Health Sciences, Faculty of

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    Job satisfaction, substance use, and gambling behaviour of northern Albertan casino employees
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2004, 2004) Dangerfield, Lyndsey; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Williams, Robert J.
    Relatively little is known about Canadian casino employees. The present study is a broad-based investigation intended to shed some light on this population. There were several specific areas of investigation. These included job satisfaction, substance use and abuse, gambling behaviour, gambling attitudes and beliefs, and problem gambling status. Because of this high-risk group’s excessive exposure to gambling, casino employees’ gambling behaviour may be indicative of the general adult population’s future gambling behaviour. Although there is some prior evidence of higher rates of problem gambling in this population, the causal direction of this relationship is not well established. That is, does working in a casino place employees at a higher risk for problem gambling, or does the industry actually attract problem gamblers? The present study investigated the characteristics of 123 Canadian casino employees from two Alberta casinos. The study aimed to establish the actual impact of casino employment on substance use and gambling behaviour by means of a follow-up questionnaire that was distributed six months after the baseline questionnaire was collected. The results of the follow-up questionnaire tentatively suggest that problem gamblers are attracted to the casino industry, rather than the casino industry placing its employees at a higher risk for problem gambling. The study also found that Northern Albertan casino employees have higher rates of smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use, medication use, gambling, and problem gambling than the general Albertan workforce.
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    Cervical screening among Southern Alberta First Nations women living off-reserve
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2006, 2006) Jensen-Ross, Christine; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Grant Kalischuk, Ruth
    First Nations women face nearly three times the risk of cervical cancer and mortality rates of up to six times higher than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. While cervical cancer is almost completely preventable, Southern Alberta First Nations women seldom access cervical screening services. The purpose of this qualitative focused ethnography was to gain an understanding of the cervical screening needs of un- and under-served First Nations women living off-reserve. Thirteen purposefully selected First Nations women participated in three focus groups utilizing semi-structured interviews. Personal self-worth and cervical screening awareness and relevance are essential to the pursuit of cervical screening. Barriers and incentives for screening and opportunities for acceptability and sustainability are explored. A holistic approach, intersectoral collaboration and cultural safety are described by focus group participants as foundational for optimal service delivery.
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    Transformation of narcissism : what is the process of transforming narcissism for men who have been abusive?
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2007, 2007) Renard, Lucien Duffy; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Nixon, Gary
    Narcissism is an incomplete stage of development causing narcissistic rage and injury to oneself and others. The narcissistic self is one of humiliation and of being powerless. A phenomenological hermeneutic research format was used to investigate and understand the lived experience of men who have been abusive and are transforming their narcissism. The phenomenon being investigated was approached with respect and sensitivity in understanding the actual lived experiences of the co-researchers. Under this template, research interviews were conducted with six male co-researchers, which produced eight themes. A summary of the findings was provided along with a look at the limitations of this study and implications for counseling that this study may have. My hypothesis is that the incomplete development of the narcissistic person can be overcome through the restoration of feeling, and also through realization of one’s most deepest and essential nature.
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    Weaving phenomenology : the lived experience of home-based client-centred occupational therapy
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2007, 2007) Lee, Judy; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Hagen, Brad F.
    The metaphor of weaving and the methodology of phenomenology are used to expose eight ordinary people’s lived experience of receiving client-centred occupational therapy at home. This qualitative study reveals the themes of Thread, Weave and Texture interlocking to create the phenomenological structure of the lived experience. The two threads of being acknowledged and being respected are used with the five weaves of listening, taking time, demonstrating, having knowledge, and projecting a positive attitude, building four simple textures. The four textures -- having opportunity for choice, receiving support, getting information, and being cared about -- blended to form the participants’ lived experience. Their stories have inspired me to weave a tapestry of words, something that in its beauty celebrates the delivery of client-centred occupational therapy but also teaches these principles.
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    Depression as a transformational experience : a phenomenological hermeneutic approach
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2007, 2007) Falk, Sharie; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Nixon, Gary
    This study set out to explore and gain a deeper understanding of women’s experiences of depression as a transformational experience through non-dual consciousness that could not be found in contemporary psychological theories alone. The intent is to stimulate conversation and understanding through the culmination of contemporary understanding and theory intertwined with feminist and transpersonal epistomologies to explore the lived experiences of five women who have experienced transformation through their experience of depression. A phenomenological hermeneutics approach was used to approach the phenomenon of depression as a transformational experience in women to honour the lived experience of the five women who chose to participate in this research. This study allowed for conversations to emerge out of the lived experience of the women who have been embracing non-dual consciousness for two years prior to participating in this research. Analysis and interpretation of the transcripts resulted in the emergence of twelve themes. These twelve themes fell into three main categories including Part A: The Descent, Part B: The Transformational Journey, and Part C: Transpersonal Integration. A summary of the findings were provided as well as a discussion of strengths and limitations of this study.
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    Tantric transformations, a non-dual journey from sexual trauma to wholeness : a phenomenological hermeneutics approach
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2007, 2007) Lewis, Lisa; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Nixon, Gary
    This thesis explores the Tantric transformational journey from sexual trauma to wholeness. The research question offers to explain, “What are the experiences of women who have experienced sexual trauma and have embraced the non-dual path of Tantra as a transformational journey to wholeness?” A phenomenological hermeneutic method of study was used to investigate and understand themes that surfaced from the coparticipants narratives. The narratives were gathered from research interviews that were conducted with the six co-participants. From these interviews, thirteen themes emerged. The following themes are: 1) discovering sexuality, 2) trauma: splitting the soul in two, 3) the betrayal bond of trauma 4) from betrayal by others to the betrayal of self, 5) befriending the self, 6) sacred spot healing, 7) releasement: a catapult into presence, 8) saying ‘yes’ to pain, saying ‘yes’ to pleasure, 8) embracing the open sky of awareness, 9) the power of presence in the here and now, 10) total freedom in the always, already, available ‘now’, 11) sublime and mundane: merging into oneness, 12) non-dual: vastness of oneness 13) suchness of life. Finally, a summary of findings as well as limitations of this study and the implications of counselling are discussed.
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    Strategic contingency management to enhance treatment outcomes for problem gamblers
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2008, 2008) West, Beverly L.; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Williams, Robert J.
    Problem gambling is best understood from a biopsychosocial perspective, whereby multifaceted biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors interact in ways that may lead to individual risk. Reinforcement contingencies and operant conditioning appear to play particularly important etiological roles. Theoretically, operant conditioning approaches should therefore comprise particularly effective treatment strategies. While operant conditioning in the form of contingency management is known to be an effective treatment for alcohol and substance abuse, it has never been applied by clinical practitioners in community-based treatment for problem gambling. The present pilot study explored the utility of adding concrete reward contingencies to community outpatient treatment, from the perspectives of clinical effectiveness and client/counsellor experiences. At 3-month follow-up, clinical outcomes compared well to typical treatment outcomes, and treatment retention appeared to be superior. Participating clients perceived concrete rewards to be moderately effective in the change process, while active therapist acceptance of this technique appeared to be limited.
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    Recovery in the residential school abuse aftermath : a new healing paradigm
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2008., 2008) Dionne, Dee; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Nixon, Gary
    This qualitative study informs the literature by bringing two perspectives together: the trauma of residential school abuse and the transpersonal viewpoint of healing. A phenomenological hermeneutic approach explored lived experiences of residential school survivors and their families. Transpersonal psychology was introduced as the focus for a new healing paradigm. The research questions ask, “What has been the lived experience of the trauma of residential school abuse” and “How are traditional and non-traditional healing practices mutually applied in the recovery process by individuals who are impacted by the residential school experience”? Five First Nations co-researchers were interviewed, the data was analyzed, coded, and a thematic analysis was undertaken from which six themes emerged. The results of this study may go on to employ this new healing paradigm to help First Nations people gain spiritual wholeness. Finally, a description and summary of research findings, limitations and implications for counselling were discussed.
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    Transitions in death : the lived experience of critical care nurses
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2008, 2008) Campbell, Nancy; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Grant Kalischuk, Ruth
    Critical care nurses often face the ordeal of witnessing a patient's death in a tense and stressful environment. Anecdotal stories shared among nurses reveal that unusual experiences often occur at the time of or after a patient's death. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the meaning of these experiences for critical care nurses. Using Parse's research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with six critical care nurses who described their experiences at the time of a patient's death as well as during the post-death period. These experiences brought a sense of peace and comfort to each individual as well as reinforced their individual belief patterns about life after death. A distinctive sense of nursing knowing at the time of death was also identified. The findings of this study indicate that the experiences of the phenomenon of death by critical care nurses have a significant impact on each individual and that further research and understanding of this impact is needed.
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    Designed for life : disabled/enabled at home
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2008, 2008) Perry, Jill; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences; Grant Kalischuk, Ruth
    Using a phenomenological hermeneutic methodology, this thesis describes the lived experience of people with mobility impairments in the context of their home environment. Nine individuals with mobility impairments were interviewed at length regarding their experiences in their homes. From the resulting narratives, the data were arranged under three thematic statements: Doing my thing, Being myself, and Evolving with my environment. The study highlights the interdependent nature of the person-environment-occupation relationship and reveals the potential for an enabling home design to affect all areas of human occupation (self-care, productivity and leisure). The efficient performance of self-care activities in the home emerged as being somewhat predictive of the extent to which participants were involved in the areas of productivity and leisure. This thesis offers support for the social model of disability and illuminates the need for incorporating universal design in all homes.
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    Concepts of culture, diversity and cultural care among undergraduate nursing students : a nursing education perspective
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2008) Vandenberg, Helen; University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences
    Culture, diversity and cultural care have become important concepts for nurses professionals. However, little is known about how nursing students come to understand these complex concepts. The purpose of this study was to explore what nursing students learn and understand about diversity, culture and cultural encounters from a nursing education perspective. A qualitative approach utilizing the focused ethnography method guided this research study. The study population was first and fourth year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a Western Canadian university. Findings revealed that the majority of first and fourth year students supported expanded essentialist views of culture. Although students demonstrated increased knowledge of nursing practice, the overall understanding of culture care changed very little between first and fourth year students. This study may be an important step to help nurses improve their understanding of culture, diversity and cultural care. Recommendations are provided for students, educators, program leaders and researchers.
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    An apple a day won't keep the violence away : listening to what pregnant women living in intimate partner violence say about their health
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, c2009, 2009) Martin, Debbie F.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Kulig, Judith Celene
    Researchers have provided evidence that living in intimate partner violence while pregnant negatively impacts the health of both the women and their unborn children. The purpose of this narrative study was twofold, first to gain understanding of the meaning of health as described by pregnant women who lived in intimate partner violence, and second to gain strategies for health care professionals. Six purposefully selected women participated in two interviews. The data were arranged under five themes: loss of body health, loss of mind health, loss of spirit health, coping with loss of body, mind and spirit health, and advice for health care professionals. The results revealed that these women’s health was negatively affected by living in intimate partner violence while pregnant. Universal screening, coalition building, further research, changes in health care policies, and changes in nursing education and practice are needed to properly address this serious health issue.
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    Preparing to care : creating a culture of caring in problem based learning tutorial groups
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, c2009, 2009) Oosterbroek, Tracy ; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Kulig, Judith Celene
    The purpose of this study was to explore with fourth year nursing baccalaureate students, their perceptions of experiences of caring using ethnographic design, and examine the phenomenon of caring and whether the development of caring relationships occurs among students and faculty members. Furthermore, the study sought to understand how nursing students perceive these relationships as influential in their learning, and ability to cope with stress. The sample consisted of ten fourth year nursing students who volunteered to be interviewed as well as one focus group of seven faculty members. The major findings of the study illuminated five general constructs: (1) The caring art of nursing in large part is a way of being in the world, an attitude that is inherent in the personality; (2) the caring science of nurse doing can indeed be taught and learned; (3) non-caring behaviors, experiences and relationships negatively impact the learning environment and therefore the learning outcomes for students; (4) Problem Based Learning (PBL) method cultivates a safe and caring learning environment; (5) caring is valued by students and positively impacts their educational experience, including learning outcomes, clinical experiences and their ability to cope with stress. The findings of the study may be utilized as a component of faculty growth and development as well as internal curriculum review.
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    An exploration of collaborative academic-practice partnership positions in nursing
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2009, 2009) Harris, Suzanne D.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Grant Kalischuk, Ruth
    Collaborative academic-practice partnership (CAPP) positions make it possible for nursing educators to stay current with evolving practice issues and enable nursing practitioners to stay in touch with trends in contemporary nursing education. The purpose of this qualitative, collective case study was to explore the experience of registered nurses who occupy collaborative academic-practice partnership positions within a Canadian nursing context. Study sample consisted of registered nurses (n=10) employed in type of collaborative partnership between a health care agency and academic institution. Triangulation of data was achieved through interviews (two per participant) over several months, review of archival documents, and researcher‟s reflective fieldnotes. Findings revealed three emergent themes: Foundations, Actualization, Challenges and Benefits of the CAPP position. This study supports development of future CAPP positions to provide opportunities for growth, professional development, and career paths for nurses, while addressing university and agency requirements and quality patient care. These findings can play an important role in influencing change by way of strategic alliances in nursing education and practice.
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    Urban First Nations grandmothers : health promotion roles in family and community
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2009, 2009) Ginn, Carla S.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Kulig, Judith Celene
    The purpose of this participatory action research study was to gain an awareness of the meanings of health for urban First Nations grandmothers, and how they promote it in their families and communities. Active participation of 7 urban First Nations grandmothers in the research process involved 4 group and 1 individual interview. Meanings of health included maintaining balance in all areas of life; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Control imposed through the residential schools resulted in secrets kept, yet the survival and resiliency of the grandmothers were identified as part of being healthy. Personal health was linked with the health of their families and communities, and an awareness of living in two cultures vital in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Relationships with grandchildren were catalysts for change, and the grandmothers described working to “turn it around” throughout their challenges in health and life, as one strategy for health promotion.
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    Exploring family-centered care among pediatric oncology nurses
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2009, 2009) MacKay, Lyndsay Jerusha; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Gregory, David M.
    Family-centered care (FCC) is important within the practice of pediatric oncology nurses. Such nurses face challenges and barriers when attempting to provide FCC. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of pediatric oncology nurses in relation to FCC; identify how pediatric oncology nurses implemented FCC into their practice; identify what facilitated and enabled pediatric oncology nurses to implement FCC; and discern the barriers and challenges that were present in their setting when implementing FCC. A qualitative approach utilizing person-centered interviewing was used to collect data. Nurses (N=20) from the Alberta Children‟s Hospital were recruited through purposeful convenience sampling and were then interviewed. Five major themes were identified from the data set: ACH support f FCC, How participants defined FCC, Establishing FCC, Enhancing FCC, and Barriers and Challenges to providing FCC. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice and education are offered.
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    Building capability : impact of low and high-fidelity manikins on neonatal resuscitation simulation
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2010, 2010) Gust, Linda; Gregory, David M.
    Purpose: Does manikin fidelity affect learning outcomes in neonatal resuscitation simulation? Description: This experimental design accessed and randomly assigned health care professionals (HCP) (N=60), who completed Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) recertification in a simulation lab. The experimental group used a high-fidelity manikin. The control group recertified using a low-fidelity manikin. Dependant variables included learning outcomes of confidence, skill performance, and knowledge. These were measured using the newly developed Neonatal Resuscitation Confidence Tool (NRCT), Megacode Assessment, and NRP written exam. Both groups underwent the same simulated resuscitation scenario. Outcome: A significant increase in confidence with simulation was found (p<.001). HCPs using the high-fidelity simulator did not have a significant increased level of confidence, knowledge or skill performance compared to using the low-fidelity simulator. However, there was a significant increase in confidence with repeated NRP courses (p=.003). Implications: The use of simulation for NRP is important to increase capability with increased practice intervals.
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    The Sufi journey towards nondual self-realization
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, c2010, 2010) Boni, Lauren Julia; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Nixon, Gary
    Sufism is a living mystical tradition with tools and a theoretical framework geared to facilitate the realization of one’s full potential. This thesis examines the nature of such a realization, which culminates in an experience of nondual Self-realization. Transpersonal psychology provided the conceptual framework for this study, as it attempts to document the role that altered states of consciousness play in facilitating health and wellbeing. This research also drew heavily from the methodology of phenomenological hermeneutics and transpersonal phenomenology, which supported the investigation into the lived experience of five Sufi practitioners. The guiding research question of this exploratory inquiry asks, What has been the lived experience of Sufi practitioners on their journey towards nondual Self-realization? The research findings consist of eight themes that emerged during the analysis of the textual data. The implications of these findings impact the health and counseling fields, as well as the environmental crisis.
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    Family experiences with Stay and play : an early child development program
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2010, 2010) Spry-Hartley, Margie; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Gregory, David M.
    In this qualitative study, the experiences of families who attended an early child development program Stay and Play were explored. Stay and Play is an early child development program that promotes healthy parent and child relationships. Belsky's (1984) process model - determinants of parenting and attachment theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. Twenty-three parents participated and thirty-two children were in attendance - with only four children able to articulate their responses. Person centered interviewing was conducted with thirteen [one-parent] families, and family centered interviews occurred with five [two-parent families] Utilizing thematic analysis, three themes were established: The functional role of Stay and Play; the structural role of Stay and Play, and parent's experiences with Stay and Play. Parents reported positive experiences with Stay and Play and in particular attended sessions to: Enhance parenting skills; bond with their children; and develop peer relationships.
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    Through their voices : experiences of overweight and obese adolescent boys / Zachary J. Morrison
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2010, 2010) Morrison, Zachary J.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Gregory, David M.
    The purpose of this study was to explore the lives of overweight/obese adolescent boys. A qualitative case study focused on depth of understanding. Four boys volunteered to participate in the study. Findings further our understanding of the adolescent boys’ lifescapes; viable and non-viable recruitment strategies among this population; ethical obligations of ending research after establishing trust and rapport; and “Avoidance” as an Idiom of Distress among this sample of boys. Suggestions for future research are addressed in the study.