Research Library

Evidence suggests that immigrant women having different ethnocultural backgrounds than those dominant in the host country have difficulty during their access to and reception of maternity care services. Amongst immigrant populations in Canada, refugee women are one of the most vulnerable groups and pregnant women with immediate needs for health care services may be at higher risk of health problems. The findings of this paper revealed that there are many beliefs that impact upon behaviours and perceptions during the perinatal period. Traditionally, the women mostly avoid anything that they believe could harm themselves or their babies. Pregnancy and delivery were strongly believed to be natural events without need for special attention or intervention. Furthermore, the sub-Saharan culture supports the dominance of the family by males and the ideology of patriarchy. Pregnancy and birth are events reflecting a certain empowerment for women, and the women tend to exert control in ways that may or may not be respected by their husbands. Individual choices are often made to foster self and outward-perceptions of managing one’s affairs with strength. In today’s multicultural society there is a strong need to avert misunderstandings, and perhaps harm, through facilitating cultural awareness and competency of care rather than misinterpretations of resistance to care. Evidence suggests that immigrant women having different ethnocultural backgrounds than those dominant in the host country have difficulty during their access to and reception of maternity care services. Amongst immigrant populations in Canada, refugee women are one of the most vulnerable groups and pregnant women with immediate needs for health care services may be at higher risk of health problems. The findings of this paper revealed that there are many beliefs that impact upon behaviours and perceptions during the perinatal period. Traditionally, the women mostly avoid anything that they believe could harm themselves or their babies. Pregnancy and delivery were strongly believed to be natural events without need for special attention or intervention. Furthermore, the sub-Saharan culture supports the dominance of the family by males and the ideology of patriarchy. Pregnancy and birth are events reflecting a certain empowerment for women, and the women tend to exert control in ways that may or may not be respected by their husbands. Individual choices are often made to foster self and outward-perceptions of managing one’s affairs with strength. In today’s multicultural society there is a strong need to avert misunderstandings, and perhaps harm, through facilitating cultural awareness and competency of care rather than misinterpretations of resistance to care.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

There is significant evidence to support the importance of prenatal care in preventing adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low infant birth weight. In previous studies, the group prenatal care model CenteringPregnancy® had been shown to reduce adverse birth outcomes, but to date, no comparison had been made with a model that included prenatal education. These results suggest that CenteringPregnancy® can recruit and retain a vulnerable group of women with a constellation of risk factors for poor pregnancy and birth outcomes, including poverty, language barriers and poor mental health. Post program, the rates of stress, anxiety and depression were similar to other women with more social and financial advantage. These findings suggest that CenteringPregnancy® may be a community based care strategy that contributes to improved mental health, knowledge, and behaviours to optimize outcomes for mothers and children. There is significant evidence to support the importance of prenatal care in preventing adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low infant birth weight. In previous studies, the group prenatal care model CenteringPregnancy® had been shown to reduce adverse birth outcomes, but to date, no comparison had been made with a model that included prenatal education. These results suggest that CenteringPregnancy® can recruit and retain a vulnerable group of women with a constellation of risk factors for poor pregnancy and birth outcomes, including poverty, language barriers and poor mental health. Post program, the rates of stress, anxiety and depression were similar to other women with more social and financial advantage. These findings suggest that CenteringPregnancy® may be a community based care strategy that contributes to improved mental health, knowledge, and behaviours to optimize outcomes for mothers and children.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Globally, the prevalence of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance has been increasing. This study sought to identify trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among foreign-born persons in Alberta, a major immigrant-receiving province of Canada. Of the 2,234 foreign-born culture-positive TB cases in Alberta in 1982–2011, 27 had MDR-TB. Overall, MDR was associated with age <65 years, TB relapse/retreatment, and diagnosis and arrival in the last decade (2002–2011). Recent trends in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of foreign-born MDR-TB cases have important implications for TB case management in Canada. Early diagnosis of MDR-TB, using genotypic drug susceptibility testing, is suggested in foreign-born TB cases at increased risk of being MDR. Globally, the prevalence of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance has been increasing. This study sought to identify trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among foreign-born persons in Alberta, a major immigrant-receiving province of Canada. Of the 2,234 foreign-born culture-positive TB cases in Alberta in 1982–2011, 27 had MDR-TB. Overall, MDR was associated with age <65 years, TB relapse/retreatment, and diagnosis and arrival in the last decade (2002–2011). Recent trends in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of foreign-born MDR-TB cases have important implications for TB case management in Canada. Early diagnosis of MDR-TB, using genotypic drug susceptibility testing, is suggested in foreign-born TB cases at increased risk of being MDR.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

In July, 2011, the Canadian Diabetes Association updated the 2008 clinical practice guidelines to include the use of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) in adults. One of the caveats is that “A1C may be misleading in certain ethnicities…, and therefore its utility as a diagnostic tool in these populations is unclear.” Alberta is multicultural and General Practitioners (GPs) diagnose the majority of DM2. Alberta’s ethnic population: Canadian census data from 2006 (the latest available) indicated the top non-European ethnicities were First Nations, East and Southeast Asian, Chinese, South Asian and East Indian. Among visible minorities, non-First Nations groups also included Filipino and African. Use of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) to diagnose diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2): First Nations, Asian and African ethnicities have A1Cs that are higher than those of European descent for a given glycemia, whereas Asian Indians have lower A1Cs. Thus, the present A1C cut-off will potentially over diagnose DM2 in the former populations, and under diagnose it in the latter. Thus, it is important for General Practitioners (GPs) not to rely solely on A1C for diagnosis of DM2. In July, 2011, the Canadian Diabetes Association updated the 2008 clinical practice guidelines to include the use of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) in adults. One of the caveats is that “A1C may be misleading in certain ethnicities…, and therefore its utility as a diagnostic tool in these populations is unclear.” Alberta is multicultural and General Practitioners (GPs) diagnose the majority of DM2. Alberta’s ethnic population: Canadian census data from 2006 (the latest available) indicated the top non-European ethnicities were First Nations, East and Southeast Asian, Chinese, South Asian and East Indian. Among visible minorities, non-First Nations groups also included Filipino and African. Use of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) to diagnose diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2): First Nations, Asian and African ethnicities have A1Cs that are higher than those of European descent for a given glycemia, whereas Asian Indians have lower A1Cs. Thus, the present A1C cut-off will potentially over diagnose DM2 in the former populations, and under diagnose it in the latter. Thus, it is important for General Practitioners (GPs) not to rely solely on A1C for diagnosis of DM2.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy may potentially constitute a major public health concern in Canada. The present study assessed the prevalence and predictors of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy of women living in Canada from 2005-2006 who had a singleton live birth and whose child remained in their care 5-9 months following birth. The analysis shows that 10.8% of women drank alcohol at some point during their pregnancies. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy was significantly associated with several important factors including marital status, smoking status, reaction to the pregnancy and immigrant status. While being an immigrant to Canada appeared to confer a protective effect (immigrants were less likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy than Canadian women), women who have partners and smoked during pregnancy were significantly more likely to drink alcohol during their pregnancies. Perhaps most importantly, pregnant women who reported indifference or being unhappy/very unhappy in regards to their pregnancies exhibited an increased risk of drinking alcohol during their pregnancies. Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy may potentially constitute a major public health concern in Canada. The present study assessed the prevalence and predictors of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy of women living in Canada from 2005-2006 who had a singleton live birth and whose child remained in their care 5-9 months following birth. The analysis shows that 10.8% of women drank alcohol at some point during their pregnancies. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy was significantly associated with several important factors including marital status, smoking status, reaction to the pregnancy and immigrant status. While being an immigrant to Canada appeared to confer a protective effect (immigrants were less likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy than Canadian women), women who have partners and smoked during pregnancy were significantly more likely to drink alcohol during their pregnancies. Perhaps most importantly, pregnant women who reported indifference or being unhappy/very unhappy in regards to their pregnancies exhibited an increased risk of drinking alcohol during their pregnancies.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This paper sought to examine which pre- and post-migration factors might be associated with changes in refugees’ health status. Having spent time in a refugee camp and having held professional/managerial jobs in one’s home country were associated with a greater decline in mental health status since arrival in Canada. Having completed a university degree in one’s home country was associated with a greater decline in physical health status. Being employed was associated with greater improvements in mental health status. Perceived economic hardship was associated with greater declines in physical health status. A higher number of settlement services received during the first year in Canada was associated with greater improvements in both mental and physical health status. Longer residence in Canada was associated with greater declines in physical health status but not in mental health status. While little can be done to alter refugees’ pre-migration experiences, public policies can affect many post-migration experiences in order to mitigate the negative health consequences associated with resettlement. Results of this study point to the need for continued provision of settlement services to assist refugees with job training, labour market access, and credential recognition, as well as counseling for refugees who experienced the trauma of living in a refugee camp. This paper sought to examine which pre- and post-migration factors might be associated with changes in refugees’ health status. Having spent time in a refugee camp and having held professional/managerial jobs in one’s home country were associated with a greater decline in mental health status since arrival in Canada. Having completed a university degree in one’s home country was associated with a greater decline in physical health status. Being employed was associated with greater improvements in mental health status. Perceived economic hardship was associated with greater declines in physical health status. A higher number of settlement services received during the first year in Canada was associated with greater improvements in both mental and physical health status. Longer residence in Canada was associated with greater declines in physical health status but not in mental health status. While little can be done to alter refugees’ pre-migration experiences, public policies can affect many post-migration experiences in order to mitigate the negative health consequences associated with resettlement. Results of this study point to the need for continued provision of settlement services to assist refugees with job training, labour market access, and credential recognition, as well as counseling for refugees who experienced the trauma of living in a refugee camp.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The Canadian population is aging and also becoming more ethnically diverse. This study examined differences in identities among South Asian seniors who immigrated at different life stages with different lengths of residency in Canada. We interviewed 161 immigrants of South Asian descent in Edmonton, Canada, aged 60 and older about their ethnic/national identity, transnational ties, cultural retention and practices, and participation in and concerns about life in Canada. Our findings show that women were more likely than men to see themselves as more South Asian than Canadian. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that older age at immigration and low English-language proficiency were significant predictors of ethnic identity. These findings indicated the importance of language for ethnic and national (Canadian) identity and revealed that South Asian immigrant elders who came to Canada in later life tended to retain their ethnic identities, while immigrant elders who came to Canada earlier in life were more likely to have developed a bicultural identity that incorporated both ethnic and Canadian identity. Related to the notion of bicultural identity, strong transnational ties with the country of origin were associated with greater participation in Canadian society. The Canadian population is aging and also becoming more ethnically diverse. This study examined differences in identities among South Asian seniors who immigrated at different life stages with different lengths of residency in Canada. We interviewed 161 immigrants of South Asian descent in Edmonton, Canada, aged 60 and older about their ethnic/national identity, transnational ties, cultural retention and practices, and participation in and concerns about life in Canada. Our findings show that women were more likely than men to see themselves as more South Asian than Canadian. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that older age at immigration and low English-language proficiency were significant predictors of ethnic identity. These findings indicated the importance of language for ethnic and national (Canadian) identity and revealed that South Asian immigrant elders who came to Canada in later life tended to retain their ethnic identities, while immigrant elders who came to Canada earlier in life were more likely to have developed a bicultural identity that incorporated both ethnic and Canadian identity. Related to the notion of bicultural identity, strong transnational ties with the country of origin were associated with greater participation in Canadian society.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article explores the challenges of housing security for immigrants in Alberta, Canada. It highlights the difficulties that immigrants face in finding affordable and secure housing due to discrimination, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about their rights. The report also discusses the impact of homelessness on individuals and society, including the negative effects on physical and mental health, education, and economic success. The report concludes by calling for increased government support for housing initiatives that prioritize the needs of immigrants and other vulnerable populations. Overall, this report sheds light on an important issue and provides valuable insights into the challenges of finding a place to call home. This article explores the challenges of housing security for immigrants in Alberta, Canada. It highlights the difficulties that immigrants face in finding affordable and secure housing due to discrimination, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about their rights. The report also discusses the impact of homelessness on individuals and society, including the negative effects on physical and mental health, education, and economic success. The report concludes by calling for increased government support for housing initiatives that prioritize the needs of immigrants and other vulnerable populations. Overall, this report sheds light on an important issue and provides valuable insights into the challenges of finding a place to call home.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article describes the functional and psychological significance of “home” and how refugee mental health and resettlement may be affected by the lack of social supports associated with the concept of home. Using illustrations from studies with refugee communities, the author suggests that the way in which refugees evoke experiences of “back home” reveals critical social and psychological gaps in their settlement and integration experiences. Note that while the study provides insights into the experiences of refugees in Ontario and Alberta, the article emphasizes the need for a pan-Canadian approach to address the mental health needs of refugees. This article describes the functional and psychological significance of “home” and how refugee mental health and resettlement may be affected by the lack of social supports associated with the concept of home. Using illustrations from studies with refugee communities, the author suggests that the way in which refugees evoke experiences of “back home” reveals critical social and psychological gaps in their settlement and integration experiences. Note that while the study provides insights into the experiences of refugees in Ontario and Alberta, the article emphasizes the need for a pan-Canadian approach to address the mental health needs of refugees.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This report provides insights and solutions for the housing challenges faced by newcomers in Calgary. It was compiled by a team of experts from various organizations and communities, and it aims to shed light on the difficulties that newcomers face when it comes to finding affordable housing in the city. The report discusses the various challenges that newcomers face, such as language barriers, discrimination, and lack of knowledge about the housing market. It also highlights the initiatives and programs in place to address these challenges and provides recommendations for individuals and organizations to get involved in advocating for better housing options for newcomers in Calgary. Overall, this report is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding and addressing the housing challenges of newcomers in Calgary. This report provides insights and solutions for the housing challenges faced by newcomers in Calgary. It was compiled by a team of experts from various organizations and communities, and it aims to shed light on the difficulties that newcomers face when it comes to finding affordable housing in the city. The report discusses the various challenges that newcomers face, such as language barriers, discrimination, and lack of knowledge about the housing market. It also highlights the initiatives and programs in place to address these challenges and provides recommendations for individuals and organizations to get involved in advocating for better housing options for newcomers in Calgary. Overall, this report is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding and addressing the housing challenges of newcomers in Calgary.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly