The Relationship Between Quality Of Parks And Playgrounds And Park-Based Physical Activity In Children, Hammad Ali Qazi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Research on the quality of parks and playgrounds has been limited, particularly regarding how conditions and cleanliness of parks and playgrounds influence park-based physical activity in children. This thesis explored the relationship between the quality of parks and playgrounds and physical activity in children, through a scoping review and a mixed-methods study.

The scoping review used a systematic search to identify gaps in the literature and to disseminate research findings on the topic. A total of 10 articles were selected in accordance with the selection criteria. The review showed that the features, amenities, and safety of parks and playgrounds were …

Risk Factors For Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Analysis Of Subpopulation Differences In A Large Canadian Sample, Michael James Taylor

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Objectives: Certain Canadian subpopulations observe numerous modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for diabetes. This study compares immigrants and Aboriginals (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) with Canada-born individuals at higher risks for diabetes, and deciphers the determinant differences between them.

Methods: Pooled Canadian Community Health Survey data (2001-2010) were used. Time trends for diabetes within each subsample were calculated using individual survey year prevalence rates; diabetes diagnoses were self-reported (N=33,565). Various risk factors were also examined using logistic regression.

Results: Diabetes prevalence rates significantly increased from 2001 to 2010 for each subpopulation, as well as the total sample: Canada-Born individuals (3.9% …

The Smart Technology To Manage Type 2 Diabetes And Achieve Health Goals Through Record Keeping And Tailored Feedback (Smart) Study, Jody C. Schuurman

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Lifestyle interventions reduce the risk of diabetic complications; however, many of these interventions are difficult to implement in everyday practice. This study investigated whether a smartphone application and data mining system, GlucoGuide™, could be a functional and effective tool to supplement a lifestyle intervention in order to enhance patient care for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using a quasi-experimental design, seventeen participants diagnosed with prediabetes or T2D were given the STEP™ test and a lifestyle prescription, and either a paper journal or the GlucoGuide™ system to record important health markers. The primary analysis compared clinical fasting blood …

Factors That Contribute To Adverse Events Involving Care- Dependent Community Dwelling Older Adults And Their Caregivers., Dorothy J. Gotzmeister

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The research on home and community care shows that when safely delivered it can be an efficient way to support elders who require care, potentially preventing a move into costlier institutional care. Learning from system-wide safety breakdowns that occur is necessary to establish appropriate prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that contributed to adverse events in care-dependent community-dwelling older adults and their caregivers. Using a multiple case study methodology, eight falls were investigated using a comprehensive Systemic Falls Investigative Method. Using within case and across case analyses, a total of 280 contributing factors were …

The Impact Of Protection Motivation Theory Grounded Messaging On Diabetes Prevention Behaviours Following Gestational Diabetes, Jennifer M. Jacob

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Despite this risk, few women are engaging in diabetes prevention behaviours. Methods: The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was employed to design and evaluate a post-GDM diabetes prevention information session. The utility of this theory in predicting intentions and diabetes prevention behaviours was assessed using regression analysis. Results: Two of the four PMT variables, response efficacy and self efficacy were found to be consistent predictors of intention across most of the recommended behaviours, accounting for between 25% and 77% of the variance in intention. Intention was …