Social Norms of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Attitudes Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Building upon literature that considers social network influences on health attitudes and behaviors among youth experiencing homelessness, this study assessed associations regarding social norms of pregnancy, perceived by youth experiencing homelessness (ages 13–25; N = 304) as endorsed by their network members, and youths’ pregnancy attitudes. Multivariate results revealed that youth who perceived their street peers as more objecting to (versus encouraging of) them becoming involved in a pregnancy were 51% less likely to endorse pro-pregnancy attitudes ( OR = 0.49, p < .01). Youth who perceived their serious partners as more objecting to their pregnancy involvement were 74% less likely to endorse pro-pregnancy attitudes ( OR = 0.26, p < .01). Results suggest utility in exploring peer-based and dyadic approaches to prevention efforts with this group.

Effectiveness of a Workplace Reintegration Facilitator Training Program on Mental Health Literacy and Workplace Attitudes of Public Safety Personnel: A Pilot Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The demands and stressful nature of police work, unpredictability of the calls, and exposure to traumatic events in the line of duty can contribute to the development of operational stress injuries (OSIs) in Public Safety Personnel (PSP). Those impacted by work-related injuries can find themselves needing both time off work and support reintegrating back into the workforce. Work reintegration programs have been introduced in PSP organizations to support those who aim to return-to-work. One such peer-led workplace reintegration program (RP) was created in 2009 by members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The primary goal of the EPSRP is to assist PSP return to work as soon as possible following a critical incident, illness, or injury, while diminishing the potential for long-term psychological injury. The EPSRP is delivered by peers through three interrelated components: 1) Reintegration Program Facilitator Training (RPFT) Program; 2) a short-term Critical Incident RP; and 3) a long-term RP. There is a dire need for research that incorporate strong study designs to determine long-term effectiveness of these components. The purpose of this quasi-experimental pre/post pilot cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EPS RPFT course at influencing mental health knowledge and attitudes of RPFT attendees. OBJECTIVE This pre/post cohort study collected data via two questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60). METHODS This pre/post cohort study collected data via two questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60). Descriptive, parametric, and non-parametric statistics were utilized to compare pre and post RPFT results as well as analyzing results by gender and profession. RESULTS Statistically significant changes were observed in pre/post questionnaire scores in the domains of mental health attitudes and knowledge. CONCLUSIONS The RPFT may facilitate positive changes in mental health attitudes, knowledge, and stigma among PSP.

Digitization of healthcare post COVID-19: Reimagining the role of health education and promotion

The digitization of health promotion and communication has become a major discourse in healthcare. This paper synthesizes my understanding of the role of health literacy, promotion, education and communication in ensuring effective digitization of healthcare and presents four key findings from a mental health promotion project. First, the pandemic has shown us more than ever how fragile we all are – health-seeking behaviour will increasingly take centre stage over the next decade. Second, why do people refuse to wear masks even though it increases the risk of mortality? Why are individuals not motivated to exercise despite downloading free health apps? Why do people keep eating unhealthy food even when they can afford healthier options? Why? The numbers cannot tell the whole story. Similarly, the proliferation of digital health technology cannot convince people to modify their behaviours nor promote meaningful use of e/m-health apps. Third, deliberate digital health promotion and communication is needed to leverage opportunities in health technology. Fourth, the world needs researchers and experts who understand the broader determinants of health attitudes and are knowledgeable in synthesizing valid health information across various technological platforms, in support of health system needs. I address the implications of my findings and discuss future directions for policy and practitioners.

Newcomer challenges with accessing healthcare services in Saskatchewan, Canada

Newcomers experience a variety of barriers to healthcare services. The study objective is to identify newcomers’ healthcare barriers. During 2014-2015, we conducted in-depth interviews with service providers, and newcomer parents who had been in Saskatchewan for under 5 years. Primary themes include: 1) navigation difficulty, 2) limited awareness, 3) language, 4) interpretation and translation, 5) health benefits, 6) service limitations and stigma, 7) gender and cultural concerns, 8) health attitudes and beliefs, and 9) work demands. The results exposed service gaps and suggest options to improve access to healthcare. Consideration should be given to the development of formal processes to ensure the provision of information concerning healthcare and health benefit programs, as well as responsive healthcare services, including convenient primary healthcare sites that offer comprehensive care in a culturally responsive manner with embedded interpretation services to ensure that the Saskatchewan healthcare system does not perpetuate or create health disparities.

Observational Study of Qigong as a Complementary Self-Care Practice at a Tertiary-Care Pain Management Unit

Qigong, which can be characterized in many different ways, is offered as a complementary self-care practice at a tertiary-care pain management unit in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This report provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of two groups engaged in qigong practice in this context as part of two Research in Medicine (RIM) projects (2014-15, 2016-17). It includes assessments of pain, mood, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue, considers outcomes in relation to the amount of practice, and considers whether health attitudes would help determine who might benefit from the practice. There were 43 participants (28 ongoing practitioners, 15 new to qigong). The ongoing practice group in RIM2 had significant benefits over time in pain, mood, quality of life, and fatigue in quantitative scores, but changes were not significant in RIM 1. There were no differences in any measures in those new to qigong. Qualitative comments in core and other domains reflected good or better outcomes in 16 subjects in the ongoing group who practiced consistently. In those who practiced less, results were more variable. In most of those new to qigong, the practice was limited and comments indicate minimal changes. Those engaged in qigong have a stronger internal health locus of control than control subjects. Diligent qigong practice provides multiple health benefits for those with chronic pain, and qualitative assessments are essential for documenting these effects. For those new to qigong, factors needed to effectively engage practice need to be explored further to optimize program delivery. The trial is registered with http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04279639).

HEALTH AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE FAMILY CARE, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIALIZATION PROCESS ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE FUNCTIONING OF PROFESSIONAL FOSTER FAMILIES IN SZCZECIN

Health is in the area of analysis of many sciences, e.g. psychology, sociology, pedagogy or philosophy. Each of them presents health and its specificity in a specific way. The most frequently indicated dimensions of health are: physical, mental (including intellectual and emotional), social, spiritual and transcendent. Contemporary pedagogical concepts of health emphasize that they can be considered as: value, resource (wealth), means, aim, a concept emphasizing the benefits of being healthy. Attention is also paid to the health mandala and the eudaimonic concept of family health. Thanks to these concepts, health is part of family care, educational and socialization processes. Parents, the main implementers of integrated interactions, create, among others, health behaviors, attitudes or lifestyle of their children. The subject of the research was the course of care, educational and socialization processes in professional foster families functioning in the city of Szczecin. The aim of the research was to find out about the specificity of family care, educational and socialization processes. The activities of professional foster families in caring for: children's health, their health attitudes and behaviors as well as health as a value in human life were especially emphasized. The research method was to triangulate the diagnostic survey method with the qualitative dimension of the case study. The technique used for the study was a questionnaire, in-depth qualitative interview and direct observation. The obtained empirical material was subjected to an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis with elements of interpretability of the data, however, efforts are being made to make a holistic diagnosis of the family. Axiologization of health attitudes in the surveyed families and making children aware of the need to take care of their own health on the basis of resources at hand are particularly significant for the armory.