Research Library

Miscarriage is the most common pregnancy complication affecting 1 in 4 pregnancies. The loss of a baby can seriously impact women’s physical and mental health, leading to traumatic disorders such as anxiety, depression, anger, self-blame, and self-harm. Women who receive support after their miscarriage are more likely to manage their mental health well. Despite this, research shows many women do not have access to the support they need after a miscarriage. Immigrant women have more difficulties accessing support due to communication barriers, cultural barriers, differences in their religion compared to their host country, and living far from family and support networks. The objective of this thesis project is to investigate the areas where immigrant women lack support and determine how the design of a digital platform can provide this support helping to improve women’s well-being after a miscarriage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of obstetrics/gynecology, psychology, grief counselling, and user experience design to better understand 1) The challenges women experience after having a miscarriage, 2) How immigrants’ experience with miscarriage is different from the Canadian experience, and 3) How the design of an application could help women better manage their health physically and mentally after having a miscarriage. In addition, a co-design session with experts was held to find the design solutions and recommendations for creating a digital platform. Lastly, the data analysis from the interviews, analysis of existing miscarriage applications, co-design session with experts and literature review were employed to develop a mobile application called Miscarriage Corner. The application aims to support immigrant women through their healing journey after a miscarriage. This thesis project explores the potential benefits of employing technology to improve the accessibility and usability of a mobile application to provide a support system for immigrant women who have had a miscarriage. Miscarriage is the most common pregnancy complication affecting 1 in 4 pregnancies. The loss of a baby can seriously impact women’s physical and mental health, leading to traumatic disorders such as anxiety, depression, anger, self-blame, and self-harm. Women who receive support after their miscarriage are more likely to manage their mental health well. Despite this, research shows many women do not have access to the support they need after a miscarriage. Immigrant women have more difficulties accessing support due to communication barriers, cultural barriers, differences in their religion compared to their host country, and living far from family and support networks. The objective of this thesis project is to investigate the areas where immigrant women lack support and determine how the design of a digital platform can provide this support helping to improve women’s well-being after a miscarriage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of obstetrics/gynecology, psychology, grief counselling, and user experience design to better understand 1) The challenges women experience after having a miscarriage, 2) How immigrants’ experience with miscarriage is different from the Canadian experience, and 3) How the design of an application could help women better manage their health physically and mentally after having a miscarriage. In addition, a co-design session with experts was held to find the design solutions and recommendations for creating a digital platform. Lastly, the data analysis from the interviews, analysis of existing miscarriage applications, co-design session with experts and literature review were employed to develop a mobile application called Miscarriage Corner. The application aims to support immigrant women through their healing journey after a miscarriage. This thesis project explores the potential benefits of employing technology to improve the accessibility and usability of a mobile application to provide a support system for immigrant women who have had a miscarriage.
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Heritage language schools in Edmonton, AB are grassroots organizations that provide various services for newcomers, such as language classes, employment opportunities, community connections, and day care. 25 heritage language schools were studied during the COVID-19 pandemic, and results showed that the schools gave important support to temporary foreign workers (TFWs), combatted anti-Asian racism, and supported front-line workers. Heritage language schools in Edmonton, AB are grassroots organizations that provide various services for newcomers, such as language classes, employment opportunities, community connections, and day care. 25 heritage language schools were studied during the COVID-19 pandemic, and results showed that the schools gave important support to temporary foreign workers (TFWs), combatted anti-Asian racism, and supported front-line workers.
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Immigrant and refugee (im/migrant) families settled in Alberta (AB) are often challenged to overcome structural barriers (i.e., accent discrimination, English as a foreign language, culture shock) in the way of navigating and actively utilizing vaccination services. Research is scarce on the impact of childhood vaccination policies on children of im/migrants in Alberta. The objective of this study was to use an intersectionality-based evaluation framework, inclusive of health equity principles, to critically analyze and investigate current Alberta jurisdictional (AJ) childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance. More specifically, the focus of this research was to examine equity considerations in the policies as it relates to vaccinations of im/migrant children. This critical policy analysis inquired and sought to find out to what extent vaccination of children of im/migrants are equitably accounted for in the Alberta context. Relevant sources on Alberta childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were retrieved from the Government of Alberta (GoA) and the Government of Canada (GoC) websites. Initial and retroactive searches, within a 15 year range, led to the content analysis of a total of 25 eligible GoA and GoC-AJ document(s) using an intersectionality-based health equity lens (acknowledgment of impact of immigration status and race/ethnicity on health). All of the childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were found to lack acknowledgement of the existence of structural barriers that im/migrant families face. Recommendations for more inclusive vaccination policies are discussed. Immigrant and refugee (im/migrant) families settled in Alberta (AB) are often challenged to overcome structural barriers (i.e., accent discrimination, English as a foreign language, culture shock) in the way of navigating and actively utilizing vaccination services. Research is scarce on the impact of childhood vaccination policies on children of im/migrants in Alberta. The objective of this study was to use an intersectionality-based evaluation framework, inclusive of health equity principles, to critically analyze and investigate current Alberta jurisdictional (AJ) childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance. More specifically, the focus of this research was to examine equity considerations in the policies as it relates to vaccinations of im/migrant children. This critical policy analysis inquired and sought to find out to what extent vaccination of children of im/migrants are equitably accounted for in the Alberta context. Relevant sources on Alberta childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were retrieved from the Government of Alberta (GoA) and the Government of Canada (GoC) websites. Initial and retroactive searches, within a 15 year range, led to the content analysis of a total of 25 eligible GoA and GoC-AJ document(s) using an intersectionality-based health equity lens (acknowledgment of impact of immigration status and race/ethnicity on health). All of the childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were found to lack acknowledgement of the existence of structural barriers that im/migrant families face. Recommendations for more inclusive vaccination policies are discussed.
