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Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries are conducted when there is a failure to progress in labor, or compromised fetal status. However, they place women at higher risk for immediate complications compared to vaginal deliveries. Mumtaz et al. (2014) showed that newcomer women in the prairie provinces experienced significantly higher C-section delivery rates compared to Canadian-born women, even though rates of recommendations by healthcare providers was equal. This on-going study aims to understand this trend, and explore how decisions regarding C-section deliveries are made within the experiences of newcomer and Canadian-born women. A focused ethnography was conducted at a universityaffiliated hospital in Edmonton, Alberta for an 8-month period in 2015. The study population comprised: 1) newcomer women who immigrated to Canada after 2004 and 2) Canadian-born women. Both groups consisted of women who have a higher risk of undergoing a C-section. Data collection strategies included participant observation of prenatal appointments, labour and delivery along with in-depth interviews with the women. Preliminary findings indicate that decisions to have emergency C-sections were solely due to physician recommendations. Women stated the safety of the baby as the main reason for following physician recommendations. Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries are conducted when there is a failure to progress in labor, or compromised fetal status. However, they place women at higher risk for immediate complications compared to vaginal deliveries. Mumtaz et al. (2014) showed that newcomer women in the prairie provinces experienced significantly higher C-section delivery rates compared to Canadian-born women, even though rates of recommendations by healthcare providers was equal. This on-going study aims to understand this trend, and explore how decisions regarding C-section deliveries are made within the experiences of newcomer and Canadian-born women. A focused ethnography was conducted at a universityaffiliated hospital in Edmonton, Alberta for an 8-month period in 2015. The study population comprised: 1) newcomer women who immigrated to Canada after 2004 and 2) Canadian-born women. Both groups consisted of women who have a higher risk of undergoing a C-section. Data collection strategies included participant observation of prenatal appointments, labour and delivery along with in-depth interviews with the women. Preliminary findings indicate that decisions to have emergency C-sections were solely due to physician recommendations. Women stated the safety of the baby as the main reason for following physician recommendations.
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Calgary, Alberta has the fourth highest immigrant population in Canada and ethnic minorities comprise 28 % of its total population. Previous studies have found correlations between minority status and poor pregnancy outcomes. One explanation for this phenomenon is that minority status increases the levels of stress experienced during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to identify specific types of maternal psychosocial stress experienced by women of an ethnic minority (Asian, Arab, Other Asian, African, First Nations and Latin American). Findings from this study indicate that women who identify with an ethnic minority were more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, inadequate social support, and problems with emotional and physical health during pregnancy than women who identified with the White reference group. This study has identified that women of an ethic minority experience greater psychosocial stress in pregnancy compared to the White reference group. Calgary, Alberta has the fourth highest immigrant population in Canada and ethnic minorities comprise 28 % of its total population. Previous studies have found correlations between minority status and poor pregnancy outcomes. One explanation for this phenomenon is that minority status increases the levels of stress experienced during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to identify specific types of maternal psychosocial stress experienced by women of an ethnic minority (Asian, Arab, Other Asian, African, First Nations and Latin American). Findings from this study indicate that women who identify with an ethnic minority were more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, inadequate social support, and problems with emotional and physical health during pregnancy than women who identified with the White reference group. This study has identified that women of an ethic minority experience greater psychosocial stress in pregnancy compared to the White reference group.
