Health Sciences, Faculty of
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- ItemThe effects of generation anxiety on post-secondary mental health outcomes: Implications for service providers and educators(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2025) Tahir, Aleena; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Brenner, Charlotte; Gunn, ThelmaDespite increased access to mental health services, Generation Z reports the highest rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Guided by Life Course Theory, this study examined how environmental, technological, and socioeconomic conditions influence youth mental health, with a focus on generation-specific anxieties related to climate change, artificial intelligence, and financial concerns. A mixed-methods design was employed, drawing on quantitative data from 586 post-secondary students using standardized mental health and anxiety scales, along with qualitative responses to open-ended questions. Pearson correlations and stepwise linear regressions revealed that financial anxiety was the strongest predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Eco-anxiety and AI anxiety also contributed to mental health outcomes in nuanced ways. Although proposed moderators did not significantly alter these relationships, factors such as social isolation, social support, and daily internet use were independently associated with mental health outcomes. Qualitative data reinforced these findings, with students expressing concern about financial insecurity, environmental degradation, and the impact of AI on job security. These findings highlight the need for clinicians, educators, and policymakers to develop targeted supports and policy responses that address the broader structural pressures affecting the psychological well-being of Generation Z.
- ItemGood grief?: The impact of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) on grieving experiences in rural Southern Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Trottier, Maegan Gisela; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Brassolotto, JuliaMedical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has introduced new ethical, clinical, and social considerations in Canada’s healthcare system since its legalization in 2016. While research has explored the legal, policy, and practical implications of MAiD, less is known about the grief experiences of those closely involved in the process—particularly within rural communities. This thesis explores the grief experiences of patients, family members, and healthcare professionals involved in MAiD within a rural Southern Alberta context. Using a reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative interview data, this study investigates how participants described grief and what factors influenced their experiences. Through this analysis, I generated three primary themes: (1) MAiD as a means to avoid a ‘bad death’; (2) bureaucratic processes and institutional policies that complicate the MAiD experience and related grief; and (3) the role of stigma and secrecy in shaping grief and limiting access to support. While many participants identified MAiD as enabling a more dignified and controlled end-of-life experience, the grief that followed was not always straightforward. Experiences were shaped by personal and professional relationships, the perceived legitimacy of MAiD within communities, and systemic barriers—including final consent policies and restrictions in faith-based facilities. This research contributes to growing evidence that grief related to MAiD can be multifaceted and influenced by more than the nature of death itself. Findings underscore the importance of considering how rurality, cultural context, and stigma intersect to shape bereavement. The thesis concludes with recommendations for improving policy, support services, and future research, especially regarding the role of rural social norms and institutional restrictions in the experience of MAiD-related grief.
- ItemCorrelates of changes in children's independent mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic: a Canadian national longitudinal study(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Roy, Sudipta; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Larouche, RichardChildren's independent mobility (CIM) is linked to higher physical activity in cross-sectional research, but studies describing factors influencing changes in CIM are lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the social-ecological correlates of changes in CIM and whether correlates differ by gender. Every six months between December 2020 and 2021, Canadian parents of 7- to 12-year-olds (n=2291 at baseline) were surveyed to assess mobility licenses (children's permission to do certain activities independently). Linear regression models adjusted for child age, gender, and household income were conducted. Average CIM increased (0.65±1.30 licenses) throughout the follow-up period. Boys experienced a smaller increase in CIM compared to girls (β: -0.60; 95%CI: -1.13, -0.06). Child age (β: 0.08; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.14) and each unit increase in the parental Tolerance of Risk in Play Scale (β: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.00, 0.04) were associated with increased CIM whereas parental crime safety concerns (β: -0.19; 95%CI: -0.37, -0.02) were negatively associated. Children whose parents were neither employed full-time nor homemakers had lower CIM than those of full-time working parents (β: -0.40; 95%CI: -0.74, -0.06). Child gender interacted with parent employment: boys whose parent did not work full-time had a greater increase in CIM (β: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.08, 0.95). In gender-stratified models, boys with a disability (β: 0.49; 95%CI: 0.08, 0.89) and from middle- vs. high-income households (β: 0.34; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.63) had greater increases in CIM. Findings show that correlates of changes in CIM span multiple levels of influence, and these correlates differ significantly between boys and girls, highlighting the importance of examining gender-specific factors when examining changes in CIM. Future interventions to increase CIM could target modifiable variables, including parental risk tolerance and perceived crime safety.
- ItemAn assessment of provincial policy and youth vaping rates in Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Hepp, Amanda; University of Lethbridge. Facutly of Health Sciences; Hallström, LarsTo date, no research has examined the impact of the new youth vaping policy in Alberta which was implemented July 2021. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in youth vaping and purchasing patterns in Alberta following the new legislation. Cross-sectional data collected before and after the policy's implementation were compared. Additionally, differences between sex, gender, and grade level were evaluated. Cross-sectional data were obtained through two cycles of the Canadian Student Tobacco Alcohol and Drugs Survey from students in grades 7 through 12 in 2018/19 and 2021/22 (pooled n = 15,578). The samples were weighted to represent youth in Alberta in each period. Changes in vaping prevalence and underage purchases between survey waves were analyzed using proportions and logistic regression models adjusted for confounders. In Alberta, there was a 5.1% reduction in the prevalence of youth vaping following 2021 legislation to restrict this activity. The weighed proportion of students who vaped decreased from 19.9% in 2018/19 to 14.8% in 2021/22. After adjustment for confounders, there was a statistically significant reduction on past 30-day vape use between survey waves (OR: 0.65, 99% CI: 0.56–0.76). This decrease was more pronounced in males and students in grades 10–12. In 2018/19, 12.6% of youth purchased vape products underage and this slightly increased to 13.3% in 2021/22, however, these changes, including stratification by sex/gender, were not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant decline in youth vaping between survey waves, particularly among older youth and males, during the introduction of a new prevention policy. However, unmeasured factors such as societal trends and cultural norms may have also played a role.
- ItemMuslim immigrant women's experiences of mental health challenges in Southern Alberta, Canada(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Hosseinpour, Zohreh; Faculty of Health Sciences; Kellett, PeterThe purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of mental health challenges in Muslim immigrant women in Southern Alberta. Exploratory descriptive qualitative research design and semi-structured interviews with ten Muslim women were employed. Thematic analysis of these collected data showed that Muslim immigrant women participants experienced some mental health challenges due the intersection of pre-migration and post-migration factors. To cope with mental health challenges, Muslim women utilized a series of coping mechanisms including seeking professional help. However, some elements such as cultural and religious factors impacted their decisions. The study recommended that stakeholders, policy makers, and mental health professionals provide Muslim immigrant women with culturally safe services to promote their mental well-being.