Please note, this is not an open access database or repository. We have focused on creating simple summaries of reports and articles that we have accessed through websites and academic journals, with a focus on key findings, so that even if a full report is not free to access you can reference it. When possible, we include a link to wherever the original document is hosted (which may or may not be open-access). If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it. There are also some reports that will have been submitted directly to the project. In this case, these reports are uploaded directly with permission from the author or publisher. Any original documents found on this site are stored in Canada on our secure servers
Research on immigrant and refugee vaccination uptake in Canada shows that immunization decisions vary by vaccine type, location, age and migration status. Despite their diversity, these studies often treat immigrant and refugee populations as a single group relative to other Canadians. In this comparative study, we explored how previous risk communication and immunization experiences influence immunization decisions by immigrant and refugee women from three communities across Canada. Participants included women from the Punjabi immigrant community located in Surrey and Abbotsford, British Columbia (n = 36), the Nigerian immigrant community located in Winnipeg, Manitoba (n = 43), and the Congolese refugee community in Edmonton, Alberta (n = 18). Using focus groups, we sought to understand immunization experiences in Canada and before arrival, and what information sources influenced the immunization decision-making process by the women in the three communities. Given our participants’ different communication preferences and needs, we argue that a one-size-fits-all communication approach is inappropriate for immigrant and refugee populations. Research on immigrant and refugee vaccination uptake in Canada shows that immunization decisions vary by vaccine type, location, age and migration status. Despite their diversity, these studies often treat immigrant and refugee populations as a single group relative to other Canadians. In this comparative study, we explored how previous risk communication and immunization experiences influence immunization decisions by immigrant and refugee women from three communities across Canada. Participants included women from the Punjabi immigrant community located in Surrey and Abbotsford, British Columbia (n = 36), the Nigerian immigrant community located in Winnipeg, Manitoba (n = 43), and the Congolese refugee community in Edmonton, Alberta (n = 18). Using focus groups, we sought to understand immunization experiences in Canada and before arrival, and what information sources influenced the immunization decision-making process by the women in the three communities. Given our participants’ different communication preferences and needs, we argue that a one-size-fits-all communication approach is inappropriate for immigrant and refugee populations.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The aim of this study was to delve into the experiences of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta and the ensuing impact on mental health. Employing an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 African immigrant women living in Lethbridge or Calgary, AB. Thematic analysis revealed that these women encountered intersecting challenges in Canada stemming from factors such as race, gender, social class, and immigration status, leading to negative effects on their mental health. Nevertheless, the participants employed various coping strategies to alleviate these challenges, with culture playing a significant role in shaping perceptions and coping mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of implementing culturally safe programs by stakeholders, policy makers, and mental health practitioners to facilitate the successful transition and integration of African Immigrant women into their new environment. The aim of this study was to delve into the experiences of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta and the ensuing impact on mental health. Employing an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 African immigrant women living in Lethbridge or Calgary, AB. Thematic analysis revealed that these women encountered intersecting challenges in Canada stemming from factors such as race, gender, social class, and immigration status, leading to negative effects on their mental health. Nevertheless, the participants employed various coping strategies to alleviate these challenges, with culture playing a significant role in shaping perceptions and coping mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of implementing culturally safe programs by stakeholders, policy makers, and mental health practitioners to facilitate the successful transition and integration of African Immigrant women into their new environment.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The accessibility of domestic violence services for South Asian immigrant women in several Canadian cities (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) is examined. There are challenges in seeking help for domestic violence in the South Asian community, which is highly unreported due to its private and personal nature. Main topics discussed are: 1) barriers that prevent South Asian immigrant women from seeking help, and 2) the current gaps in domestic violence services. Recommendations for domestic violence organizations to better address the needs of South Asian immigrant women are also included. The accessibility of domestic violence services for South Asian immigrant women in several Canadian cities (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) is examined. There are challenges in seeking help for domestic violence in the South Asian community, which is highly unreported due to its private and personal nature. Main topics discussed are: 1) barriers that prevent South Asian immigrant women from seeking help, and 2) the current gaps in domestic violence services. Recommendations for domestic violence organizations to better address the needs of South Asian immigrant women are also included.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The researchers found that social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The researchers found that social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Intimate partner violence among immigrant and minority groups remains a social and health problem that has garnered little attention. African immigrant women particularly face intersectional challenges (e.g., language barriers, unemployment, and lack of access to health care, resources, and services) that heighten their vulnerability to partner violence. Yet, knowledge about their experiences remains elusive in empirical research. Examining the nature and extent of their experience can provide valuable insights that could enhance research and practice on partner violence. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of African immigrant women survivors of partner violence in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, identify coping strategies, and determine the effects of the experience on their well-being. The study utilized a feminist theoretical framework to describe the effects of patriarchy, inequality, discrimination, and injustice on the vulnerability of women to partner violence, with a particular focus on the issue within the context of Canada. Thematic analysis of qualitative semi-structured interview with 9 African immigrant women from Edmonton, Alberta was conducted. Findings suggest that the women’s experiences were characterized by multiple forms of partner violence, novel coping and survival strategies, and damages to core self and transformation. Based on the study, practitioners will gain increased understanding of the experiences of African immigrant women survivors of partner violence and be inspired to design interventions and measures for social change. Formulation of best practices for support programs and services, social policy, and structural reforms, as well as evidence-based research on partner violence among African immigrant women will be enhanced. Intimate partner violence among immigrant and minority groups remains a social and health problem that has garnered little attention. African immigrant women particularly face intersectional challenges (e.g., language barriers, unemployment, and lack of access to health care, resources, and services) that heighten their vulnerability to partner violence. Yet, knowledge about their experiences remains elusive in empirical research. Examining the nature and extent of their experience can provide valuable insights that could enhance research and practice on partner violence. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of African immigrant women survivors of partner violence in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, identify coping strategies, and determine the effects of the experience on their well-being. The study utilized a feminist theoretical framework to describe the effects of patriarchy, inequality, discrimination, and injustice on the vulnerability of women to partner violence, with a particular focus on the issue within the context of Canada. Thematic analysis of qualitative semi-structured interview with 9 African immigrant women from Edmonton, Alberta was conducted. Findings suggest that the women’s experiences were characterized by multiple forms of partner violence, novel coping and survival strategies, and damages to core self and transformation. Based on the study, practitioners will gain increased understanding of the experiences of African immigrant women survivors of partner violence and be inspired to design interventions and measures for social change. Formulation of best practices for support programs and services, social policy, and structural reforms, as well as evidence-based research on partner violence among African immigrant women will be enhanced.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify African immigrant mothers’ views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views, and 2) identify African immigrant mothers’ views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. A survey conducted across Alberta (predominantly in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge) showed African immigrant mothers’ knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, but there is less knowledge on prenatal mental health and its effect on child development. There was also high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening. The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify African immigrant mothers’ views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views, and 2) identify African immigrant mothers’ views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. A survey conducted across Alberta (predominantly in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge) showed African immigrant mothers’ knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, but there is less knowledge on prenatal mental health and its effect on child development. There was also high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Domestic violence (DV) experienced by immigrant women is a global health concern. Precarious immigration status, language barriers, and discrimination can lead to reluctance in seeking support. Is a non-profit charitable organization and support center for immigrant women. Participants in this study were immigrant women who attended Changing Together. The aim of this study is to illustrate immigrant women’s experiences of DV and identify the community services they access. Domestic violence (DV) experienced by immigrant women is a global health concern. Precarious immigration status, language barriers, and discrimination can lead to reluctance in seeking support. Is a non-profit charitable organization and support center for immigrant women. Participants in this study were immigrant women who attended Changing Together. The aim of this study is to illustrate immigrant women’s experiences of DV and identify the community services they access.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
To date, very little is known about intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers’ experiences serving trans and immigrant women (IPV) survivors and their barriers in reporting and/or accessing formal services. Employing constructivist grounded theory, two vignettes were constructed – one featuring a trans woman and the other an immigrant woman, both seeking IPV services. American and Canadian IPV service providers responded to open-ended survey questions about both scenarios, resulting in several emergent themes including, but not limited to: service provider biases, shelter conflicts, and distrust of systems. Policy implications and future research are also addressed. To date, very little is known about intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers’ experiences serving trans and immigrant women (IPV) survivors and their barriers in reporting and/or accessing formal services. Employing constructivist grounded theory, two vignettes were constructed – one featuring a trans woman and the other an immigrant woman, both seeking IPV services. American and Canadian IPV service providers responded to open-ended survey questions about both scenarios, resulting in several emergent themes including, but not limited to: service provider biases, shelter conflicts, and distrust of systems. Policy implications and future research are also addressed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This learning note identifies provides a brief overview of the how compounding vulnerabilities and responisbilities shape the experiences of newcomer women throughout the settlement journey. It offers key considerations for designing inclusive and effective programs to support the diverse experiences of newcomer women in Canada. This learning note identifies provides a brief overview of the how compounding vulnerabilities and responisbilities shape the experiences of newcomer women throughout the settlement journey. It offers key considerations for designing inclusive and effective programs to support the diverse experiences of newcomer women in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This paper provides insights into the little-explored gendered perspective of the parenting practices of Somali immigrant mothers in Alberta. Mothers were interviewed about their parenting practices in a postmigration context, including challenges. Results suggest the need for anti-racist and culturally safe health, education, and child policies and practices. This paper provides insights into the little-explored gendered perspective of the parenting practices of Somali immigrant mothers in Alberta. Mothers were interviewed about their parenting practices in a postmigration context, including challenges. Results suggest the need for anti-racist and culturally safe health, education, and child policies and practices.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