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The report presents research findings on the challenges faced by different communities, examines these findings in light of stakeholders’ experiences and insights, and explores the strengths and weaknesses of these communities. The report highlights key areas of concern for Black community leaders and organizations in Edmonton, AB and across Canada, including issues related to accessibility, professional integration, social and cultural isolation, minority statuses, and shifting identity. A systematic analysis is currently underway to expand on this preliminary report. The report presents research findings on the challenges faced by different communities, examines these findings in light of stakeholders’ experiences and insights, and explores the strengths and weaknesses of these communities. The report highlights key areas of concern for Black community leaders and organizations in Edmonton, AB and across Canada, including issues related to accessibility, professional integration, social and cultural isolation, minority statuses, and shifting identity. A systematic analysis is currently underway to expand on this preliminary report.
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In this report, Edmonton City Council is being asked to approve the Anti-Racism Strategy to support the equity of racialized communities in Edmonton, structural changes within the City of Edmonton Administration, as well as the development of an implementation and financing plan to activate the Strategy. This work will be prioritized in Administration’s work for the long-term City Plan alignment. The proposed anti-racism strategy outlines 3 elements to advance anti-racism in Edmonton, and is asking Council for both approval of the strategy as well as an increase in operating expenditure budget. In this report, Edmonton City Council is being asked to approve the Anti-Racism Strategy to support the equity of racialized communities in Edmonton, structural changes within the City of Edmonton Administration, as well as the development of an implementation and financing plan to activate the Strategy. This work will be prioritized in Administration’s work for the long-term City Plan alignment. The proposed anti-racism strategy outlines 3 elements to advance anti-racism in Edmonton, and is asking Council for both approval of the strategy as well as an increase in operating expenditure budget.
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The entire healthcare system, including primary healthcare (PHC) services, has been disrupted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the crisis threatens all citizens significantly, further barriers to accessing care exist for those who are most vulnerable, experience marginalization, and have pre-existing challenges. We aimed to explore immigrants’ lived experiences in accessing and receiving PHC services during the pandemic. A multiphase mixed-methods study using a sequential explanatory design was employed. The first study includes a systematic review that synthesizes the evidence on the experiences that immigrant patients have receiving PHC. Study two provides insights from a recently employed “COVID-19 Experiences and Impacts Survey” data and compares the experiences of Albertans that were born in and outside Canada. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, using STATA. The third study is a qualitative inquiry that aims to gain a deeper understanding of the newcomers’ (living in Canada ≤5 years) and providers’ experiences in PHC during the pandemic. A thematic analysis was applied, using NVivo software. Immigrants reported many challenges in accessing and receiving PHC, and these challenges have been increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this thesis yielded six recommendations that can inform PHC quality improvement initiatives and PHC policy. The entire healthcare system, including primary healthcare (PHC) services, has been disrupted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the crisis threatens all citizens significantly, further barriers to accessing care exist for those who are most vulnerable, experience marginalization, and have pre-existing challenges. We aimed to explore immigrants’ lived experiences in accessing and receiving PHC services during the pandemic. A multiphase mixed-methods study using a sequential explanatory design was employed. The first study includes a systematic review that synthesizes the evidence on the experiences that immigrant patients have receiving PHC. Study two provides insights from a recently employed “COVID-19 Experiences and Impacts Survey” data and compares the experiences of Albertans that were born in and outside Canada. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, using STATA. The third study is a qualitative inquiry that aims to gain a deeper understanding of the newcomers’ (living in Canada ≤5 years) and providers’ experiences in PHC during the pandemic. A thematic analysis was applied, using NVivo software. Immigrants reported many challenges in accessing and receiving PHC, and these challenges have been increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this thesis yielded six recommendations that can inform PHC quality improvement initiatives and PHC policy.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The Community Newcomer Needs Assessment is an opportunity for municipalities to learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of local services and supports for newcomers, and challenges the communities to develop a plan to address gaps and weaknesses; help municipalities assess challenges for newcomers provide information about the immigration process. Key strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in services and various challenges and opportunities for newcomers are identified in this report through the lens of the newcomer journey and the newcomer developing a sense of belonging. The Community Newcomer Needs Assessment is an opportunity for municipalities to learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of local services and supports for newcomers, and challenges the communities to develop a plan to address gaps and weaknesses; help municipalities assess challenges for newcomers provide information about the immigration process. Key strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in services and various challenges and opportunities for newcomers are identified in this report through the lens of the newcomer journey and the newcomer developing a sense of belonging.
