UNASSIGNED: Uterine and Cervical cancer survivors face challenges like the disruption of emotional and sexual relationships, struggle to maintain sexual life and intimacy, and the possibility of divorce. The study aimed to determine the effect of group counseling based on couples\' constructive communication on perceived spousal support in uterine and cervical cancer survivors.
UNASSIGNED: A randomized controlled trial on 40 women who survived uterine and cervical cancer were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly allocated to a couple-based constructive communication intervention group and a routine cancer center care control group from June 2019 to March 2020 in Motahhari and Imam Khomeini hospitals in Urmia. The intervention group was involved in a group counseling session weekly for 5 weeks, regarding constructive couple communication skills. Perceived spouse support was assessed using the sources of social support scale which has 4 subscales informational, instrumental, emotional, and negative support before and one week after the end of the intervention in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 through Independent and paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon, chi-square, and ANCOVA. P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
UNASSIGNED: The effect of the intervention was statistically significant in reducing negative support in the intervention group (2.70±0.80) in comparison with the control group (3.40±1.04) (P=0.03). It was also statistically significant in increasing informational support (3.45±0.71 vs. 2.15±0.80, P<0.001), instrumental support (3.15±0.58 vs. 2.85±0.74, P<0.001), and emotional support (19.40±1.60 vs. 16.10±2.10, P<0.001).
UNASSIGNED: Group counseling based on couple constructive communication increased perceived spousal support in uterine and cervical cancer survivors. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20150125020778N22.

UNASSIGNED: Dental fear and anxiety are important issues in the practice of pediatric dentistry because they interfere with both the provision and receipt of dental care in children and adolescents. Behavior guidance is a dynamic part of child management. It starts from the preappointment level, where a negative attitude of the mother will be trained to become positive for improved child behavior in the pediatric dental clinic. The use of anticipatory guidance (AG) as parental counseling, where the information on what the parents should follow before their child\'s dental appointment was provided to the mothers.
UNASSIGNED: To assess the effect of preappointment parental counseling on dental fear and anxiety in children.
UNASSIGNED: The study was a randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled trial, wherein the dyad of mother and child was randomly divided into two groups: (1) the test group and (2) the control group. At baseline, fear and anxiety assessment was done using fear and anxiety assessment scales and physiological parameters in both groups. Dental fear and anxiety were assessed using the children fear survey schedule dental subscale, Venham pictorial test in children and state-trait anxiety subscale in mothers. Parental counseling instructions were given verbally, in written format and by videos only in the test group on the same day of the initial appointment. The same subjects in both groups were checked for fear and anxiety scales and physiological parameters after 6 months from the first appointment. The effectiveness of parental counseling on dental fear and anxiety was correlated at the end of the study.
UNASSIGNED: The mean dental fear and anxiety scores between the test and control groups at baseline and at 6 months were compared using the Chi-squared test. Chi-squared test was used to compare the dental fear and anxiety in children and mothers in the study and control groups. Spearman\'s rank correlation test was used to assess the relationship between Children\'s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), Venham Picture Test (VPT), state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) scores, and clinical parameters in the study and control group of both populations.
UNASSIGNED: The results showed that there was a significant improvement in the dental fear and anxiety levels in the dyads of mother and child postcounseling. The control group scores did not show any significant change.
UNASSIGNED: Preappointment parental counseling clarified and guided parents about the child\'s fear and anxiety and was effective in alleviating the dental fear and anxiety among parents and children attending pediatric dental clinics.
UNASSIGNED: R R, Sathyaprasad S, S N, et al. Assessment of Preappointment Parental Counseling on Dental Fear and Anxiety in Children in Pedodontic Dental Operatory: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):346-351.

BACKGROUND: Early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes and its complications are global health priorities. Optimal outcomes depend on individual awareness and proactive self-management of health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a community-based diabetes detection and intervention program in a high-risk area in western Sydney, Australia.
METHODS: We collaborated with the Workers Lifestyle Group, Tamil Association Arts and Culture Association, and the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee to implement our program. Participants underwent HbA1C testing via point-of-care blood spot testing. They received personalized feedback, education on diabetes management, and were offered opportunities to enrol in lifestyle modification programs. Participants identified with pre-diabetes (HbA1C 5.7-6.4%) or diabetes (HbA1C > 6.4%) were advised to consult their General Practitioners (GPs). A follow-up questionnaire was distributed 3-8 months post-intervention to evaluate the programs usefulness and relevance and lifestyle changes implemented by the participants.
RESULTS: Over eight months, 510 individuals participated. Of these, 19% had an HbA1C > 6.4%, and 38% had levels between 5.7 and 6.4%. Among those with diabetes, HbA1C levels ranged as follows: 56% <7%; 20% 7-7.9%; 18% 8-8.9%; and 5% >9%. Post intervention survey indicated that the program was well-received, with 62.5% of responses reporting lifestyle changes and 36.3% seeking further advice from their local healthcare providers.
CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a significant prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in the community, similar to findings from larger-scale hospital and general practice studies. Point-of-care testing combined with personalized education effectively motivated participants toward healthier lifestyle choices and medical consultations. The paper discusses the scalability of this approach for broader population.

BACKGROUND: Lack of index case testing increased the risk of contracting HIV among the families of index clients, partners, and biological children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of index case HIV testing uptake and its associated factors at Oromia, Ethiopia.
METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A face-to-face interviewer administered structured questionnaire and chart review checklist were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regressions were executed and statistical significance was declared at P < .05.
RESULTS: The prevalence of index case testing was 80.2%. Factors associated with index case HIV testing uptake included HIV status disclosure (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.1, 14.0), discussed about HIV with family (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.5), counseling of the index case (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7, 10.6), perceived benefit of the index case tested (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5, 8.7), being on ART 12 months or more (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.1), and maintained privacy (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3, 7.1).
CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of index case HIV testing was moderately high. Additionally, factors such as HIV status disclosure, discussion of HIV with family, counseling of the index case, perception of the benefits of HIV testing for the index case, duration of clients on ART, and privacy maintenance during service delivery were significantly associated with index case HIV testing. To enhance index case testing, it is crucial to raise awareness and ensure client privacy during the initial HTC visit. Encouraging HIV status disclosure through discussion and promoting adherence to HIV medication is also recommended.

A strict lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) is the current treatment for the management of celiac disease (CD). Several studies have demonstrated that without proper dietary assessment, this diet leads to nutritional deficiencies and/or imbalances. The present study aimed to improve the dietary habits of newly diagnosed children with CD through ongoing and face-to-face dietary counseling. Forty-three participants were followed during the first year after CD diagnosis. Dietary data were collected at diagnosis (Vt0), after 3 months on a GFD (Vt3), and after 1 year following a GFD (Vt12). Participants completed a 3-day 24-h food recall, a food frequency questionnaire, and the KIDMED index. After each data collection, participants received dietary assessment and nutritional education. Participants consumed more plant-origin foods after the intervention, with most of them reaching the daily recommendations. Fresh food intake increased and that of ultra-processed foods decreased. Compliance with the Mediterranean diet also improved. Personalized dietary assessment and ongoing follow-up improved the dietary patterns of children recently diagnosed with CD, highlighting the importance of dietitian involvement in the management of CD.

BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol/substance use disorders are prevalent among people with HIV (PWH), commonly co-occur, and predict worse HIV care outcomes. Transdiagnostic counseling approaches simultaneously address multiple co-occurring mental health disorders.
METHODS: We conducted a pilot individually randomized trial of the Common Elements Treatment Approach adapted for people with HIV (CETA-PWH), a transdiagnostic counseling intervention, compared with usual care at a large academic medical center in the southern United States. Participants were adults with HIV; at risk for HIV care disengagement; and with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and/or alcohol/substance use. Mental health and HIV care engagement were assessed at 4 and 9 months.
RESULTS: Among participants (n = 60), follow-up was high at 4 (92%) and 9 (85%) months. Intervention engagement was challenging: 93% attended ≥1 session, 43% attended ≥6 sessions in 3 months (\"moderate dose\"), and 30% completed treatment. Although not powered for effectiveness, mental health outcomes and HIV appointment attendance improved in CETA-PWH relative to usual care in intent-to-treat analyses; those receiving a moderate dose and completers showed progressively greater improvement. Viral load showed small differences between arms. The dose-response pattern was not explained by differences between those who did and did not complete treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial provides preliminary evidence for the potential of CETA-PWH to simultaneously address co-occurring mental health comorbidities and support HIV appointment attendance among PWH. Additional strategies may be an important part of ensuring that clients can engage in the full course of treatment and realize its full benefits.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity and HIV-related stigma negatively affect HIV outcomes. Few studies have examined how food security interventions affect HIV-related stigma and social support.
METHODS: Two HIV clinics in the Dominican Republic.
METHODS: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of an urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling intervention was conducted to examine outcomes of HIV-related stigmas and social support. Adult patients (≥18 years of age) with moderate or severe household food insecurity and evidence of suboptimal ART adherence and/or a detectable viral load were enrolled; standard measures of internalized and experienced stigmas and social support were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Intervention clinic participants received training and materials from agronomists for a home garden, 3-4 sessions of nutritional counseling from the clinic\'s peer counselor, and a garden produce cooking workshop facilitated by professional nutritionists.
RESULTS: Of 109 study participants (46 intervention and 63 control), 103 (94%) completed 12-month follow-up. Difference-in-differences multivariate longitudinal linear regressions adjusting for sociodemographic factors found that intervention participants had reduced internalized stigma by 3.04 points (scale 0-32) at 12 months (P = 0.002); reduced probability of experiencing HIV-related stigma or discrimination in the past 6 months (20 percentage points at 6 months, P = 0.05 and 25 percentage points at 12 months, P = 0.02); and modestly improved social support at 12 months (1.85 points on 30-pt scale, P = 0.093).
CONCLUSIONS: A fully powered, larger trial is needed to establish the efficacy of the intervention and assess pathways by which the intervention may improve HIV stigma and social support.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer is a life threatening disease with negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being. In international studies, one-to-one peer support and counseling have been shown to improve the psychological well-being of cancer patients. In the study presented, we developed and evaluated an innovative program of peer-coaching. In this program at the University Hospital of Freiburg, cancer survivors were trained to support peers by sharing experience.
METHODS: In the project, N = 25 cancer survivors were trained to conduct supportive one-to-one conversations with acute patients or patients in aftercare. Based on a prospective observational study, patients were interviewed using questionnaires before and after the conversations. We assessed expectations and experiences with the peer-coaching as well as psychosocial parameters (PHQ9, GAD7, SSUK, NCCN-distress thermometer).
RESULTS: A total of 52 patients had at least one contact with a peer-coach. Most of the patients attended 1-3 sessions. In total, 85 contacts pairing peer-coaches with patients were conducted. Patients showed on average a high level of distress but a low rate of psychiatric comorbidity. The supportive conversations met the patients` needs. Sharing experiences and empowerment were the most relevant benefits for the patients. Both patients and trained peers showed high satisfaction levels with the program.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the feasibility and utility of a peer-coaching program in which trained cancer survivors, acting as peer-coaches, support other patients during or after their oncological treatment. In a further study, the efficacy of peer-coaching should be investigated based on a randomized-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND: The trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (No. DRKS DRKS00017500) on 12.12.2019.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing number of persons with dementia, the need for family and professional support is growing. Counselling services aim to support family dementia caregivers and the use of information and communication technology may improve accessibility to counselling. The effectiveness of technology-based counselling in dementia remains unclear so far. Few randomised controlled trials have been conducted assessing heterogeneous outcomes. Theoretical underpinnings for the development and evaluation of these complex interventions were lacking in most cases. We therefore aim to formulate an initial programme theory of a technology-assisted counselling intervention for family dementia caregivers and to create the data basis for the consensus process of a core outcome set.
METHODS: The methodological approaches for developing a programme theory and a core outcome set will be integrated. In a scoping review, data on the characteristics, theoretical foundations of counselling interventions and outcomes of clinical studies will be collected. The lifeworld perception of relevant stakeholders on the importance of counselling in family caregiving will be explored in a phenomenological substudy using semistructured interviews. The synthesis of data from the literature review and the qualitative substudy will be performed by developing a logic model. Mechanisms of action and assumed causal relationships are explicated in the elements of programme theory (theory of change, outcomes chain and theory of action). An initial programme theory is then formulated. In addition, a \'long list\' of outcomes and assessment instruments will be compiled.
BACKGROUND: The ethics committee of the Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg approved the study protocol (no. 2023-093).Findings will be reported to participants and the funding organisation and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences.
BACKGROUND: The ProCOS (Development and evaluation of a technology-assissted counselling intervention for family caregivers of persons with dementia - Programme theory and preparation of a core outcome set) project is registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative (https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/2884).

BACKGROUND: With the rise of computer science and artificial intelligence, analyzing large data sets promises enormous potential in gaining insights for developing and improving evidence-based health interventions. One such intervention is the counseling strategy motivational interviewing (MI), which has been found effective in improving a wide range of health-related behaviors. Despite the simplicity of its principles, MI can be a challenging skill to learn and requires expertise to apply effectively.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the performance of artificial intelligence models in classifying MI behavior and explore the feasibility of using these models in online helplines for mental health as an automated support tool for counselors in clinical practice.
METHODS: We used a coded data set of 253 MI counseling chat sessions from the 113 Suicide Prevention helpline. With 23,982 messages coded with the MI Sequential Code for Observing Process Exchanges codebook, we trained and evaluated 4 machine learning models and 1 deep learning model to classify client- and counselor MI behavior based on language use.
RESULTS: The deep learning model BERTje outperformed all machine learning models, accurately predicting counselor behavior (accuracy=0.72, area under the curve [AUC]=0.95, Cohen κ=0.69). It differentiated MI congruent and incongruent counselor behavior (AUC=0.92, κ=0.65) and evocative and nonevocative language (AUC=0.92, κ=0.66). For client behavior, the model achieved an accuracy of 0.70 (AUC=0.89, κ=0.55). The model\'s interpretable predictions discerned client change talk and sustain talk, counselor affirmations, and reflection types, facilitating valuable counselor feedback.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that artificial intelligence techniques can accurately classify MI behavior, indicating their potential as a valuable tool for enhancing MI proficiency in online helplines for mental health. Provided that the data set size is sufficiently large with enough training samples for each behavioral code, these methods can be trained and applied to other domains and languages, offering a scalable and cost-effective way to evaluate MI adherence, accelerate behavioral coding, and provide therapists with personalized, quick, and objective feedback.