Counselling and Service Utilization Needs Among Grade 12 Senior High School Students in Davao City, Philippines
Gomez, Leianne Marie
*
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Colina, Samuel Carl
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Cabigas Jean
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Aguilar Dane Jeska
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Mangubat, Jamee Julianne
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Ambor, Alia
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Felix, Gudio
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Sumndad, Hizam
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Sharief, Farnisah
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
De Leon, Anjelly
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
Binondo Clark Kent
Davao Doctors College, Inc. Gen. Malvar St., Davao City, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The study aimed to determine the counseling needs of Grade 12 Senior High School students from medical school in Davao City, and the extent to which they utilize the school's counseling services. It also examined the relationship between counseling needs and service utilization, the challenges students face in accessing services, and student suggestions for improvement.
Methodology: Quantitative data was collected from 277 Grade 12 students using a survey questionnaire. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured focus group discussions with 15 students selected via purposive sampling. Data analysis included statistical analysis for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data.
Study Design: The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, specifically an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed first, followed by qualitative data collection through semi-structured focus group discussions to explain the quantitative findings.
Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at a medical school in Davao City. The duration of the study spanned from February-May 2025.
Results: The quantitative results showed a high overall level of counseling needs among the students, with school concerns being the highest area of need. The utilization of counseling services was moderate. A significant relationship was found between counseling needs and service utilization. Qualitative findings revealed challenges such as limited awareness of services, availability of counselors, and stigma, and included student recommendations for improvement.
Conclusion: The study provides insights into the counseling needs and service utilization of senior high school students. The findings highlight the need for enhanced awareness, accessibility, and effectiveness of counseling services to better support students' academic, personal, and social well-being.
Keywords: Counseling needs, utilization of counseling services, senior high school students, school counseling, mental health awareness, student well-being, mixed method