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The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Youth Physical Activity Guidelines are the national criterion standard for youth physical activity. Minimal research exists regarding CSEP Guideline adherence in immigrant youth despite this population’s significance in Canada. The purpose of this study was to foster an understanding of physical activity guideline adherence in Albertan immigrant youth. The study objectives were to determine Albertan immigrant youth’s adherence levels, barriers to adherence, recommendations to improve adherence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adherence. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Purposive sampling from Edmonton community-agencies occurred to generate a sample of 6 community service-workers who have experience with Canadian immigrant youth and physical activity. Data collection occurred through virtual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis occurred via Braun and Clarke’s Six Thematic Analysis Steps. This study’s findings can optimize nursing health promotion efforts and organizational policies, inform health promotion protocols in nursing education, and guide further research that would enhance the breadth of current literature. Collectively, this study helps provide a foundation for promoting the health of Albertan immigrant youth. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Youth Physical Activity Guidelines are the national criterion standard for youth physical activity. Minimal research exists regarding CSEP Guideline adherence in immigrant youth despite this population’s significance in Canada. The purpose of this study was to foster an understanding of physical activity guideline adherence in Albertan immigrant youth. The study objectives were to determine Albertan immigrant youth’s adherence levels, barriers to adherence, recommendations to improve adherence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adherence. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Purposive sampling from Edmonton community-agencies occurred to generate a sample of 6 community service-workers who have experience with Canadian immigrant youth and physical activity. Data collection occurred through virtual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis occurred via Braun and Clarke’s Six Thematic Analysis Steps. This study’s findings can optimize nursing health promotion efforts and organizational policies, inform health promotion protocols in nursing education, and guide further research that would enhance the breadth of current literature. Collectively, this study helps provide a foundation for promoting the health of Albertan immigrant youth.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Children with disabilities are among the most at-risk groups for marginalization due to compounded disadvantages from the intersection of risk factors such as refugee status and disability status. Despite this high risk, there is no systematic data collected on this group and scant literature on the topic contributing to a feeling of invisibility. We conducted a narrative inquiry on the experiences of two Syrian refugee families with children living with disabilities. Narrative inquiry is a way to understand experience as a storied phenomenon. In order to understand the complexities of the experience as a refugee with a child living with disabilities, attending to the lived and told stories is essential. In hearing the narration of these experiences across time, place, and social contexts various narrative threads emerged. The narrative threads that resonated across the experiences of two families included waiting and a struggle for agency, as well as disruption and continuity. Children with disabilities are among the most at-risk groups for marginalization due to compounded disadvantages from the intersection of risk factors such as refugee status and disability status. Despite this high risk, there is no systematic data collected on this group and scant literature on the topic contributing to a feeling of invisibility. We conducted a narrative inquiry on the experiences of two Syrian refugee families with children living with disabilities. Narrative inquiry is a way to understand experience as a storied phenomenon. In order to understand the complexities of the experience as a refugee with a child living with disabilities, attending to the lived and told stories is essential. In hearing the narration of these experiences across time, place, and social contexts various narrative threads emerged. The narrative threads that resonated across the experiences of two families included waiting and a struggle for agency, as well as disruption and continuity.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Grande Prairie and District Multicultural Association conducted a needs assessment and a community discussion to examine racism and discrimination against visible minorities in the city. Personal accounts of racism, racist barriers, and strategies to reduce racism and promote multiculturalism, are discussed. Grande Prairie and District Multicultural Association conducted a needs assessment and a community discussion to examine racism and discrimination against visible minorities in the city. Personal accounts of racism, racist barriers, and strategies to reduce racism and promote multiculturalism, are discussed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly