Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed toward individuals based on their gender. When GBV occurs in a home with children, they are at risk for exposure to parental GBV. Childhood exposure to parental GBV is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased risk of psychological, social, emotional, and behavioural problems; anxiety and trauma disorders; and conduct problems. Despite exposure to parental GBV, some children display resilience, or the ability to survive, grow and thrive despite exposure to adversity. Resilience is a protective factor against adverse social, behavioural, and developmental outcomes for children; however, resilience may largely depend on external system-level supports that are largely outside of the control of families and children. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to explore parents’ perspectives of their children’s system-level protective factors following exposure to parental GBV. Methods: This multi-phase, qualitative study grounded in Resiliency Theory and Interpretive Description involved a series of semi-structured interviews with parents of school-aged children (aged 5-12 years) across Canada. Results: A total of 20 parents with children averaging 8.09 years (SD = 2.20) were interviewed. Parents noted four themes centered around children’s system-level protective factors including: (1) financially covered supports; (2) school-based supports; (3) colliding support systems; and (4) the dominant patriarchal discourse within systems. Implications: Findings from this study suggest the immediate need for trauma- and violence-informed system-wide approaches to support children and families following experiences of parental GBV.
Background: Researchers have traditionally viewed health and well-being within the context of work through the lens of occupational health and safety, focusing primarily on individual workers and their work demands. A focus on the social determinants of health and inequities related to worker health has not been comprehensively applied in the literature. A new, holistic conceptualization of health and well-being within the context of work is needed to guide research connected to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims for decent work for all. Hypotheses/Objectives: The objective of this scholarly activity was to develop a preliminary conceptual definition for the “occupational health and well-being” of workers. Methods: Using the four-stage process recommended by Podsakoff, MacKenzie, and Podsakoff (2016), a group of researchers examined the attributes present in existing definitions of health and well-being (Stage 1), organized the attributes by theme (Stage 2), and developed a preliminary conceptual definition (Stage 3) that is yet to be refined by the researchers (Stage 4). Results: A preliminary conceptual definition was developed for the “occupational health and well-being” of workers. Implications: The definition will be refined by the researchers via detailed review of literature on inequities related to worker health and consultation with workers with lived experience in diverse sectors, workplaces, and community health service providers. The use of a new, holistic conceptualization of the “occupational health and well-being” of workers will support the development of practices that advance the overall welfare of all persons within the global workforce.
Background: Chronic pain resulting from workplace injuries leads to significant financial and personal costs for employers, insurers, and workers. Previous research has shown that acute pain intensity and pain-related distress can predict the development of chronic pain, but it remains unclear how these tools are influenced by social and intersectional factors such as age, sex, education, and racial identity. Objective: To investigate how social determinants, including intersectional identities and experiences, influence pain outcomes in injured workers. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 140 acutely injured workers in Ontario. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and post-traumatic distress was assessed using the Traumatic Injuries Distress Scale (TIDS). Additional data included age, sex, education, income, racial identity, and experiences of discrimination. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the impact of social determinants on NPRS and TIDS scores. Results: regression analysis showed that being treated as a person of colour and older age significantly explained 17.8% of the variance in NPRS scores. Education moderated the association between injury region (spine vs. extremities) and pain. Intersectional discrimination experiences significantly explained 11.2% of the variance in TIDS scores. Implications: Findings suggest the need for equity-focused, culturally informed care that integrates screening for discrimination and addresses social stressors. Tailored interventions that consider social determinants and individual factors may enhance recovery support for injured workers.
Background: Developmental delay (DD) is identified in children when they are unable to successfully achieve a developmental milestone compared to other children the same age. DD impacts gross motor, fine motor, social/emotional, cognitive, and speech/language development; and impacts approximately 10-15% of children between the ages of three to 15 years old. Health literacy explores a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health related decisions for themselves and for others. Lower/limited health literacy has become a growing issue among Canadian adults. This causes additional concerns as limited/lower health literacy among parents may impact critical early childhood development. Methods: This cross sectional survey study looked to determine if there are associations between the health literacy scores of participants and the developmental health status of their child, as well differences between health literacy scores by classification of child developmental health status. This study also explored the different types of developmental resources/services that are available, being used, and are perceived as useful to study participants. Results of this interim analysis suggest there are minimal relationships between participant health literacy scores and the developmental health status of their child. Similarly, marginal associations were found among different developmental services/resources and child developmental status. These findings support the development of future developmental resources/services for parents and children with DD in Canada. Data collection for this survey study is ongoing.
