Health Sciences, Faculty of
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- ItemExploring the stressors and coping experiences of healthcare workers in long-term care homes during COVID-19 crisis within Southern Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Adeosun, Adebayo Olumuyiwa; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Koso, SilviaThis study aimed to explore the psychological and other stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care (LTC) homes in the Southern Alberta region in Canada. A qualitative descriptive research design was used to answer two research questions: (1) What are the psychological stressors of healthcare workers in LTC homes during the COVID-19 public health crisis in Southern Alberta, and (2) What are the coping mechanisms that healthcare workers in LTC homes find helpful in managing the identified stressors? Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from semi-structured interviews with HCWs. The results revealed that the main pandemic stressors experienced by the HCWs were chronic understaffing, unpredictability and constant change, fear of risking being infected and the unknown, and disruption of work-life balance with an implication on the mental HCWs. The main coping mechanisms identified by the HCWs bordered on behavioural, social, and internal and spiritual coping responses. The findings from this study have implications for the development of effective measures for improving the mental health of HCWs in the LTC setting during a public health crisis and provide information for interventions that may promote the psychological wellbeing of HCWs. The study also offers policy and practice-based recommendations.
- ItemGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Canadian men: does men's alignment with traditional masculine norms play a role in the development of GAD?(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Leavitt, Nikkolas G.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Kellett, PeterThis thesis explored the association between masculinity and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among men used two measures of masculinity: the Male Role Norms Inventory Short-Form (MRNI-SF) and participants' self-rated masculinity scores. The GAD-7 was used to assess participants' GAD symptoms, while the effects of covariates and racialization were also examined. Results showed that traditional masculinity was positively associated with increased anxiety scores, whereas self-rated masculinity was negatively associated. Covariates such as pre-existing mental health conditions, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) also influenced the association between masculinity and GAD. Moreover, being African-Canadian had a significant moderating effect, suggesting that the impact of masculinity on mental health outcomes may differ across racialized groups. These findings highlighted the importance of redefining masculinity and exploring new ways to measure it in research, and the need to consider intersecting factors that contribute to men's mental health outcomes.
- ItemThe experiences, responsibilities, and recommendations of the Registered Nurse Health Coach in Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Rohovie, Erin C.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Oosterbroek, TracyThe Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that almost half of the adult population are living with at least one chronic disease and 70% of healthcare costs involve the care of individuals with long term chronic conditions. The Registered Nurse Health Coach (RNHC) is well positioned to partner with these individuals to enhance primary healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes. This thesis includes a literature review on the current evidence on the RNHC role and a study guided by the following broad question: what are the experiences, roles, and recommendations of the Registered Nurse Health Coach in Alberta? A qualitative descriptive study design was utilized to examine the RNHC experiences in the Alberta primary healthcare setting and explore the opportunities and challenges experienced by the RNHC. Limited research exists in Canada on the role of the RNHC. Findings from this study suggested that the RNHC role supports individuals achieve their healthcare needs through specialized skills and a unique approach to health. This approach helps RNHCs create partnerships with clients that empowers individuals to positively influence their own health. The RNHC participants from this study discussed how these partnerships and experiences with clients reignited their passion and pride as Registered Nurses practicing as health coaches. It is expected the findings will contribute to the current understanding of the RNHC role within the Alberta primary care context. This knowledge will inform future research, healthcare teams, and Registered Nurses in the Alberta Primary Care Network (PCN) of the role of RNHCs.
- ItemRegistered nurses' experiences working in the emergency fast track area(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Brown, Kennedy N.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Zieber, MarkEmergency fast track area nurses have a unique job where they must balance quality care with efficiency in a fast paced, high patient volume environment. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of registered nurses’ experiences working in the emergency fast track area with a focus on quality of care. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study of eight registered nurses working in an urban hospital was completed. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Results: Moral distress was described by participants when they felt unable to provide quality care. Sub themes of moral distress include: stretched to a breaking point, the balancing act, and resiliency. Participants felt stretched to a breaking point by their numerous roles and responsibilities within the fast track area. Participants strived to balance quality care and efficiency. Participants described resiliency through collaboration with other team members, supportive administration, and resetting.
- 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.