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- ItemA longitudinal study assessing the relationship between parents’ and children’s physical activity and their adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2024) Sadia, Farzana; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Larouche, RichardPrevious research highlights the health benefits of engaging in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, minimizing screen time and getting optimal sleep. Although many studies have examined associations between parents’ and children’s movement behaviours, most were based on single behaviours despite these behaviours being interdependent. Using data from the Active Transportation and Independent Mobility-2 study, we assessed the associations between parents’ adherence to the 24-hour guidelines, perceived behavioural control (PBC) to support their child’s movement behaviours, and children’s adherence to the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines. Canadian parents of 7- to 12-year-olds (N = 2257) were surveyed at baseline (December 2020) and were followed every 6 months until June 2022 (4 waves). Movement behaviours were assessed by parent report. The final model was adjusted for age and gender of both children and parents, household income, immigration status and study wave. Our current study found that if a parent respondent met all the guidelines, their children were 1.51 times more likely to meet all three guidelines (95% CI=1.17, 1.93). Moreover, each unit increase in the PBC scale was associated with higher odds of the child meeting all three guidelines (OR=1.72; 95% CI=1.45, 2.03). Moreover, adherence decreased with each year of age (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.83) and was higher in Wave 2 (OR=1.32; 95% CI=1.04, 1.66), Wave 3 (OR=1.73; 95% CI=1.33, 2.25) and Wave 4 (OR=1.62; 95% CI=1.21, 2.18) vs. Wave 1. The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence suggesting that children’s adherence to the guidelines is significantly associated with both parent’s adherence and their PBC. These findings suggest that family-based interventions should be implemented to support children’s movement behaviours.
- ItemAccessing cervical cancer screening in Nigeria: exploring the experiences of Nigerian-born immigrant women in Canada(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022-12) Fadodun, Oluwadamilola A.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Zieber, MarkThis research study explored the experiences of women eligible for cervical cancer screening (CCS) in accessing CCS services in Nigeria. The goal was to develop an in-depth understanding of these experiences in order to provide facts that could inform policies and interventions that will improve the utilization of CCS services among Nigerian women. This descriptive study utilized naturalistic inquiry and an intersectionality theoretical lens for understanding women’s access to CCS and its possible intersection with socially constructed categories, which could have influenced these women’s experiences. Ten (10) Nigerian-Immigrant women who met the set eligibility criteria were recruited for interviews using purposive sampling and snowballing. Data was analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. The study’s findings detail overarching themes that best capture the experiences of participants with accessing CCS programs in Nigeria. Future research is needed to engender best practices for the planning of CCS programs.
- ItemActive transportation and independent mobility of school-aged children and their parents: a multi-site study(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Hecker, Victoria J.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Larouche, RichardActive transportation (AT) and independent mobility (IM) are important sources of physical activity for children. This study investigated whether parents’ travel mode to school as a child, current travel mode to work, and parental accompaniment on the trip home from school are associated with their children’s AT and IM. Children in grades 4-6 (n=1699) were recruited from urban, suburban, and rural schools in Vancouver, Ottawa and Trois-Rivières. Parents reported their current travel mode to work, IM, and school travel mode as a child. Children self-reported their IM using Hillman’s six mobility licenses. Multiple imputation was performed to replace missing data. Gender-stratified generalized linear mixed models adjusted for child age, parent respondent’s gender, urbanization, and socioeconomic status were used to examine parental influences on their child’s AT and IM. The older a parent was allowed to travel alone as a child, the less IM their child was allowed. Older children and girls whose parents biked to work or lived in Trois-Rivières had higher IM. Parental accompaniment on the trip home from school was associated with less AT trips. Boys in Vancouver and Trois-Rivières reported more active trips compared to Ottawa, though there was no differences found between Vancouver and Trois-Rivières. No significant association was found between parent travel to school as a child and AT. There were no significant associations found between a parent’s current travel mode to work with IM or AT in multivariable models. This project found that children may have more opportunities for AT if parents allow them to come home from school unaccompanied. Parents who experienced IM later may be more restrictive of their child’s IM. This potential for a generational ‘carry-over’ effect has implications for future interventions to promote IM.
- ItemAn analysis of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of registered nurses toward climate-driven vector borne diseases(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2024) Vandenberg, Shannon Y.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Oosterbroek, TracyBackground: There is abundant evidence that climate change is contributing to increasing rates of vector-borne diseases, affecting the health of Canadians. Registered nurses are central to a highly performing health care system and play an integral role in supporting individuals and populations affected by various health challenges. Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional research study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of registered nurses in Canada related to climate sensitive vector-borne diseases, namely Lyme disease and West Nile virus, using Planetary Health as the guiding theoretical framework. Methods: A national survey was distributed via QualtricsTM to practicing registered nurses in Canada, through contact with nursing organizations and regulatory bodies, as well as social media. Results: 382 survey responses were included in data analysis. Survey responses were received from nurses throughout Canada, working in a wide variety of practice areas. Research findings suggest that nurses’ knowledge on climate change and vector-borne diseases was limited, especially among frontline nurses and those in Western and Northern regions of Canada. There was greater knowledge of Lyme disease compared to West Nile virus, particularly among nurses working in endemic areas and among nurses who declared Indigeneity. Participants did not often consider vector-borne diseases in practice and demonstrated a lack of confidence and preparedness in addressing vector-borne diseases in the practice setting. Barriers to discussing vector-borne diseases in practice exist, with lack of knowledge and time reported most frequently. Most study participants never received training or education on vector-borne diseases, and information on the topic in the practice setting is absent. Most participants believed they have a role in health equity and social justice, particularly for equity-denied populations. Conclusion: A greater understanding of nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of climate driven vector-borne diseases has been achieved through the meaningful data obtained from study participants. Based on the findings, recommendations for education, practice, advocacy, and research are presented, with the goal that nurses are better educated, and subsequently more prepared to address vector-borne diseases in the practice setting and assume a greater role in leading change to advocate for a climate-resilient future.
- ItemAn 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 CeleneResearchers 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.
- ItemAssociation between gambling accessibility and problem gambling in the general population(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020) Ofori Dei, Samuel M.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Christensen, Darren R.Accessibility to gambling is one of the important modifiable determinants of problem gambling behaviour. Studies presented in this dissertation attempted to provide a comprehensive analysis and explanation of the association between accessibility and problem gambling prevalence using different measures of accessibility with quantitative and qualitative data. The first study examined the association between perceived accessibility and problem gambling severity and the moderating role of demographic characteristics, substance use, and psychosocial variables using a perceptual measure of accessibility. The second study examined the relative importance of availability, proximity, and a composite measure of accessibility in explaining the prevalence of problem gambling risk and severity. The third study examined the relative and interactive influence of actual and perceived accessibility on problem gambling risk and severity. The final study used a mixed-methods design to determine differences between non-problem, low-risk, moderate-risk, and problem gamblers in their accessibility to casinos in both Alberta and Tasmania.
- ItemBeing a man who cares : experiences of rural male caregivers who care for spouses with dementia in southern and central Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2015) Waldorf, Ryan; Kulig, Judith CeleneThe purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand how male caregivers of spouses with dementia in rural southern and central Alberta perceive their role as a caregiver. Informed by the theoretical framework of masculinity theory, this research describes how rural masculinity is conceptualized and expressed by male spousal caregivers. Themes were created, with all themes and sub-themes being connected to the core category of separating the wheat from the chaff. Rural Male Caregiving Theory is a substantive theory that describes the perceptions and experiences of rural male caregivers. The research findings and how they are similar and contribute to the current literature on rural male caregiving is discussed. The findings from this research study will assist health care professionals in understanding what male caregivers are experiencing when in a caregiving role.
- ItemThe biological impacts of residential schooling on the development of intergenerational trauma among Indigenous people(Lethbridge, Alta : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2017) Chief Moon-Riley, Kathrina; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Currie, Cheryl L.; Metz, Gerlinde A. S.Objective: Examine associations between residential school experiences, adverse childhood experiences, and allostatic load scores among Indigenous students (n = 90) at the University of Lethbridge. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected through in-person surveys and physical measurements. Results: Participants who had a mother attend residential school evidenced higher allostatic load scores. Having a mother attend residential school was significantly associated with higher adverse childhood experiences. There was no association between feeling the way they were parented was influenced by residential school and higher allostatic load scores. There were also no association between adverse childhood experiences and allostatic load scores. Conclusion: Participants who had a mother attend residential school were significantly more likely to have an allostatic load score in the mid-range rather than a low-range, compared to individuals who did not have a mother attend. Results provide biological evidence for the multigenerational transmission of trauma.
- ItemBuilding 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.
- ItemCanadian Muslim immigrants and Western mainstream media(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2019) Tuz-Atkinson, Michaelle V.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Lee, Bonnie K.This study sought to discover how Canadian Muslim immigrants perceive Western mainstream media’s representations of Muslims, and how they felt it affected their social integration. Muslim immigrant adults, five males and five females who lived in Canada for at least two years, were interviewed. Participants commented on three Western mainstream news items they identified as representing Muslims positively, neutrally, and negatively, and they ranked their sense of belonging. Findings revealed that Western mainstream media influenced how immigrants felt, viewed themselves, and how they thought others perceived them, potentially impacting their emotions and mental health. Participants’ responses differed, seemingly due to how much they engaged with media, their relationships with the media, and their social and personal vulnerability. The impact of Western media centred around themes of identity construction, accuracy in media reporting, social education, and the power of the media. Although the media exerts an influence on participants’ sense of belonging in Canada, they their attribute social interactions with others to even more significantly influence their belonging.
- ItemCaring for youth with severe disabilities : impacts on parents' quality of life(Lethbridge, Alta : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2017) Mohammed, Tamer Said Oraby; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Awosoga, Olu A.Little is known about parents’ Quality of Life (QOL) when their children with disabilities become youth and young adults. This study compared parents’ QOL versus child’s age and severity of disability conditions. Secondary data analysis of Statistics Canada’s General Social Survey Cycle 26 was completed. This study focused on parents who were “caregivers” to their disabled children aged between 0-29 years. The analyses of 193 parents’ overall life satisfaction showed significant differences based on their child(ren)’s age (0-10, 11-19, 20-29) and disability severity (mild, moderate, and severe). Parents reported significant low QOL’s scores when their children were in the group of 11-19 years old and their disability severity was moderate or severe. The findings highlighted the need for evidence-based family support for families of youth with moderate or severe disabilities.
- ItemCervical 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, RuthFirst 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.
- ItemCompassion literacy in the emergency department: A health education strategy in Southwestern Alberta emergecny departments(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2019) McLeod, Angela; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Haight, KatherineAn increase in opioid crisis’s presenting to rural Emergency Departments (ED) has the potential to lead to compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout (BO) (Sinclair et al., 2016). The purpose of this project is to increase knowledge and understanding of compassion literacy and establish self-care techniques to improve compassion satisfaction for Southwestern Alberta Emergency Department nurses. This education in-service was grounded in ADDIE’s model of Instructional Design along with Bloom’s Taxonomy as the guiding educational model throughout the development and implementation process. The one hour educational in-service was presented to two specific target audiences. Data was collected utilizing a mixed methods research methodology from a participant feedback questionnaire and direct facilitator observations. The findings concluded that an education in-service focused on compassion literacy was successful and needed. By building compassion literacy knowledge and establishing self-care techniques, there is potential to enhance compassionate care to Registered Nurses (RN) within the opioid crisis.
- ItemConcepts 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 SciencesCulture, 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.
- ItemContextual and individual level determinants of breast cancer screening intention among women in Ghana(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2013, 2013) Ofori Dei, Samuel M.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Harrowing, Jean N.Steady increases in breast cancer burden have recently been observed in Ghana. Despite the low incidence of the disease compared with other African countries, breast cancer deaths are high in this West African country. However, the uptake of breast cancer screening programs remains extremely low among Ghanaian women. Using a mixed methods approach comprising quantitative surveys and focus groups interviews, this study examined the influences of individual and contextual level factors on Ghanaian women’s intention to perform breast self-examination or undergo clinical breast examination and mammography screening. The results suggest that health beliefs, knowledge, and sociodemographic, cultural and health system factors individually and collectively influence intentions towards breast cancer screening. These findings highlight the need for health education interventions to promote breast cancer screening programs, while addressing systemic, psychosocial, and cultural barriers to screening.
- ItemCorrelates of physical activity and outdoor time in Canadian school children from families speaking a non-official language at home(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021) Nayakarathna, Ransimala; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Larouche, Richard; Patel, NimeshResearch suggests that physical activity (PA) and outdoor times are lower in Canadian children who speak a non-official language at home. Using data from the Active Transportation and Independent Mobility study, we investigated the correlates of PA and outdoor time among schoolchildren from this population to inform future interventions. The sample included 1,699 children recruited in 37 schools and was stratified by area-level socioeconomic status and type of urbanization (urban, suburban, rural). Among these, 478 spoke a non-official language at home. PA was measured using pedometers for 7 consecutive days. Children’s outdoor time and data on potential correlates were collected via child and parent surveys and weather data from Environment Canada. Correlates of PA and outdoor time differ according to gender and span through the ecological model underscoring the need for gender-sensitized interventions targeted at the individual, family, social and environmental level correlates to increase children’s PA and outdoor time.
- ItemA cross-section study: secondary traumatic stress in emergency department nurses in Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021) Dirk, Brittany Paula; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Oosterbroek, TracyDeath, trauma, violence, and heavy workloads are regular occurrences that contribute to the stressful emergency department (ED). Repeated exposure to these stressors may result in secondary traumatic stress (STS). This thesis includes a literature review on the current evidence on traumatic stress in ED nurses, a study (1) measuring prevalence of STS in ED nurses in Alberta and associated factors, and a study (2) that validates the secondary traumatic stress scale (STSS) as a screening tool among ED nurses. Limited research exists in Canada on STS, with inconsistent findings of factors associated with STS (literature review). ED nurses in Alberta are experiencing significant STS, with support and hours worked being associated with STS (study 1). The STSS when used appropriately is a valuable tool for use among ED nurses (study 2). These findings all highlight the occupational hazard that STS is and will inform future research, nurses, and organizations.
- ItemA delphi study using expert consensus to develop a well-defined vision for a centre of excellence for therapeutic recreation in continuing care settings(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022) Hernesniemi, Silvo A. T.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Caspar, SiennaThere is an increasing demand for evidence-based practice and for the demonstration of client outcome achievement in therapeutic recreation (TR). There is also an ongoing need to research TR service provision in continuing care settings. The TR profession is well-suited to improving the well-being and quality of life of individuals living in continuing care facilities, however, current TR services are not standardized and vary greatly between settings and practitioners. Centres of Excellence are organizations that endeavour to establish high standards of practice in a specific profession or area of research. A Centre of Excellence could be instrumental in improving the delivery of quality TR services in continuing care settings. In this study, a Delphi expert consensus method was used to obtain a well-defined vision for a CoE for TR in continuing care settings. Three rounds of online questionnaires were completed by an expert panel of 11 TR professionals working in continuing care settings over a period of nine weeks. Based on the findings of this study, the participants came to the consensus that the vision of the CoE should be to inspire and advocate for quality TR services in continuing care settings through increased research and evidence-based practice. The findings from this study contribute to the development of a CoE for TR in continuing care settings that will be housed at the University of Lethbridge. They could also contribute to the development of additional CoEs for TR with other client populations—a topic that has been largely unexplored in the research literature.
- ItemDepression 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, GaryThis 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.
- ItemDesigned 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, RuthUsing 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.