Background: Dementia-related stigma is known to transmit negative stereotypes, embarrassment, and isolation. Such stigmatizing perceptions create barriers to help seeking behaviour, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and caregiver stress. Moreover, dementia-related stigma is profound among racialized persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners, as characteristics of race and culture are present. Despite this, there continue to be minimal efforts that address dementia-related stigma in Canada, particularly from a racialized perspective. Objective: This study highlights the perceptions of dementia-related stigma through daily conversations between a racialized PLWD and their care partner. Methods: A formal analysis of conversations between racialized Canadians living with dementia and their care partner will be performed, using conversation data from the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging. A total of 25 dyads involving racialized PLWD (Black, Hispanic, South Asian, East Asian, Middle Eastern) and care partners will be analyzed. These dyads will be compared to a second group of 25 dyads involving white counterparts. A comparative analysis will be performed to understand differences and/or similarities of dementia-related sigma. Results: There is a misconception that dementia-related stigma rarely occurs between family members. Dementia-related stigma between family is often not intentional. Dementia-related stigma is often not blatant or straight forward in conversation. Implications: This study is the first to examine dementia-related stigma in daily conversation between a racialized PLWD and their family care partner. It will provide a deeper understanding of how stigma is perpetuated in everyday language."
Background: The unpredictable nature of firefighting, characterised by lifting and carrying of heavy equipment, forceful upper body movements in confined spaces, and exposure to extreme conditions, predisposes firefighters (FFs) to a range of work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs). The unique occupational demand of firefighting underscores the need for targeted intervention and occupational health programs tailored to the demands of firefighting. Objective: To explore the: 1) Management strategies that FFs employ after WSDs (2) Needs and preferences of FFs with WSDs in relation to their occupational health and recovery. Methods: Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we interviewed 14 firefighters (males, n= 9; females, n= 5) with an average age of 47 years, who experienced WSDs in their careers. Semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews was conducted using online video conference software and were transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Result: Four themes emerged from firefighters as management strategies following WSDs: 1) Appropriate diagnostic precision and tailored management; 2) The critical role of early medical and physiotherapy intervention; 3) Comprehensive social support systems; 4) Adaptive coping mechanisms. Two themes also emerged as needs and preferences in relation to their occupational health and recovery: 1) Formal and targeted training exercise programs; 2) Mandatory health and wellness monitoring programs. Conclusion/Implication: The unique occupational demands of firefighting necessitate a multifaceted and wholistic approach to shoulder injury management and prevention. This approach encourages the development of tailored intervention programs that address the specific challenges and perceived needs of firefighters with WSDs."
Background: The expert best practice recommendations for treating people with atypical parkinsonian syndromes, a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders with no cure, is a multi-disciplinary approach that targets symptom management and education to optimize patient outcomes. Despite the research supported benefits of collaborative practice for other neurodegenerative conditions, little is known about the differences between various models of collaborative care design. A unique clinic model has been developed at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in which a patient and their caregiver see a team of healthcare professionals at a joint appointment enabling consultation, collaboration and problem solving in real time. Objectives: This study explores the lived experience of healthcare professionals working in an interprofessional outpatient clinic for people with atypical parkinsonism using a phenomenological approach to increase understanding of this model of care. Methods: In-depth, one-on-one, semi-structured, conversation interviews are being conducted with healthcare professionals who have previously or are currently working in the clinic for people with atypical parkinsonian syndromes at London Health Sciences Centre. Preliminary results: Preliminary data analysis is currently taking place to examine the unique aspects of working in this clinical care model. Future directions/implications: This research may increase our understanding of the needs of healthcare professionals, patient and caregivers and impact the way healthcare is delivered for individuals with atypical parkinsonism.
Background: The envelope following response (EFR) is an auditory evoked potential that can be used for physiological assessments of infant hearing aid fittings. Scalp measured EFR amplitude is influenced by the summative nature of responses evoked by the harmonics of vowel stimuli at the fundamental frequency (f0). Objectives: We predict adjacent harmonics along the cochlea create beating envelopes at frequency f0 and that the auditory filter bank initiates parallel EFRs in the ascending auditory system. These may contribute to an increased scalp measured EFR amplitude. The proportional contribution of each harmonic pair to the scalp measured potential is unclear. This study aims to elucidate EFR generation mechanisms. Methods/Hypotheses: The vowel /ɛ/ has been decomposed into its 38 pairs of adjacent harmonics to measure their relative EFR contributions. Thirty adults will participate in three one-hour duration electroencephalogram recording sessions upon passing otoscopic and audiometric screenings. Stimuli are presented monoaurally. Each repetition of stimuli contains an iteration of a synthesized vowel /ɛ/ followed by its harmonic pairs played individually. We hypothesize that harmonic pairs from vowel formant (spectrally prominent) regions F1 and F2 will evoke larger responses than surrounding spectral areas and that individual responses will vector sum linearly to achieve an amplitude and phase similar to the original synthesized vowel. Future directions/Implications: Understanding EFR generational mechanisms will guide stimuli design to maximize scalp measured EFR amplitude. This can reduce measurement time and improve detection efficiency. These improvements can aid in optimizing early intervention strategies for infant hearing loss."
