Research Library

We investigated health risks associated with climate and air pollution hazards and community covariates to generate insights into the resilience of older adults and immigrants at the community level in a northern urban center in the Canadian prairies (i.e. Edmonton, AB). Communities with higher proportions of older adults were associated with increased cardiovascular, injury, mental, and respiratory health event rates. Notably, heat effects on injury rates impacted communities with higher percentages of older adults (Prevalence Rate Ratio (PRR) [95%CI] 1.110 [1.011, 1.219] at 25% ≥65 years). Ozone effects on cardiovascular event rates exhibited similar trends. Areas with higher percentages of immigrants generally had lower rates of health events. However, increasing diurnal temperature range became a risk factor for respiratory health rates where there were higher percentages of refugees (PRR 1.205 [1.004, 1.447] at 20%). Industrial emission effects on injury and respiratory health rates also amplified in areas with higher percentages of refugees (PRR 1.127 [1.058, 1.200]; 1.130 [1.050, 1.216] at 20%). Similar effects were observed for mental health event rates and total immigrants. Greater neighborhood material and social deprivation were significant risk factors for increased health event rates across outcomes. Future work should focus on disproportionately affected vulnerable populations to address community-level resilience. We investigated health risks associated with climate and air pollution hazards and community covariates to generate insights into the resilience of older adults and immigrants at the community level in a northern urban center in the Canadian prairies (i.e. Edmonton, AB). Communities with higher proportions of older adults were associated with increased cardiovascular, injury, mental, and respiratory health event rates. Notably, heat effects on injury rates impacted communities with higher percentages of older adults (Prevalence Rate Ratio (PRR) [95%CI] 1.110 [1.011, 1.219] at 25% ≥65 years). Ozone effects on cardiovascular event rates exhibited similar trends. Areas with higher percentages of immigrants generally had lower rates of health events. However, increasing diurnal temperature range became a risk factor for respiratory health rates where there were higher percentages of refugees (PRR 1.205 [1.004, 1.447] at 20%). Industrial emission effects on injury and respiratory health rates also amplified in areas with higher percentages of refugees (PRR 1.127 [1.058, 1.200]; 1.130 [1.050, 1.216] at 20%). Similar effects were observed for mental health event rates and total immigrants. Greater neighborhood material and social deprivation were significant risk factors for increased health event rates across outcomes. Future work should focus on disproportionately affected vulnerable populations to address community-level resilience.
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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.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

An overview of the Rainbow Refuge program at the Edmonton Newcomers Centre (previously called the Edmonton Mennonite Newcomers Centre). Rainbow Refuge was the first LGBTQ+ program in the Edmonton settlement sector, and provides support and programming in the following 4 areas: 1) immigration, 2) settlement, employment and mental health, 3) community connection, and 4) education and advocacy. An overview of the Rainbow Refuge program at the Edmonton Newcomers Centre (previously called the Edmonton Mennonite Newcomers Centre). Rainbow Refuge was the first LGBTQ+ program in the Edmonton settlement sector, and provides support and programming in the following 4 areas: 1) immigration, 2) settlement, employment and mental health, 3) community connection, and 4) education and advocacy.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

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

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

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

This research report prepared for AAISA aims to answer, “What factors drive successful collaboration in Alberta’s Immigrant Settlement Sector?”, particularly for small centres. Through surveys and interviews, findings discuss key elements of collaborations, tensions to creating successful collaborations, a proposed model to use moving forwards and opportunities for change that AAISA can facilitate. This research report prepared for AAISA aims to answer, “What factors drive successful collaboration in Alberta’s Immigrant Settlement Sector?”, particularly for small centres. Through surveys and interviews, findings discuss key elements of collaborations, tensions to creating successful collaborations, a proposed model to use moving forwards and opportunities for change that AAISA can facilitate.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Comprehensive sexual education (CSE) is defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization as “a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality” (2018, p. 16). Given the social and cultural aspects of sexual education, my research posits that newcomer access to comprehensive sexual education could be crucial to settlement and inclusion processes in Canada. Thus, my research asks: where does immigration and settlement policy intersect with sexual education policy in Canada? How does newcomer and immigrant community access to sexual education impact immigration and settlement processes? To investigate the ways in which the policy areas of immigration and settlement and sexual education overlap, I examine how sexual education is delivered in Edmonton, Alberta, a city that has one of the most robust and multifaceted settlement frameworks in Canada. A key data source for this research includes interviews with settlement workers and others who administer social integration programming, to assess whether or not they think sexual education is integral to settlement and integration, what barriers might exist in providing these services, and relationships between organizations who work in these fields. Before engaging with interview findings, however, this thesis will first provide several contextual chapters. This includes discussion of how access to sexual education and sexual health for newcomers and immigrant communities are part of the landscapes of biopolitics and sexual citizenship in Canada, the multijurisdictional nature of immigration and settlement policy, the terrain of sexual education policy in Canada, and the capacity of comprehensive sexual education to engage in anti-racist approaches. This thesis establishes that sexual education does in fact overlap with immigration and settlement policy, as norms around sex and gender are woven into the immigration process. Although issues related to sexual education do arise in a settlement context, there are both structural and cultural barriers that hinder a more fulsome engagement with sexual education in the services and programs provided by settlement agencies. However, these barriers have been challenged by service providers with strategies that emphasize integrative and relational approaches to sexual education with clients, as well as framing sexual educational content around individual and family wellness. These strategies relate to approaches outlined by UNESCO for effective implementation of CSE, suggesting that settlement work can be conducive to CSE. This thesis also identifies key service gaps in the provision of settlement services at large, and thus sexual education in this context. The research also highlights service gaps from organizations invested in the implementation of CSE in serving newcomer and immigrant communities. The research culminates in recommendations to address these gaps and further areas of research to be pursued. Comprehensive sexual education (CSE) is defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization as “a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality” (2018, p. 16). Given the social and cultural aspects of sexual education, my research posits that newcomer access to comprehensive sexual education could be crucial to settlement and inclusion processes in Canada. Thus, my research asks: where does immigration and settlement policy intersect with sexual education policy in Canada? How does newcomer and immigrant community access to sexual education impact immigration and settlement processes? To investigate the ways in which the policy areas of immigration and settlement and sexual education overlap, I examine how sexual education is delivered in Edmonton, Alberta, a city that has one of the most robust and multifaceted settlement frameworks in Canada. A key data source for this research includes interviews with settlement workers and others who administer social integration programming, to assess whether or not they think sexual education is integral to settlement and integration, what barriers might exist in providing these services, and relationships between organizations who work in these fields. Before engaging with interview findings, however, this thesis will first provide several contextual chapters. This includes discussion of how access to sexual education and sexual health for newcomers and immigrant communities are part of the landscapes of biopolitics and sexual citizenship in Canada, the multijurisdictional nature of immigration and settlement policy, the terrain of sexual education policy in Canada, and the capacity of comprehensive sexual education to engage in anti-racist approaches. This thesis establishes that sexual education does in fact overlap with immigration and settlement policy, as norms around sex and gender are woven into the immigration process. Although issues related to sexual education do arise in a settlement context, there are both structural and cultural barriers that hinder a more fulsome engagement with sexual education in the services and programs provided by settlement agencies. However, these barriers have been challenged by service providers with strategies that emphasize integrative and relational approaches to sexual education with clients, as well as framing sexual educational content around individual and family wellness. These strategies relate to approaches outlined by UNESCO for effective implementation of CSE, suggesting that settlement work can be conducive to CSE. This thesis also identifies key service gaps in the provision of settlement services at large, and thus sexual education in this context. The research also highlights service gaps from organizations invested in the implementation of CSE in serving newcomer and immigrant communities. The research culminates in recommendations to address these gaps and further areas of research to be pursued.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

A list of resources and contact information for a variety of organizations that support 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers. Focuses on Edmonton-specific resources, with the addition of some national resources. A list of resources and contact information for a variety of organizations that support 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers. Focuses on Edmonton-specific resources, with the addition of some national resources.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Research is lacking on the intersection between being trans or non-binary and a newcomer in Canada. Alberta, in particular, is one of the top 4 provinces where the most trans or non-binary immigrants reside. Reasons for immigration included: persecution, humanitarian claims, to access gender-affirming healthcare, employment, and/or education. Only 1 in 5 trans or non-binary newcomers accessed a settlement service within their first year in Canada. Trans or non-binary newcomers were 2x as likely to NOT have a primary healthcare provider than trans or non-binary second generation immigrants and trans or non-binary immigrants who have been in Canada for more than 5 years. Research is lacking on the intersection between being trans or non-binary and a newcomer in Canada. Alberta, in particular, is one of the top 4 provinces where the most trans or non-binary immigrants reside. Reasons for immigration included: persecution, humanitarian claims, to access gender-affirming healthcare, employment, and/or education. Only 1 in 5 trans or non-binary newcomers accessed a settlement service within their first year in Canada. Trans or non-binary newcomers were 2x as likely to NOT have a primary healthcare provider than trans or non-binary second generation immigrants and trans or non-binary immigrants who have been in Canada for more than 5 years.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly