Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Experiences Of Black Men Living With Hypertension In Ontario, Canada: A Critical Narrative Study, Rob Haile

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

To date, most Black hypertension literature centers on the risk factors predictive of hypertension, and the treatment of this condition within this population. The purpose of this critical narrative inquiry is to better understand how Black men make sense of their hypertension diagnosis, and how they negotiate this condition into their everyday lives. Eight individual in-depth interviews were utilized to elicit stories from four Black men living in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, a critical stance was used in this study to illuminate how racism and power dynamics embedded within social, historical, and political contexts affected participants’ experiences of living with hypertension. …

A Health Promotion Perspective On Transitioning Into Retirement, Catherine P. Gelinas

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The transitional stages towards retirement of those with chronic disorder(s) often present a diversity of additional challenges and people look at the measurement of their anticipated quality of life as a meaningful way of determining this successful adjustment. The overall objective of this research study was to understand transition into retirement considering the impact of comorbidity and associated socio-demographic factors have on the (physical and mental) health status. Quantitative data analysis of people (aged 50-65) with chronic upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders was used to inform health impacts in the group transitioning towards retirement; or who have selected or required early …

Through The Eyes Of Children: First Nations Children's Perceptions Of Health, Kyla Annui Ursa English

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Few studies addressing Indigenous children’s health have incorporated the voices of children or integrated an occupational science perspective. In partnership with the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre, this community-based study used artwork and sharing circles to understand First Nations children’s perceptions of health during a week-long culture camp. The objectives were: (1) to understand how First Nations children view their health, and (2) to explore how children connect health and culture. Findings demonstrated that children’s perceptions (n=20, aged 10 to 12) focused on physical aspects of health, such as diet and fitness. Children attended much less to spiritual, mental, …

Interesting Shapes Of Vegetables: Is It A Strategy To Promote Consumption Among Preschool Children?, Salma H. Alhabshi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study highlighted the low intake of vegetables by preschool children and determined whether changing the shape of vegetables increased their level of consumption. A new strategy of repeated exposure to interesting-shaped vegetables was a step aimed at increasing vegetable consumption by increasing the fun element in having vegetables as snacks. Vegetables are the less desirable food in comparison to more attractive unhealthy choices available to children, and discovering a strategy to promote vegetables is considered an important step in nutrition. The primary aim was to explore the effect of repeated exposure (eight times) of shaped vegetables on consumption by …

The Association Between Women's Autonomy And Women's Hiv/Aids Knowledge And Attitudes In Ethiopia, Fadumo Rirash

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Low autonomy resulting from gender inequalities in women has been identified as a contributing factor to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This study explored the association between women’s autonomy and HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes in Ethiopia using the 2005 and 2011 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys. The women’s spouses’ perceptions of the women’s autonomy and socio-demographic variables associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes identified by the literature were included in the analyses. Multiple linear regression identified positive associations between women’s autonomy (and men’s perception of women’s autonomy), socio-demographic variables including education and mass media …

Resilience As Health Promotion In Action: University Students Who Grew Up Amid Violence Directed Towards Their Mothers, Tatiana Murkin (Zdyb)

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Violence against women is among the greatest threats to the health of our population. An estimated three hundred and sixty thousand children in Canada, and over two million worldwide are exposed to violence in their homes (UNICEF, 2006). Growing up amidst such violence seriously compromises children’s capacities for healthy development. Violence against women is not limited by culture, geography or socioeconomic status. It constitutes one of the most pervasive and yet least openly discussed human rights violations and public health issues known today.

Researchers and allied health professionals generally agree that children whose development has been interfered with by …

An Exploration Of Early Childhood Education Students' Knowledge And Preparation To Facilitate Physical Activity For Preschoolers, Olivia Martyniuk

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Early childhood educators play an important role in influencing preschoolers’ physical activity levels. The current study sought to explore Early Childhood Education (ECE) students’ physical activity (PA)-related knowledge and educational experience. A total of 1,113 ECE students from 20 Ontario Colleges completed the study survey (online or on paper), which examined students’ PA course content; awareness of PA guidelines; understanding of health-related benefits of PA; self-efficacy to facilitate PA for preschoolers; as well as PA resource needs. Survey results identified that 72.1% of ECE students had not completed any PA/physical education specific courses, while only 28.7% were familiar with, and …

"Being Stuck": Understanding The Health-Related And Everyday Lived Experiences Of Young Mothers In Rexdale, Ontario Through A Social Determinants Framework, Jaspreet Kaur

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the ways the health-related and everyday lived experiences of young mothers are shaped by various social determinants, and in the context of their neighbourhood. Using a critical qualitative methodology, five mothers between the ages of 17 to 19 were interviewed from Rexdale, a neighbourhood in the City of Toronto characterized by a number of social risk factors(e.g. high rates of visible minorities, unemployment, and teen mothers). In-depth thematic analysis led to the emergence of four themes: 1) Living in Rexdale: Representations and realities; 2) Leaving Rexdale and wanting something …

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% …

A Baseline Assessment Of University Students’ Vitamin D Knowledge, Shaunessey Boland

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Vitamin D is necessary for many aspects of health and development yet 25% of Canadians are not getting enough and university-aged students are at particularly high risk of insufficiency. It seems program development is needed to help university students in acquiring adequate vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to acquire a baseline assessment of university students’ vitamin D related knowledge to help inform future program development. Subjects were asked to complete a Vitamin D Knowledge Survey which assessed knowledge on aspects such as vitamin D sources, health benefits, and recommended intake. A Vitamin D Knowledge Score was computed …

Describing The Falls Prevention Program At An Acute Care Hospital In Ontario Using Leveson’S Systems Model, Mahboubeh Mehrjoo

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Falls are the most frequent adverse event in acute care hospitals. Although a large number of studies have addressed the patients’ risk factors for falls and best practices in fall prevention, patients falls still remain a major problem. This study applied a systemic methodology (Causal Analysis based on STAMP (CAST)) to depict Ontario’s acute care hospital structure related to patient fall prevention. The system’s component behaviours and interactions were described and deficits and inappropriate control mechanisms among the system’s controllers were identified. As a result of the CAST analysis, the complexity of the health care system, lack of a consistent …

Awareness Of Physical Activity Levels And Sedentary Behaviour: An Assessment Of Awareness Of Physical Activity Levels And Sedentary Behaviour Among Parents And Children, Tripat Simran Kaur Grewal

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this study was to assess awareness of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among parents and children aged 10-13 years. Associations between awareness and factors including age, BMI, gender, and obesity status were also examined. A total of 53 parent-child dyads participated in the study. Agreement between parent and child subjective measures (self-report) and objectively measured physical activity was examined to determine awareness. Most parents (87%) and children (83%) overestimated child moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) beyond 30 minutes/day. The majority of parents (87%) and children (85%) also underestimated child sedentary behaviour by at least 3 hours/day. Older children …

Evaluating The Impact Of Two Different Methods Of Diabetes Self-Management Education On Knowledge, Attitude, And Behaviours Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Laura B. Briden

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study compared the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education (DSME) methods by examining changes in knowledge, attitude, and behaviour (KAB) after receiving education. Participants from a convenience sample were randomized into two groups, one receiving education through conversation maps and the other through traditional group education. Participants’ knowledge and attitude changes were measured by using a repeated measures pre-test/post-test design and changes in Hb A1c were observed. Focus groups were conducted after education was received to obtain perceptions and self-reported behaviour changes. Significant knowledge and attitude score changes were observed in the conversation map group after education. When comparing the …

Social Support As A Determinant Of Health Related Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Survivors In California, Faiza Rab

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between perceived social support and HRQOL (physical and emotional) in low SES breast cancer survivors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used to measure perceived social support at 18 months and HRQOL at 3 years after breast cancer diagnosis using MOS SS and MOS SF-36, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship.

Results:

Menopause at the time of diagnosis, adjunct chemotherapy, adjunct radiation therapy, co-morbidities, treatment side effects and depression were negatively associated with PCS scores (p < 0.01). Treatment side effects, anxiety and depression were negatively associated with MCS scores (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Perceived social support was not associated with HRQOL in low SES breast cancer survivors …

The Influence Of The Childcare Environment On Physical Activity Among Preschool-Aged Children: A Feasibility Study, Leigh M. Vanderloo

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study sought to: (1) measure moderate-vigorous physical activity (PA) levels of a sample of preschoolers; (2) assess which attributes (e.g., space, equipment, policies) within centre-based childcare environments influence PA; and, (3) pilot the methodology to ensure the feasibility of undertaking a full-scale study. Thirty-one preschoolers from five childcare centres across London, Canada participated. Actical® accelerometers were worn by participants for one day during childcare hours to assess activity levels using a 15-second epoch length. The Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation instrument was used to conduct a full-day evaluation of the childcare environment. On average, participants engaged in 11.45 …

Physical Activity Among Latino Children In London, Ontario: An Assessment Of Physical Activity Levels, Sedentary Behaviours, And Physical Activity-Related Barriers And Facilitators, Gillian E. Mandich

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of the study was to assess the physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary behaviours, and PA-related barriers and facilitators of a sample of Latino children in London, Canada. Forty boys and 34 girls (mean age = 11.4 years) completed questionnaires related to PA levels, sedentary behaviours, and PA-related barriers and facilitators, and 64 of these children wore an accelerometer for 4 consecutive days. Children spent an average of 53 minutes per day in moderate-to-vigorous PA. The average daily sedentary time for participants was 8.6 hours, and subjective measures revealed that participants spent 3.8 hours per day in front of …