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International migration and the number of migrant women who experience pregnancy and childbirth in receiving countries have significantly increased in the last two decades. Migrant women often have unmet social and economic needs during pregnancy and are more likely to have problems unaddressed by health care systems. In this qualitative study, we explored migrant women’s perceptions and experiences of health during pregnancy and postpartum, while participating in a perinatal program offered through a community-based organization. Additionally, we examined sociocultural factors that might have shaped women’s health upon migration to the Canadian city of Edmonton, Alberta. Women expressed their perceptions and experiences of health during pregnancy and postpartum by contrasting their countries of origin with Canada, respectively identified as “back home” and “here”. Differences in social support and the physical environment (both natural and built) between “back home” and “here” were commonly described as factors that shaped their opportunities to eat healthy, be physically active and emotionally well before and after having a baby “here”. Overall, women described that in Canada they lacked the social and environmental factors perceived as key enablers of healthy pregnancies and postpartum. Thus a complex network of factors seem to influence Northeast African women’s health during pregnancy and postpartum upon migration to Canada. It is of the utmost importance to provide these women with the immediate sociocultural and environmental factors they need to successfully thrive during pregnancy and postpartum, especially while establishing social and support networks “here”. International migration and the number of migrant women who experience pregnancy and childbirth in receiving countries have significantly increased in the last two decades. Migrant women often have unmet social and economic needs during pregnancy and are more likely to have problems unaddressed by health care systems. In this qualitative study, we explored migrant women’s perceptions and experiences of health during pregnancy and postpartum, while participating in a perinatal program offered through a community-based organization. Additionally, we examined sociocultural factors that might have shaped women’s health upon migration to the Canadian city of Edmonton, Alberta. Women expressed their perceptions and experiences of health during pregnancy and postpartum by contrasting their countries of origin with Canada, respectively identified as “back home” and “here”. Differences in social support and the physical environment (both natural and built) between “back home” and “here” were commonly described as factors that shaped their opportunities to eat healthy, be physically active and emotionally well before and after having a baby “here”. Overall, women described that in Canada they lacked the social and environmental factors perceived as key enablers of healthy pregnancies and postpartum. Thus a complex network of factors seem to influence Northeast African women’s health during pregnancy and postpartum upon migration to Canada. It is of the utmost importance to provide these women with the immediate sociocultural and environmental factors they need to successfully thrive during pregnancy and postpartum, especially while establishing social and support networks “here”.
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The aim of this study is to assess the oral health of the children of refugees and immigrants (“newcomers”). We also seek to understand the barriers to appropriate oral health care and use of dental services. Finally, we look into clinical and behavioural interventions for this population in North America. In general, children of newcomers exhibit poorer oral health compared with their non-newcomer peers. This population faces language, cultural and financial barriers that, consequently, limit their access to and use of dental services. Intervention programs, such as educational courses and counseling, targeting newcomer parents or their children are helpful in improving the oral health status of immigrant children. The disparity in dental caries between children of newcomers and their peers can be reduced by improving their parents’ literacy in the official language(s) and educating parents regarding good oral health practices. An appropriate oral health policy remains crucial for marginalized populations in general and newcomer children in particular. The aim of this study is to assess the oral health of the children of refugees and immigrants (“newcomers”). We also seek to understand the barriers to appropriate oral health care and use of dental services. Finally, we look into clinical and behavioural interventions for this population in North America. In general, children of newcomers exhibit poorer oral health compared with their non-newcomer peers. This population faces language, cultural and financial barriers that, consequently, limit their access to and use of dental services. Intervention programs, such as educational courses and counseling, targeting newcomer parents or their children are helpful in improving the oral health status of immigrant children. The disparity in dental caries between children of newcomers and their peers can be reduced by improving their parents’ literacy in the official language(s) and educating parents regarding good oral health practices. An appropriate oral health policy remains crucial for marginalized populations in general and newcomer children in particular.
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This research is on immigrant housing and homelessness, identifying the factors that explain immigrant housing vulnerability. The data collected from people accessing housing services in various cities of Alberta show that employment is an important predictor of positive housing situation among immigrants accessing housing supports. Moreover, living in a larger city, having a mental illness and being married were protective factors from living in a precarious housing situation. Addiction and being precariously employed were, however, associated with an increase in the risk of living in a precarious housing situation. This research is on immigrant housing and homelessness, identifying the factors that explain immigrant housing vulnerability. The data collected from people accessing housing services in various cities of Alberta show that employment is an important predictor of positive housing situation among immigrants accessing housing supports. Moreover, living in a larger city, having a mental illness and being married were protective factors from living in a precarious housing situation. Addiction and being precariously employed were, however, associated with an increase in the risk of living in a precarious housing situation.
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Canada is among the top immigrant-receiving nations in the world. The aims of the study were to (1) create a new understanding of the processes that disadvantage immigrants in maternity healthcare, and (2) propose changes that might improve maternity experiences and outcomes for immigrant women in Canada. The findings indicate that (a) communication difficulties, (b) lack of information, (c) lack of social support (isolation), (d) cultural beliefs, e) inadequate healthcare services, and (f) cost of medicine/services represent potential barriers to the access to and navigation of maternity services by immigrant women in Canada. Having successfully accessed and navigated services, immigrant women often face additional challenges that influence their level of satisfaction and quality of care. These challenges include lack of understanding of the informed consent process, lack of regard by professionals for confidential patient information, short consultation times, short hospital stays, perceived discrimination/stereotyping, and culture shock. Although health service organizations and policies strive for universality and equality in service provision, personal and organizational barriers can limit care access, adequacy, and acceptability for immigrant women. A holistic healthcare approach must include health informational packages available in different languages/media. Health care professionals who care for diverse populations must be provided with training in cultural competence, and monitoring and evaluation programs to ameliorate personal and systemic discrimination. Canada is among the top immigrant-receiving nations in the world. The aims of the study were to (1) create a new understanding of the processes that disadvantage immigrants in maternity healthcare, and (2) propose changes that might improve maternity experiences and outcomes for immigrant women in Canada. The findings indicate that (a) communication difficulties, (b) lack of information, (c) lack of social support (isolation), (d) cultural beliefs, e) inadequate healthcare services, and (f) cost of medicine/services represent potential barriers to the access to and navigation of maternity services by immigrant women in Canada. Having successfully accessed and navigated services, immigrant women often face additional challenges that influence their level of satisfaction and quality of care. These challenges include lack of understanding of the informed consent process, lack of regard by professionals for confidential patient information, short consultation times, short hospital stays, perceived discrimination/stereotyping, and culture shock. Although health service organizations and policies strive for universality and equality in service provision, personal and organizational barriers can limit care access, adequacy, and acceptability for immigrant women. A holistic healthcare approach must include health informational packages available in different languages/media. Health care professionals who care for diverse populations must be provided with training in cultural competence, and monitoring and evaluation programs to ameliorate personal and systemic discrimination.
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This article documents the impact of recently introduced restrictive family reunification policies on immigrants living in Canada today. Since 2008, Canadian immigration policy has changed dramatically with renewed neoliberal emphasis on economic immigrants and labor-market integration (younger, high-skilled immigrants with strong English or French language skills are prioritized over other groups of newcomers). This led to making the process of reuniting families more difficult and expensive. This article explores the impact of this policy shift on immigrant families and on immigrant women and children in particular. This article argues that there are profound human costs to limiting family reunification; these costs are disproportionately borne by immigrant women (who tend to take addition responsibilities of child care) and ultimately impact immigrant integration and belonging. This article documents the impact of recently introduced restrictive family reunification policies on immigrants living in Canada today. Since 2008, Canadian immigration policy has changed dramatically with renewed neoliberal emphasis on economic immigrants and labor-market integration (younger, high-skilled immigrants with strong English or French language skills are prioritized over other groups of newcomers). This led to making the process of reuniting families more difficult and expensive. This article explores the impact of this policy shift on immigrant families and on immigrant women and children in particular. This article argues that there are profound human costs to limiting family reunification; these costs are disproportionately borne by immigrant women (who tend to take addition responsibilities of child care) and ultimately impact immigrant integration and belonging.
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Problems related to the recognition of skills and education acquired by immigrants abroad and their ability to translate them into similar work and income in Canada are well-known. This paper attempts to quantify, insofar as possible the mismatch between education and skills attained abroad by comparing pre-arrival and post-arrival job statuses amongst newcomers to Canada who have been in the country for five years or less. Our results reveal that there is, in fact, a significant decline in job status for newcomers, which is influenced by province of residence, place of education attainment, and length of time in Canada. Problems related to the recognition of skills and education acquired by immigrants abroad and their ability to translate them into similar work and income in Canada are well-known. This paper attempts to quantify, insofar as possible the mismatch between education and skills attained abroad by comparing pre-arrival and post-arrival job statuses amongst newcomers to Canada who have been in the country for five years or less. Our results reveal that there is, in fact, a significant decline in job status for newcomers, which is influenced by province of residence, place of education attainment, and length of time in Canada.
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Leisure in parks and other forms of protected areas are connected to an individual’s health and well-being. Findings show that anticipated human health and well-being benefits were a major factor motivating individuals decision to visit a park or protected area. However, there was a negative correlation between age and each of the perceived benefits, indicating that older visitors were less motivated to visit protected areas. Interestingly, health motivations and benefits (or outcomes) were correlated highly with nature relatedness, meaning the more connected one is to nature, the greater the motivation to visit parks and the greater the health and well-being benefits received from park experiences. Overall, this study represents the largest examination of the human health and well-being benefits associated with visitor experiences in a Canadian protected areas context. The results substantiate the need for park organizations to better understand the “service provider” “client” relationship from a human health and well-being perspective so that integrated policies and visitor experience programs can be developed or enhanced where appropriate. Leisure in parks and other forms of protected areas are connected to an individual’s health and well-being. Findings show that anticipated human health and well-being benefits were a major factor motivating individuals decision to visit a park or protected area. However, there was a negative correlation between age and each of the perceived benefits, indicating that older visitors were less motivated to visit protected areas. Interestingly, health motivations and benefits (or outcomes) were correlated highly with nature relatedness, meaning the more connected one is to nature, the greater the motivation to visit parks and the greater the health and well-being benefits received from park experiences. Overall, this study represents the largest examination of the human health and well-being benefits associated with visitor experiences in a Canadian protected areas context. The results substantiate the need for park organizations to better understand the “service provider” “client” relationship from a human health and well-being perspective so that integrated policies and visitor experience programs can be developed or enhanced where appropriate.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Focus groups are a useful strategy in qualitative health research when it is important to understand how social contexts shape participants’ health. However, when cross-lingual focus groups are conducted, and in languages in which the researcher is not fluent, it raises questions regarding the usefulness and rigor of the findings. In this article, we will discuss three different approaches to cross-lingual focus groups used in a community-based participatory research project with pregnant and postpartum, African immigrant women in Alberta, Canada. In two approaches, we moderated focus groups in women’s mother tongue with the support of real-time interpreters, but in the first approach, audio recording was used and in the second approach, audio recording was not used. In the third approach, a bilingual moderator facilitated focus groups in women’s mother tongue, with transcription and translation of audio-recorded data upon completion of data generation. We expect the lessons learned in this project may assist others in planning and implementing cross-lingual focus groups, especially in the context of community-based participatory research. Focus groups are a useful strategy in qualitative health research when it is important to understand how social contexts shape participants’ health. However, when cross-lingual focus groups are conducted, and in languages in which the researcher is not fluent, it raises questions regarding the usefulness and rigor of the findings. In this article, we will discuss three different approaches to cross-lingual focus groups used in a community-based participatory research project with pregnant and postpartum, African immigrant women in Alberta, Canada. In two approaches, we moderated focus groups in women’s mother tongue with the support of real-time interpreters, but in the first approach, audio recording was used and in the second approach, audio recording was not used. In the third approach, a bilingual moderator facilitated focus groups in women’s mother tongue, with transcription and translation of audio-recorded data upon completion of data generation. We expect the lessons learned in this project may assist others in planning and implementing cross-lingual focus groups, especially in the context of community-based participatory research.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly