychiatry. The genetic counselor theme contained most of the recent keywords, including "covid-19," "underrepresented population," "service delivery models," "workforce," "disparities," "service delivery," "professional development," "cultural competence," "access," "diversity," "telemedicine," and "health literacy." Genetic counseling researchers may use these keywords to find topics pertinent to their future research and practice.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors*
Fulltext Organization as a support system among revert clients in Malaysia

Samsiah Jayos, Faizah Abd Ghani, Lokman Mohd Tahir, Kamarul Azmi Jasmi, Nur Fatihah Abdullah Bandar

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2017;3(1):41-46.
MyJurnal

It is significant for the reverts to have an existing helping organization. Therefore, this study aims to identify organizational issues that are directly and indirectly involved with counsellors at the Council of Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. This study utilizes a qualitative approach by using the case study method. This study involved five (5) counsellors from Council of Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. This study used the N'Vivo 10.0 for the data analysis to develop themes and sub-themes that related to this study. The findings showed that there are two (2) sub themes involved both government and non-government. There are six (6) sub-sub themes for the government which are Jabatan Agama Islam, Jabatan Mufti, Pusat Dakwah Islamiah, Pusat Kaunseling MAINS Negeri Sembilan, Jabatan Kehakiman and Baitulmal. While, non-government has ten (10) sub-sub themes; Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia, Unit Saudara Baru, Unit Ukhuwah, Pusat Saudara Baru Darul Saadah, Darul Ukhuwah Yayasan Kasih Sayang, Volunteer Body, Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM), PERKAMA and Skuad Mubaligh Seremban. In conclusion, this study could be used as a guide for counsellors to provide guidance and counselling services to revert clients.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext The Global State of the Genetic Counseling Profession

Abacan M, Alsubaie L, Barlow-Stewart K, Caanen B, Cordier C, Courtney E, et al.

Eur J Hum Genet, 2019 Feb;27(2):183-197.
PMID: 30291341 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0252-x

The profession of genetic counseling (also called genetic counselling in many countries) began nearly 50 years ago in the United States, and has grown internationally in the past 30 years. While there have been many papers describing the profession of genetic counseling in individual countries or regions, data remains incomplete and has been published in diverse journals with limited access. As a result of the 2016 Transnational Alliance of Genetic Counseling (TAGC) conference in Barcelona, Spain, and the 2017 World Congress of Genetic Counselling in the UK, we endeavor to describe as fully as possible the global state of genetic counseling as a profession. We estimate that in 2018 there are nearly 7000 genetic counselors with the profession established or developing in no less than 28 countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors/education; Counselors/standards; Counselors/statistics & numerical data*
Incorporating Islamic Creed into Islamic Counselling Process: A Guideline to Counsellors

Zakaria N, Mat Akhir NS

J Relig Health, 2019 Jun;58(3):926-936.
PMID: 29110206 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0516-8

This article is a concept paper that reviewed the main principles of Islamic creed (aqīdah) related to counselling. Islamic creed has been regarded as the root of Islam; thus, it should be the fundamental composition of Islamic counselling. The objectives of this review are to demonstrate the relationship between counselling and Islamic creed and to establish a guideline for the practitioners of Islamic counselling when consulting with their clients in matters related to creed. The review was conducted by suggesting methods to incorporate Islamic creed into three stages of counselling process. The major references for this review were the verses in the Qurān, the Prophet Tradition (hadith) and literatures on Islamic counselling. This review revealed that there is a strong relationship between counselling and Islamic creed and there are six aspects of Islamic creed associated to counselling that should be observed by the Islamic counselling practitioners.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors*
Training in clinical genetics and genetic counseling in Asia

Cutiongco-de la Paz EM, Chung BH, Faradz SMH, Thong MK, David-Padilla C, Lai PS, et al.

Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet, 2019 06;181(2):177-186.
PMID: 31037827 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31703

The status of training in clinical genetics and genetic counseling in Asia is at diverse stages of development and maturity. Most of the training programs are in academic training centers where exposure to patients in the clinics or in the hospital is a major component. This setting provides trainees with knowledge and skills to be competent geneticists and genetic counselors in a variety of patient care interactions. Majority of the training programs combine clinical and research training which provide trainees a broad and integrated approach in the diagnosis and management of patients while providing opportunities for research discoveries that can be translated to better patient care. The background on how the training programs in clinical genetics and genetic counseling in Asia evolved to their current status are described. Each of these countries can learn from each other through sharing of best practices and resources.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext Islamic counseling approach by abdullah nasih ulwan for preventing aggressive behaviour among school students

Noraniza Mohd Nor, Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah, Siti Nur Hadis A Rahman

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(7):1-10.
MyJurnal

The issue of aggressive behaviour is often the subject of serious discussion amongst discipline teachers and school counselors. From the Islamic perspective, aggressive behaviour is caused by the lack of Islamic values in aspects of student interaction at schools. Thus, the readiness of discipline teachers and school counselors to tap into the skills and knowledge of counseling using the Islamic approach is crucial in realizing the outlined educational development plan. This concept paper aims to enhance the effectiveness of Islamic counseling based on Abdullah Nasih Ulwan’s views in addressing aggressive behaviour among school students. The methodology of the study is in the form of literature reviews by examining books, journals and previous studies related to the topic of discussion. The study has found that there are 4 ways of dealing with aggressive behaviours among secondary school students based on Abdullah Nasih Ulwan’s view which are the responsibility of faith education, the responsibility of educating the mind, the responsibility of educating the mind awareness and the responsibility of educating the soul. The guidelines above should be utilized by school counselors in handling the issue of aggressive behaviours amongst school students.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
A Report on Ten Asia Pacific Countries on Current Status and Future Directions of the Genetic Counseling Profession: The Establishment of the Professional Society of Genetic Counselors in Asia

Laurino MY, Leppig KA, Abad PJ, Cham B, Chu YWY, Kejriwal S, et al.

J Genet Couns, 2018 02;27(1):21-32.
PMID: 28699126 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0115-6

The Professional Society of Genetic Counselors in Asia (PSGCA) was recently established as a special interest group of the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics. Fostering partnerships across the globe, the PSGCA's vision is to be the lead organization that advances and mainstreams the genetic counseling profession in Asia and ensures individuals have access to genetic counseling services. Its mission is to promote quality genetic counseling services in the region by enhancing practice and curricular standards, research and continuing education. The PSGCA was formally launched during the Genetic Counseling Pre-Conference Workshop held at the 11th Asia-Pacific Conference on Human Genetics in Hanoi, Viet Nam, September 16, 2015. The pre-conference workshop provided an opportunity for medical geneticists and genetic counselors from across 10 Asia Pacific countries to learn about the varied genetic counseling practices and strategies for genetic counseling training. This paper provides an overview of the current status and challenges in these countries, and proposed course of unified actions for the future of the genetic counseling profession.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors/trends*
Fulltext Exploration on perceptions of suicidal ideation among students of higher education

Jusnani, Embing

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2020;6(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

One of the world's leading causes of death among teenagers aged 15-29 is suicide. Students of higher institutions also involved in the specific group that was reported to have a high level of suicidal ideation. Thus, in order to overcome this issue, all factors that influence suicidal ideation should be identified. This article is intended to identify the factor that influences suicidal ideation among higher learning education students based on their perceptions. This study was conducted using a qualitative method using semi-structured interview questions to explore participants’ perceptions towards suicidal ideation among students of higher learning institutions. As for data collection method, two focus group discussions were identified as main instrument. The findings show that factors identified to influence the existence of suicidal ideation among students of higher learning institutions can be categorized into two categories, external factors, and internal factors. These factors are peer pressure, pressure from society, social media influences, family factors, financial factors, intrapersonal and individual interpersonal factors, and low self-esteem factor. This study also found that counsellors and other professional bodies such as psychologists were not the choices of participants to express a problem that led to their suicidal ideation.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext Student, Teacher, and School Counselor Perceptions of National School Uniforms in Malaysia

Woo JM, Tam CL, Bonn GB, Tagg B

Front Psychol, 2020;11:1871.
PMID: 32849098 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01871

The national school uniform remained a requirement for all primary and secondary school students in Malaysia since its first introduction by the British missionaries in the nineteenth century. Although it is commonly thought that wearing uniforms improve cohesion among students, little research has been done to investigate the perception of national school uniforms and perceived cohesion among Malaysian students. The aim of the current study is to explore the experiences of former students, teachers and school counselors in relation to Malaysia's national school uniform policy, their influence on student life, and their relationship to school and national cohesion. Three studies were conducted. In Study 1, Malaysian secondary school graduates (N = 192) completed a self-report questionnaire with close and open-ended questions. In Study 2 and study 3, secondary school teachers (N = 10) and school counselors (N = 6) participated in semi-structured interviews, respectively. Although students felt the uniforms were unattractive, they had neutral to somewhat positive feelings about them overall. They did not report greater school cohesion or national identity related to uniforms but did report that uniforms lessened the importance of socioeconomic and other differences. Teachers and counselors reported similar views; they did not perceive much influence on national or school identity but did see advantages in terms of discipline and the lessening of student inequality. Generally, teachers and counselors were in favor of school uniforms but some suggested that uniform designs could be more culturally inclusive, particularly in regard to Muslim and non-Muslim students. Limitations of using non-representative sampling and future direction for Malaysian school uniforms were discussed. This study highlights the important characteristics that should be taken into consideration by educators and policymakers for future improvement of the national school uniform policy in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext Assessment of Medication Adherence in Saudi Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Khobar City, Saudi Arabia

AlQarni K, AlQarni EA, Naqvi AA, AlShayban DM, Ghori SA, Haseeb A, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2019;10:1306.
PMID: 31787894 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01306

Objective: Medication adherence is defined as taking medications as advised and prescribed by health care professionals for stated duration. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to document medication adherence in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi out-patients with type 2 DM in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The study used the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) to document medication adherence in this population. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23. Study was ethically approved. Results: Data was collected from 212 patients. Few patients (35.8%) had high adherence to anti diabetic medications. The correlation between HbA1c level and adherence score was negative and significantly strong (ρ = -0.413, p < 0.0001). Most patients (N = 126, 59.4%) modified their medication therapy during month of Ramadan and on Eid occassion. Education level was not a determinant of adherence in this population. Conclusion: This study highlighted that medication adherence is influenced by religious and social factors. Patient counseling is required to improve patient beliefs and increase awareness of adhering to prescribed anti diabetic pharmacotherapy. A pharmacist can play constructive role of a disease educator and patient counselor.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext Breastfeeding videos as a new training tool for Malaysian breastfeeding peer counsellor program in empowering breastfeeding communities

Ezura Madiana Md Monoto, Nor Kamariah Mohamad Alwi

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(101):59-63.
MyJurnal

The Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counsellors (MBFPC) is the pioneer of non-governmental organization (NGO) of trained breastfeeding peer counsellors in Malaysia initiated in 2010. The training was done in a systematic way using a developed syllabus that was adapted from and endorsed by the La Leche League International (LLLI) to suit our local population. Training materials used throughout the program were presentation slides, demonstration tools, mantas and role-plays. Materials and methods: In 2015, MBFPC partnered with Global Health Media Project (GHMP) to incorporate breastfeeding videos as training tool to further enhance the delivery of current breastfeeding peer counsellor trainings to the participants, emphasizing on helping breastfeeding mothers. The new training tool was evaluated in 38 participants, who underwent 21 hours of training. Participants were required to do pre and post-assessments to complete the MBFPC Modules, view 8 videos and do practical sessions within a 2 month period post training. Participants’ field experience survey and focus group discussions were conducted among the participants and the trainers to look at the practicality of the videos in our training. Results: All participants felt that the videos made the training more effective and helped change their understanding and approach. The trainers agreed that the videos had covered all key topics need to be delivered in the training modules and helped them to deliver most important topics in helping breastfeeding mothers in a more practical way. Conclusion: GHMP Breastfeeding Videos are suitable as educational and training tools in helping breastfeeding mothers in our training.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext The effectiveness of group dietary counselling among non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients in resettlement scheme areas in Malaysia

Talib R, Ali O, Arshad F, Kadir KA

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1997 Jun;6(2):84-7.
PMID: 24394705

A study was undertaken in FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) resettlement scheme areas in Pahang, Malaysia, to determine the effectiveness of group dietary counselling in motivating diabetic patients to achieve good dietary habits, and weight and diabetes control. Sixty-one non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received six sessions of group dietary counselling over 5 months and the control group received mass media diabetes-educational program during the same period. The one hour group dietary counselling sessions discussed general knowledge of diabetes, food groups for meal planning, the importance of dietary fibre-rich foods, types of fat in food, exercise and weight control. The experimental group met monthly with a dietitian as a counsellor. Effectiveness was assessed by improvement in food choice, and decline in percentage glycated haemoglobin (total HbA1) or body mass index (BMI). Measurements were made at a baseline visit, every two months during the six month program, and six months afterwards. Patients in the experimental group improved their food choices, resulting in a healthier diet high in unrefined carbohydrates and dietary fibre rich foods, and low in fat. There were significant reductions of their percentage total HbA1 levels and BMI following the counselling sessions, which decreased further six months after the program compared with patients in the control group. Thus group dietary counselling is effective in motivating NIDDM patients to achieve better food choice, and related weight and glycaemic control in a Malaysian setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext Social and communicative functions of informed consent forms in East Asia and beyond

Yoshizawa G, Sasongko TH, Ho CH, Kato K

Front Genet, 2017;8:99.
PMID: 28775738 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00099

The recent research and technology development in medical genomics has raised new issues that are profoundly different from those encountered in traditional clinical research for which informed consent was developed. Global initiatives for international collaboration and public participation in genomics research now face an increasing demand for new forms of informed consent which reflect local contexts. This article analyzes informed consent forms (ICFs) for genomic research formulated by four selected research programs and institutes in East Asia - the Medical Genome Science Program in Japan, Universiti Sains Malaysia Human Research Ethics Committee in Malaysia, and the Taiwan Biobank and the Taipei Medical University- Joint Institutional Review Board in Taiwan. The comparative text analysis highlights East Asian contexts as distinct from other regions by identifying communicative and social functions of consent forms. The communicative functions include re-contact options and offering interactive support for research participants, and setting opportunities for family or community engagement in the consent process. This implies that informed consent cannot be validated solely with the completion of a consent form at the initial stage of the research, and informed consent templates can facilitate interactions between researchers and participants through (even before and after) the research process. The social functions consist of informing participants of possible social risks that include genetic discrimination, sample and data sharing, and highlighting the role of ethics committees. Although international ethics harmonization and the subsequent coordination of consent forms may be necessary to maintain the quality and consistency of consent process for data-intensive international research, it is also worth paying more attention to the local values and different settings that exist where research participants are situated for research in medical genomics. More than simply tools to gain consent from research participants, ICFs function rather as a device of social communication between research communities and civic communities in liaison with intermediary agents like ethics committees, genetic counselors, and public biobanks and databases.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors
Fulltext Understanding Female Students' Needs to Develop Health Promoting School Programme: An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis

Rakhshani F, Moghaddam AA, Shahraki-Sanavi F, Mohammadi M, Fakhrerahimi S

Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Mar;25(2):82-94.
PMID: 30918458 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.2.9

Background: This study was carried out on Iranian female adolescents to understand health needs for the purpose of designing health promoting intervention in schools.
Methods: In this exploratory qualitative study, two focus group discussion (15 teachers) and 30 individual in-depth interviews were conducted among female adolescents in the eighth grade in Zahedan, Iran. Qualitative content analysis was used for data evaluation.
Results: The views of students and teachers demonstrated nine of needs including: informing students about the schools' health project aims, education and training all dimensions of health with an emphasis on mental health, use of experts in various fields for education from other organisations, employing capable and trusted counselors in schools, utilisation of a variety of teaching methods, activating reward systems for encouraging students' participation in group activities, teaching communication and the ability to establish good relationships with parents and strategies for resolving family conflict, teaching parents and students high-risk behaviours and strategies for handling them as well as reforming wrong attitudes and indigenous sub-culture.
Conclusion: This study found the different needs of Iranian female students compared to other cultures about a health promoting school programme. Therefore, their contribution can provide an insight for formulating policies and intervention in schools.

Matched MeSH terms: Counselors

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