The purpose of this scoping review was to explore what is currently known regarding elementary students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development during the COVID-19 pandemic in North America. In accordance with the Joanna Briggs Guide, three databases were searched in September 2024, and results were uploaded into Covidence wherein they were screened for eligibility. A total of 13 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review. Thematic analyses revealed four themes including (1) lack of socialization opportunities; (2) emotional regression; (3) cognitive gaps in learning; and (4) inequitable impacts on development. School-based supports are needed for all students, but particularly those facing multiple, intersecting health and social disparities, to bolster positive development post-pandemic and to mitigate long-term negative health outcomes.
Background: Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), and spina bifida (SB) are at an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD), but are less likely to receive appropriate screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Little is known about how persons with these conditions, or the healthcare providers who treat them, view CMD. Objectives: This work aims to: (1) understand current knowledge, importance, confidence, self-efficacy, and concern related to CMD among physiatrists, primary care providers (PCPs), and persons with SCI, MS, CP, and SB; (2) Learn of CMD management practices within primary care and rehabilitation settings; and (3) Identify target areas for improvement in CMD care. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, with a survey (on a -2 to +2 Likert-scale) and qualitative semi-structured interviews, patient participants were recruited via outpatient clinics at Parkwood Institute; physiatrists and PCPs across Canada were invited to participate via email/snowball sampling. Preliminary Results: Four patients (n=1 SCI; n=3 CP) and 5 physiatrists completed the survey. Preliminary analyses revealed that patients have limited knowledge of CMD (-0.67), but view it as important (+0.58) and of concern (+0.5). Patients note a lack of adequate resources/supports for CMD within rehabilitation centres (-1.25) and primary care settings (-1.38). Physiatrists view CMD as highly important (+2), but are not confident in assessment interpretation and treatment provision (-0.2). Future Directions: Preliminary findings highlight gaps in confidence, knowledge, and resource availability. Ongoing recruitment and analysis of qualitative interviews will help develop a more fulsome understanding of CMD care across Canada."
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that leads to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life, especially among older adults. While many people are affected by knee OA, there is no clear agreement of what “usual care” involves for this condition. “Usual care” refers to the standard treatments a person with a specific condition would typically receive. For research on knee OA, there is a lack of consistent information on what these standard treatments include in real-world settings. While general treatment guidelines exist, details on actual practice are missing. This research will complete a scoping review by examining a wide range of studies to map out the current landscape of usual care for knee OA. By reviewing currently available literature, this study aims to identify types of treatments and management methods commonly used for knee OA. Researchers will search multiple scientific databases for studies that compare different approaches for knee OA to what is considered usual care. This will help clarify what usual care is and where gaps might exist in current treatment approaches. Given the high prevalence of knee OA and its impact on health costs and quality of life, a clearer understanding of usual care can help establish better, more consistent treatment standards across Canada, leading to improved patient outcomes and better use of healthcare resources.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted older adults living in long-term care (LTC) homes the hardest. Almost three and a half years after the WHO first declared a pandemic, older adults in Canadian LTC homes still die every week from COVID-19. High mortality rates in LTC homes worldwide have spotlighted policy shortcomings, pushing LTC to the forefront of policy making agendas. If governments are interested in learning lessons and hope to make changes for the betterment of their social systems but fail to acknowledge we are still experiencing significant harms from COVID, they are unlikely to learn. Identifying which recommendations have been implemented and what gaps remain is essential for guiding policymakers and shaping effective reforms. Objectives: This project examines the policy changes made in Canada (Québec) and France to address systemic and pandemic-related issues in LTC. Focusing on regulation, service provision, financing, and workforce, it aims to assess progress, propose policy improvements, and compile an inventory of COVID-19-related policy changes in these two francophone jurisdictions. Methods: Using a multiple case study approach, this project includes two phases: (1) document analysis of laws, policies, and key documents governing institutional LTC in Québec and France (2) semi-structured interviews with policymakers to contextualize and understand the post-pandemic LTC policy landscape.Future Applications: By deepening knowledge of LTC policy changes, this project seeks to improve health emergency preparedness, enhance policy frameworks, and facilitate reforms. The ultimate goal is to strengthen Canada’s LTC system, ensuring better care for older adults and readiness for future challenges
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