Digital Commons Network^™

Self-Disclosure Among Male Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse: Service Providers’ Perspective, Marudan Sivagurunathan

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Previous research regarding child sexual abuse (CSA) indicates significant gender differences in disclosure rates: specifically, males are less likely to disclose their child sexual abuse in comparison to females. CSA can have lasting impact on a child’s emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing. Trauma studies show support and early intervention is necessary for CSA survivors to re-establish a sense of safety and to experience better quality of life. Service providers play a key role in providing care and support for male CSA survivors. However, little is known about service providers, who work with male CSA survivors, and their perceptions and attitudes …

Physiological And Psychological Responses Of Surgeons And Trainees, Sarantis Abatzoglou

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Performing surgical procedures can increase the physiological stress and mental strain experienced by practicing surgeons and their trainees. This may negatively affect work and learning capacity and quality of patient care by increasing the incidence of burnout, sleep disorders, fatigue and other negative behaviours such as substance abuse. This study aimed to compare the physiological and psychological responses of similar clinical situations between orthopaedic surgeons and their clinical fellows. An observational prospective cohort study was performed in that matter. Our results showed overall increased physiological responses of the fellows during surgery days compared to the clinic days. On the contrary, …

Examining The Impacts Of Wife Abuse And Child Abuse On Saudi Women’S Mental And Physical Health, Eman Alhalal

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Research has not extensively examined the contextual mechanisms by which Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and child abuse lead to chronic pain. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms overlap, yet, it is not clear whether they function in unique ways as mediators of the relationships of abuse with chronic pain. Thus, the purposes of this study were to: a) test a causal model that explains the mechanisms by which severity of child abuse and wife abuse affect chronic pain among Saudi women, and the mediating role of symptoms of depression and PTSD and perceived family support and, b) advance the …

Probiotic Yoghourt For Health, Nutrition And Women's Empowerment In Kenya: A Community-Based Approach, Ellena Andoniou

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The dissertation aims to examine the impacts of probiotic yoghourt on health, nutrition and women’s empowerment within the context of HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Mixed methods that combine quantiative and qualitative approaches are used to understand the effects of probiotic yoghourt on the health, nutrition and quality of life for men and women. Results of the quantiative analysis (n=227) demonstrated that the probiotic yoghourt confers a variety of health benefits – physiological (fewer urogenital conditions and digestive problems; reduced dependence on medical treatment), and psychological (perceived improvements with bodily appearance, felt an increased meaningfulness with life). Results of the qualitative analysis …

The Effect Of The Gekotm Device On Post Kidney And Pancreatic Transplantation Leg Edema, Bijad Alharbi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Introduction: Kidney and pancreas transplant recipients risk thromboembolism and lower limb edema due to immobility and fluid shift after surgery. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices + hromboembolic deterrent (TED stockings) are used to mitigate these risks. However, they risk peroneal nerve injury, discomfort, excessive heat and sweating under the cuffs. The Geko TM device, is an internally powered calf neuromuscular stimulator, shown to have beneficial effects in improving blood flow and skin capillary perfusion. Its role in transplantation has not previously been assessed. Our objective was to prospectively evaluate the effects of IPC+TED stocking and the Geko TM devices on …

Optimizing The Composition And Delivery Of Assessment And Treatment Following Distal Radius Fracture, Michael L. Szekeres

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common fracture.¹ The most recent Cochrane review indicated “The available evidence from randomized controlled trials is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius”.²

Since the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used for rehabilitation after DRF is unknown, the main goal of this thesis is to focus on one aspect of both assessment and treatment to add to the current literature base. The first paper (Chapter 2) describes a new method using a modified finger goniometer …

The Role Of Scapular Morphology In Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, Ashish Gupta

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Baseplate fixation in a reverse shoulder arthroplasty depends on adequate bone stock. In cases of severe glenoid bone loss and revision shoulder arthroplasty, deficiency of the glenoid vault compels the surgeon to attain screw fixation in the three columns of the scapula. The relationship of these columns demonstrated that the coracoid is closer to the lateral scapular pillar in females than in males. Significant gender dimorphism exists between the orientations of the three columns. The gender dimorphism is further evaluated by anthropometric measurements of the scapular body and the glenoid. The clinical significance lies in the ability to reconstruct the …

Physical Activity Levels In Total Hip Arthroplasty Comparing The Direct Anterior Approach To The Direct Lateral Approach: A Prospective Cohort Study, Abdulaziz N. Aljurayyan

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cost-effective surgical procedure to treat patients with end-stage hip arthritis with high patient satisfaction. Different surgical approaches to the hip have been used to successfully perform THA. However, the role of these surgical approaches on physical activity and early functional recovery in THA patients remains controversial.

In this thesis, we prospectively evaluated physical activity levels in patients with end-stage hip OA whom are undergoing elective THA. The primary focus was to evaluate the impact of different surgical approaches on physical activity levels as a measure of functional recovery in the immediate postoperative period.

Due …

Comparison Of Treatment Effects Of The Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device In Class Ii Patients With Different Underlying Vertical Skeletal Patterns, Michelle C. Watroba

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in dental and skeletal changes induced by the Forsus^TM Class II dentoalveolar corrector in Class II patients with varying vertical skeletal growth patterns. The sample consisted of 26 (mean age 12.9 ± 1.3 years) Brachyfacial (BF) (SN-MP < 30^o) consecutively treated Forsus subjects, 16 (mean age 13.1 ± 0.8 years) BF untreated Class II subjects (control subjects), 12 (mean age 12.3 ± 1.2 years) Nonbrachyfacial (NBF) (SN-MP ≥ 30^o) consecutively treated Forsus subjects, and 8 (mean age 13.2 ± 0.9 years) NBF untreated Class II subjects (control). …

Registration And Familial Consent For Deceased Organ Donation Among Ethnic Minorities In Ontario, Canada: Opportunities For Improvement, Alvin Li

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Canadians on the transplant waiting list are dying every day because there are not enough available solid organs for transplantation. An important aspect of addressing this problem is to increase deceased organ donation consent rates. Consent rates are, in part, affected by the number of adults registering their commitment to deceased organ donation in the event of their death through a donor registry. In provinces such as Ontario, approximately 30% of the population is registered for deceased organ donation and approximately 60% of families consent to organ donation. These low figures have been attributed, without evidence, to the relatively high …

Mindfulness And Mothering: Reclaiming Feminine Voice, Lisa L. Mccorquodale

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Little is known about working mothers who practice mindfulness. This dissertation is a phenomenological investigation using body mapping as a way to understand how mindfulness works in the lives of six women who work in health and social care while parenting young children.

This dissertation is comprised of five integrated articles. Chapter 1 and 7 are included as an Introduction and Discussion/Conclusion to the five separate though related manuscript chapters. The main research questions that framed this research include, ‘What is the work of mindfulness in the lives of working professional mothers?’ and ‘In what ways might a mindfulness practice …

Evaluating Factors That Affect Hand Dexterity After Distal Radius Fracture, Pavlos Bobos

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of age and gender on hand dexterity after distal radius fracture (DRF). The second aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery of hand dexterity in 1-year follow-up of DRF. The third purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which loss of range of motion (ROM) and grip strength predicts hand dexterity 6-months after injury

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 242 patients with DRF examined the recovery of hand dexterity across 3 time-points (3, 6 and 12 months). Dexterity testing was performed …

Fitness-To-Drive Screening Measure© : Constructing And Validating The Short Form, Shabnam Medhizadah

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The valid and reliable Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure^© (FTDS) is a free online proxy measure that screens for at-risk older drivers using 54 driving-related items. This secondary data analysis aims to construct and validate a short form FTDS, using 200 caregiver FTDS response sets and 200 older driver on-road assessment pass/fail outcomes. To construct the short form, exploratory factor analysis and classical test theory techniques were employed to determine the most interpretable factor model and the minimum number of items that might be used to predict fitness to drive. Next, receiver operating characteristics curves were generated to evaluate the concurrent …

Nasal Morphology As A Predictor Of Craniofacial Growth Direction, Christos Papadopoulos

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

It is important for an orthodontist to predict growth related changes and thereby appropriately time orthodontic treatment using the vertical indicators currently available. A potential predictor of craniofacial growth direction that has been discussed yet remains scientifically unexplored is nasal morphology. The objectives of this study are to determine if a difference in pre-adolescent nasal contour exists between post-adolescent normodivergent and hyperdivergent subjects, and if nasal contour morphology in pre-adolescent females is a reliable indicator of future craniofacial growth direction. A significant difference in pre-adolescent nasal contour morphology was found between normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups. A pre-adolescent nasal contour elevation …

The Lived Palliative Care Experiences Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Dementia In South Western Ontario, Kristina M. Kokorelias

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Palliative care is often suggested for individuals with dementia, yet there remains great uncertainty surrounding best delivery of care to individuals wishing to die at home. The aim of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of both individuals with dementia who receive palliative care in the community, and their informal family caregivers. Hermeneutic thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews from ten participant dyads revealed key themes. The themes for older adults with dementia were: belonging at home and acceptance of terminal illness; the themes for informal caregivers were: impact of dementia, double strain and home as a source of …

The Effect Of A Square-Stepping Exercise Intervention On Heart Rate Variability In Older Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes And Subjective Cognitive Complaints, Claire E. Riley

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Aging is associated with increased onset of diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cognitive impairment. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic function, is reduced in T2D and may have the potential to indicate cognitive decline in this population. Square-stepping exercise (SSE) is a novel cognitive exercise recently implemented in cognitive research, which may have the potential to improve global cognitive function in T2D individuals. Participants with T2D (N=25, aged ≥ 50y) and self-reported cognitive complaints were randomized into either an SSE intervention or a wait-list (WL) control group for 24-weeks. HRV parameters (time and frequency domain) …

Exploring The Self-Regulatory Behaviors Of Elementary Students With Hearing Loss In Inclusive Classrooms, Kendra Di Bacco

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

An exploratory, mixed-method and multi-level research design was employed to examine relationships among students’ hearing loss, academic achievement and self-regulation (SR), classroom background noise levels, teachers’ perceptions of inclusion of students who are hard of hearing (HH) and features of classroom instruction that support SR. Data consisted of 10 elementary teachers’ perceptions of the inclusion, and ratings of 131 students’, of whom 8 were hard of hearing, SR and academic achievement scores. Classroom observations were conducted to obtain background noise levels and to examine whether and how teachers implement the features of classroom contexts to support SR within their classroom. …

Longitudinal Evaluation Of Patient Concerns After Surgery For Head And Neck Cancer, Isabel Wozniczka

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the longitudinal effects of shoulder and neck mobility, strength, and quality of life (QOL) following neck dissection (ND) surgery and identify the concerns of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. ND is one of the standard procedures for treating HNC, which results in many complications and dysfunctions that can have an effect on a patient’s QOL.

The study had 27 eligible HNC participants who underwent ND, of which eight participated in the shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength and 12 participated in the QOL patient-reported outcomes analysis. The …

Evaluation Of Sexual Orientation Items In Population Health Surveys Among Canadians: A Mixed Methods Approach, Christoffer Dharma

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

A single item sexual orientation question has been asked in Statistics Canada health surveys to identify health inequalities in Canada. Using a mixed methods study with convenience sample of Canadians, we evaluated this question in comparison to a set of US questions that includes domains of sexual identity, behaviour and attraction. The single item question had an 85.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity in capturing sexual minorities from the broadest definition (n = 311). Chance-corrected agreements with sexual identity, 12 months and life time sexual behaviour were 0.89, 0.39 and 0.48 respectively. Both trans and cisgender people revealed that there were …

The Role Of Postural Stability And Other Factors In Distal Radius Fracture, Sheena Saju Philip

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The objective of the thesis was to describe the factors leading to falls in distal radius fracture (DRF) events, explore patient perceived risk of falls, and postural stability. A mixed method study described the type of fall in DRF patients (n= 1454) and patient perceived contributing factors (n=29). A prospective cohort study examined the postural stability and related fall risk of DRF participants (n=137) in Biodex Balance System (BBS) and compared to normative values. Environmental factors were a major contributor to DRF events. Older adults (44 to 65 years) had the highest rate of DRF (female: male ratio of 2:1). …

Drop Vertical Jump Landing Mechanics Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With And Without Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis, Michal Daniluk

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The use of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plus lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) reconstruction has shown promising results during clinical testing, however, no studies have examined its effectiveness during a dynamic functional task. We used the drop vertical jump (DVJ) to compare in vivo biomechanics of ACL reconstructed patients with and without LET.

Our primary outcome was peak knee abduction moment during stance phase. Secondary kinetic and kinematic outcomes included peak initial contact and stance values for knee abduction angle, knee flexion moment and angle, knee internal rotation moment and angle, and vertical ground reaction force. We also assessed fear …

Disability And Return To Work Following Musculoskeletal Injury, Qiyun Shi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries, damage or disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system including muscles, ligaments, nerves, tendons, bones or cartilage etc. MSDs are highly prevalent and associated with sickness absence, reduced work efficiency, job changes and earlier retirement.. They also affect daily activity and social functioning. Although many MSDs are accompanied by minor symptoms and settled spontaneously, approximately 10% of the workforce with MSDs have difficulty resuming their original work or exit the workforce permanently. Return to work after MSDs is complex, and is influenced by many factors including physical, psychological, economic and social factors.

Although there are extensive studies …

Effect Of Modified Corn Starch Ingestion On Soccer Skills And Physical/Cognitive Performance During A Simulated Soccer Game, Manuel D. Quinones

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Generation UCAN® (UCAN), which contains heat treated non Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) corn starch, has the potential to enhance endurance exercise performance via altering substrate use; however, whether its effects are similar during high intensity, intermittent exercise, like that performed in soccer is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of UCAN on physical, skill and cognitive performance during and following a simulated soccer game. Eleven trained male soccer players completed a 60-min soccer simulated game on a treadmill, under two experimental conditions: UCAN and an isoenergetic carbohydrate (CHO) placebo. There were no significant …

Reliability And Validity Of The Star Excursion Balance Test For Patients With Chronic Patellar Instability, Andrew D. Firth

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is an eight-direction, maximal-reach balance test whose measurement properties are unknown in participants with chronic patellar instability. We designed an observational study with repeated measures to evaluate the test-retest reliability, cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity, sensitivity to change and responsiveness of the SEBT in this population. Fifteen patients completed the SEBT and reported outcomes at baseline and two weeks and four patients completed testing three months later at the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic.

Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for the SEBT were fair to good, ranging from 0.66-0.84. The SEBT demonstrates good cross-sectional construct …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Simulated Classroom-Based Intervention On Concussion Rehabilitation Among Individuals With Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms, Bedoor Alqenai

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Although recent clinical and scientific effort has focused on the development of guidelines for post-concussion return to play/work/learn, there is still relatively little literature that addresses specific treatment methods by which this can be accomplished. Accordingly, this study investigated the effect of a 7-week simulated classroom-based intervention on the self-reporting of symptom scores among 71 individuals with persistent concussion symptoms (26 men and 45 women). All participants were provided with novel strategies for reading, writing, study skills, social communication and technology use. Self-assessment of symptoms were obtained weekly, both before and after each session of the treatment program, in an …

A Randomized Controlled Trial To Establish Realistic Patient Expectations Following Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Sharon E. Culliton

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Objectives: To evaluate whether e-learning videos can affect whether patients felt their expectations were met and were satisfied with surgery 1 year following primary total knee replacement (TKR) (Chapter 3). In Chapter 4, we described characteristics of users and utilization patterns of the e-learning tool. In Chapter 5, we evaluated the internal consistency and construct validity of the new Knee Society Knee Scoring System (KSS) in a sample of TKR patients.

Methods: We recruited consecutive patients with osteoarthritis from the London Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada (Chapter 3). We randomized patients with osteoarthritis to either control (n=207) they received our …

Standing Up For Student Health: An Application Of The Health Action Process Approach For Reducing Student Sedentary Behavior., Wuyou -. Sui

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Sedentary behavior (SB) has been associated with chronic diseases, such as Hypertension and Obesity; the risk appears greater the longer one engages in SB. University Students are a high-risk population for excessive SB due to academic responsibilities. Increasing frequency/length of breaks from sitting is an effective way to attenuate effects of SB. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) is a proven health behavior change model for behaviors like nutrition, but has yet to show effectiveness for increasing non-sedentary behaviors. Forty-five university students (12 Males, Mean age 23.3) were randomized into HAPA-intervention (sedentary behavior) or HAPA-control (nutrition) groups. Occupational Student and …

Evaluating The Effects Of Patellofemoral Offset Changes And Trochlear Design In Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Radiographic, Visual, And Topographical Analysis, Jacob Matz

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for the treatment of advanced knee osteoarthritis. Complications involving the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) are common following TKA, and the etiology is controversial. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate two potentially modifiable factors affecting the PFJ: (i) changes in patellofemoral offset (PFO) and (ii) trochlear design.

Through a retrospective radiographic review, we demonstrated that PFO changes occur frequently post-TKA, and that the PFJ can tolerate these changes without adverse clinical outcomes. Retrieval analysis provided additional evidence that PFO changes are not associated with femoral component surface damage or wear.

In order …

The Effects Of Manual Tooth Brushing On Parotid And Submandibular/Sublingual Gland Salivary Flow Rates In Healthy Young And Older Adults, Kristen M. Trottier

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Saliva is crucial for the maintenance of oral health. Individuals with reduced salivary flow may experience a distortion in taste, difficulty swallowing, and impaired articulation of speech. Research has shown that tooth brushing increases whole salivary flow rates in older adults. It is important to determine whether this increase results from the modulation of parotid gland salivary flow, submandibular and sublingual gland salivary flow, or both. Saliva produced from the parotid gland aids in digestive processes, while saliva secreted from the submandibular and sublingual glands promotes protection of the oral cavity. A within-subjects methodology was used to examine the effects …

Social Connectedness, Social Support And The Health Of Older Adults: A Comparison Of Immigrant And Native-Born Canadians, Natalie Iciaszczyk

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Considerable research exists on the influence of social relationships for health in old age. However, few studies have compared the associations of social connectedness and social support with the health of older adults. Using data from the CCHS-Healthy Aging, this study examines how these constructs are related to the self-reported health status of immigrant and native-born adults aged 65+. Results show that social connectedness and social support are differently associated with health in later life; whereas connectedness is linked to better health, social support is negatively related with health once levels of social connectedness are considered. Furthermore, these associations hold …