A scoping review on the operationalization of intersectional health research methods in studies related to the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 and became a global health crisis with devastating impacts. This scoping review maps the key findings of research about the pandemic that has operationalized intersectional research methods around the world. It also tracks how these studies have engaged with methodological tenets of oppression, comparison, relationality, complexity, and deconstruction.

METHODS

Our search resulted in 14,487 articles, 5164 of which were duplicates, and 9297 studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. In total, 14 articles were included in this review. We used thematic analysis to analyse themes within this work and Misra et al. (2021) intersectional research framework to analyse the uptake of intersectional methods within such studies.

RESULTS

The research related to the COVID-19 pandemic globally is paying attention to issues around the financial impacts of the pandemic, discrimination, gendered impacts, impacts of and on social ties, and implications for mental health. We also found strong uptake of centring research in the context of oppression, but less attention is being paid to comparison, relationality, complexity, and deconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show the importance of intersectional research within public health policy formation, as well as room for greater rigour in the use of intersectional methods.

COVID-19 among Black people in Canada: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health inequities worldwide. Research conducted in Canada shows that Black populations were disproportionately exposed to COVID-19 and more likely than other ethnoracial groups to be infected and hospitalized. This scoping review sought to map out the nature and extent of current research on COVID-19 among Black people in Canada.

METHODS

Following a five-stage methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews, studies exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black people in Canada, published up to May 2023, were retrieved through a systematic search of seven databases. Of 457 identified records, 124 duplicates and 279 additional records were excluded after title and abstract screening. Of the remaining 54 articles, 39 were excluded after full-text screening; 2 articles were manually picked from the reference lists of the included articles. In total, 17 articles were included in this review.

RESULTS

Our review found higher rates of COVID-19 infections and lower rates of COVID-19 screening and vaccine uptake among Black Canadians due to pre-COVID-19 experiences of institutional and structural racism, health inequities and a mistrust of health care professionals that further impeded access to health care. Misinformation about COVID-19 exacerbated mental health issues among Black Canadians.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the need to address social inequities experienced by Black Canadians, particularly those related to unequal access to employment and health care. Collecting race-based data on COVID-19 could inform policy formulation to address racial discrimination in access to health care, quality housing and employment, resolve inequities and improve the health and well-being of Black people in Canada.

Increasing access to palliative care for patients with advanced cancer of African and Latin American descent: a patient-oriented community-based study protocol

BACKGROUND

Cancer disparities are a major public health concern in Canada, affecting racialized communities of Latin American and African descent, among others. This is evident in lower screening rates, lower access to curative, and palliative-intent treatments, higher rates of late cancer diagnoses and lower survival rates than the general Canadian population. We will develop an Access to Palliative Care Strategy informed by health equity and patient-oriented research principles to accelerate care improvements for patients with advanced cancer of African and Latin American descent.

METHODS

This is a community-based participatory research study that will take place in two Canadian provinces. Patients and community members representatives have been engaged as partners in the planning and design of the study. We have formed a patient advisory council (PAC) with patient partners to guide the development of the Access to Palliative Care Strategy for people of African and Latin American descent. We will engage100 participants consisting of advanced cancer patients, families, and community members of African and Latin American descent, and health care providers. We will conduct in-depth interviews to delineate participants' experiences of access to palliative care. We will explore the intersections of race, gender, socioeconomic status, language barriers, and other social categorizations to elucidate their role in diverse access experiences. These findings will inform the development of an action plan to increase access to palliative care that is tailored to our study population. We will then organize conversation series to examine together with community partners and healthcare providers the appropriateness, effectiveness, risks, requirements, and convenience of the strategy. At the end of the study, we will hold knowledge exchange gatherings to share findings with the community.

DISCUSSION

This study will improve our understanding of how patients with advanced cancer from racialized communities in Canada access palliative care. Elements to address gaps in access to palliative care and reduce inequities in these communities will be identified. Based on the study findings a strategy to increase access to palliative care for this population will be developed. This study will inform ways to improve access to palliative care for racialized communities in other parts of Canada and globally.

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and Vaccine Hesitancy among Black People in Canada

OBJECTIVES

COVID-19 vaccine mandates increased vaccination rates globally. Implemented as a one-size-fits-all policy, these mandates have unintended harmful consequences for many, including Black Canadians. This article reports findings on the interconnectedness of vaccine mandates and vaccine hesitancy by describing a range of responses to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies among Black people in Canada.

METHODS

Using qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews with 36 Black people living in Canada aged 18 years and over across 6 provinces in Canada were conducted. Participants were selected across intersectional categories including migration status, income, religion, education, sex, and Black ethnicity. Thematic analysis informed the identification of key themes using Foucauldian notions of biopower and governmentality.

RESULTS

Our results show how the power relations present in the ways many Black people actualize vaccine intentions. Two main themes were identified: acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the context of governmentality and resistance to vaccine mandates driven by oppression, mistrust, and religion.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 vaccine mandates may have reinforced mistrust of the government and decreased confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. Policy makers need to consider non-discriminatory public health policies and monitor how these policies are implemented over time and across multiple sectors to better understand vaccine hesitancy.

Caring in the Context of Systems: Service Provider Perspectives on the Mental Health Needs of Newcomer Young Men

In this study, we applied an intersectional framework to explore service providers' perspectives on the mental health needs of newcomer young men. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 26 service providers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, Canada. Findings show that service providers made sense of young men's mental health needs and service access in the context of systems. We identified three interconnected themes: newcomer young men's senses of self in relation to macro-systems, including racism and economic marginalization; settling well as a determinant of mental health; and systems capacities and interdependent resilience. While service providers are engaged in cross-sectoral work in support of newcomer young men's mental health, this work is not being sufficiently supported. Further work is needed around cross-sector capacity bridging and advocacy, as well as the tailoring of services to young men without the assumption and reinforcement of gender stereotypes.

Scoping Review on Barriers and Challenges to Pediatric Immunization Uptake among Migrants: Health Inequalities in Italy, 2003 to Mid-2023

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers, refugees, and foreign-born migrants are more likely to suffer from physical, mental, and socioeconomic consequences owing to their existing vulnerabilities and worsening conditions in refugee camps around the world. In this scenario, the education of migrants and newcomers about immunization is critical to achieving health equity worldwide. Globally, it is unclear whether government vaccination policies are prioritizing the health information needs of migrants. We searched for studies investigating the vaccination uptake of migrant children settled in Italy that were published between January 2003 and 25 June 2023. Following Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage method for scoping reviews, all potentially relevant literature published in English was retrieved from SciSearch, Medline, and Embase. This search resulted in 88 research articles, 25 of which met our inclusion criteria. Our findings indicate unequal access to vaccination due to a lack of available information in the native language of the immigrants' country of origin, vaccine safety concerns or lack of awareness, logistical difficulties, and fear of legal consequences. The findings strongly encourage further government and political discourse to ensure migrants have fair, equitable, ethical, and timely access to essential medicines.

Improving access to palliative care for people experiencing socioeconomic inequities: findings from a community-based pilot research study

INTRODUCTION

In Canada, people experiencing socioeconomic inequities have higher rates of late diagnosis and lower survival rates than the general population. Palliative care services focussed on this population are scarce. We developed a community-based nursing intervention to improve access to palliative care for people experiencing socioeconomic inequities and living with life-limiting illnesses in an urban Canadian setting.

METHODS

This community-based, qualitative research study combined critical and participatory research methodologies. The study was conducted in partnership with the Palliative Care Outreach Advocacy Team (PCOAT) based in Edmonton, Alberta, a team dedicated to serving populations experiencing socioeconomic inequities who require palliative care. Following an exploratory phase that served to delineate the intervention, we undertook a one-year pilot implementation during which a part-time registered nurse (RN) joined PCOAT. The RN engaged in trust building, resolution of health and practical needs and complex care coordination. Twenty-five patients participated in the intervention. Participants were interviewed at least once to explore their experiences with the intervention. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Most participants were men, were Indigenous and had advanced cancer. Participants had significant financial concerns, lived or had lived in precarious housing situations and had previously faced serious challenges accessing health care. Participants reported social and health needs including housing, finances, transportation, symptom control, harm reduction and end-of-life care. Participants reported improved access to health and social services and expressed satisfaction with the study intervention.

CONCLUSION

Study findings suggest the study intervention may have contributed to improved access to palliative care, improved experiences for participants and increased equity in the delivery of care.

Black Health in Canada: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Black Canadians experience poor health care, poor health outcomes, and a greater burden of health inequalities, much of which is rooted in the unequal distribution of social determinants of health. Despite Canada's emphasis on social inclusion, Canada's Black population faces substantial social inequities that affect their health and well-being. These disparities may specifically be attributed to racial discrimination, immigration status, precarious housing, underemployment, and increased poverty among Black Canadians.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes a protocol for a scoping review that aims to understand the range and nature of research conducted on the health of Black Canadians as well as the gaps in this literature.

METHODS

Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework guided the conduct of the scoping review. We searched electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science) and grey literature sources for peer-reviewed articles and grey reports on the health of Black Canadians. Six reviewers independently screened the abstracts and full text of studies to determine eligibility for inclusion. According to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematics Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, the findings will be synthesized quantitatively and qualitatively through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Title, abstract, and full-text screening concluded in October 2022. Data collection is in progress and is expected to be completed by April 2023. Data analysis and drafting of the manuscript will be done thereafter. Findings from the scoping review are expected to be provided for peer review in 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

This review will collect important data and evidence related to the health (mental, reproductive, and sexual; social determinants of health) of the Black population in Canada. The findings could help identify existing gaps in the health of Black individuals in Canada and inform future research paradigms. The findings will further inform the development of a knowledge hub on Black Canadians' health.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/42212.

What contributes to COVID-19 online disinformation among Black Canadians: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Black Canadians are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the literature suggests that online disinformation and misinformation contribute to higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine hesitancy in Black communities in Canada. Through stakeholder interviews, we sought to describe the nature of COVID-19 online disinformation among Black Canadians and identify the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

METHODS

We conducted purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling and completed in-depth qualitative interviews with Black stakeholders with insights into the nature and impact of COVID-19 online disinformation and misinformation in Black communities. We analyzed data using content analysis, drawing on analytical resources from intersectionality theory.

RESULTS

The stakeholders (n = 30, 20 purposively sampled and 10 recruited by way of snowball sampling) reported sharing of COVID-19 online disinformation and misinformation in Black Canadian communities, involving social media interaction among family, friends and community members and information shared by prominent Black figures on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Our data analysis shows that poor communication, cultural and religious factors, distrust of health care systems and distrust of governments contributed to COVID-19 disinformation and misinformation in Black communities.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings suggest racism and underlying systemic discrimination against Black Canadians immensely catalyzed the spread of disinformation and misinformation in Black communities across Canada, which exacerbated the health inequities Black people experienced. As such, using collaborative interventions to understand challenges within the community to relay information about COVID-19 and vaccines could address vaccine hesitancy.

Co-designing a Sexual Health App With Immigrant Adolescents: Protocol for a Qualitative Community-Based Participatory Action Research Study

BACKGROUND

Canada is one of the world's most ethnically diverse countries, with over 7 million individuals out of a population of 38 million being born in a foreign country. Immigrant adolescents (aged 10 to 19 years) make up a substantial proportion of newcomers to Canada. Religious and cultural practices can influence adolescents' sexual attitudes and behaviors, as well as the uptake of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among this population. Adolescence is a time to establish lifelong healthy behaviors. Research indicates an alarming gap in adolescents' SRH knowledge, yet there is limited research on the SRH needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to actively engage with immigrant adolescents to develop, implement, and evaluate a mobile health (mHealth) intervention (ie, mobile app). The interactive mobile app will aim to deliver accurate and evidence-based SRH information to adolescents.

METHODS

We will use community-based participatory action research to guide our study. This research project will be conducted in 4 stages based on user-centered co-design principles. In Stage 1 (Empathize), we will recruit and convene 3 adolescent advisory groups in Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver. Members will be engaged as coresearchers and receive training in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, sexual health, and the social determinants of health. In Stage 2 (Define and Ideate), we will explore SRH information and service needs through focus group discussions with immigrant adolescents. In Stage 3 (Prototype), we will collaborate with mobile developers to build and iteratively design the app with support from the adolescent advisory groups. Finally, in Stage 4 (Test), we will return to focus group settings to share the app prototype, gather feedback on usability, and refine and release the app.

RESULTS

Recruitment and data collection will be completed by February 2023, and mobile app development will begin in March 2023. The mHealth app will be our core output and is expected to be released in the spring of 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study will advance the limited knowledge base on SRH and the information needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada as well as the science underpinning participatory action research methods with immigrant adolescents. This study will address gaps by exploring SRH priorities, health information needs, and innovative strategies to improve the SRH of immigrant adolescents. Engaging adolescents throughout the study will increase their involvement in SRH care decision-making, expand efficiencies in SRH care utilization, and ultimately improve adolescents' SRH outcomes. The app we develop will be transferable to all adolescent groups, is scalable in international contexts, and simultaneously leverages significant economies of scale.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/45389.

Migration-related Factors and Settlement Service Literacy: Findings from the Multi-site Migrants' Settlement Study

Migrants' access and effective utilisation of settlement services depend on their level of settlement service literacy (SSL). However, SSL is multi-dimensional in nature and has many facets that are influenced by demographic and migration-related factors. Identifying factors that drive various components of SSL, and thus allowing for more focused development of specific dimensions, is critical. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between components of SSL and migration-related and migrants' demographic factors. Using a snowball sampling approach, trained multilingual research assistants collected data on 653 participants. Data were collected using face-to-face or online (phone and via video platforms such as Zoom and Skype) surveys. Our findings suggest that demographic and migration-related factors explained 32% of the variance in overall SSL; and 17%, 23%, 44%, 8%, 10% of the variance in knowledge, empowerment, competence, community influence, and political components of SSL respectively. SSL was positively associated with pre-migration and post-migration educational attainment, being employed in Australia, being a refugee, coming from the sub-Saharan region but negatively associated with age and coming from the East Asia and Pacific region. Across SSL dimensions, post-migration education was the only factor positively associated with the overall SSL and all SSL dimensions (except the political dimension). Employment status in Australia was also positively associated with competency and empowerment, but not other dimensions. Affiliating with a religion other than Christianity or Islam was negatively associated with knowledge and empowerment whilst being a refugee was positively associated with knowledge. Age was negatively associated with the empowerment and competency dimensions. The study provides evidence of the importance of some pre- and post-migration factors that can assist in developing targeted initiatives to enhance migrants' SSL. Identifying factors that drive various components of SSL will allow for more focused development of specific dimensions and therefore is critical.

Decolonizing research with Black youths

Black youths experience poor mental health especially due to anti-Black racism. Research related to Black youths have been conducted on Black youths with little or no participation or engagement rather than with Black youths. This paper presents information from a dialogue on decolonizing nursing research. I draw on interviews and conversation cafes with around 120 Black youths in Canada to identify strategies for decolonizing research with Black youths. First, I reflect on my relations with the Indigenous land in which the study was conducted as well as my positionality as a Black woman. In this paper, I discuss how community based participatory action research can integrate capacity building component, amplify youth's voices and capitalize on the agency of youths as fruitful actors. I also reflect on the opportunities and benefits of decolonizing nursing research.

Sociocultural Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Practices of Mothers During Natural Disasters: A Critical Ethnography in Rural Pakistan

Natural disasters affect the health and well-being of mothers with young children. During natural disasters, this population is at risk of discontinuation of their breastfeeding practices. Pakistan is a middle-income country that is susceptible to natural disasters. This study intended to examine sociocultural factors that shape the breastfeeding experiences and practices of internally displaced mothers in Pakistan. This critical ethnographic study was undertaken in disaster-affected villages of Chitral, Pakistan. Data were collected utilizing multiple methods, including in-depth interviews with 18 internally displaced mothers and field observations. Multiple sociocultural factors were identified as either barriers or facilitators to these mothers' capacities to breastfeed their children. Informal support, formal support, breastfeeding culture, and spiritual practices facilitated displaced mothers to sustain their breastfeeding practices. On the other hand, lack of privacy, cultural beliefs, practices and expectations, covert oppression, and lack of healthcare support served as barriers to the breastfeeding practices of displaced mothers.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black Communities in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in differential impacts on the Black communities in Canada and has unmasked existing race-related health inequities. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black people in Canada. Historically, social inequalities have determined the impacts of pandemics on the population, and in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionate infections and mortalities have become evident among racialized communities in Canada. This qualitative descriptive study utilized an intersectionality framework. We invited Black stakeholders across Canada to participate in semi-structured interviews to deepen our knowledge of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black communities in Canada. A total of 30 interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Our findings fell into three categories: (1) increased vulnerability to COVID-19 disease, (2) mental impacts, and (3) addressing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show the underlying systemic inequities in Canada and systemic racism exacerbated health inequities among the Black communities and undermined interventions by public health agencies to curb the spread of COVID-19 and associated impacts on Black and other racialized communities. The paper concludes by identifying critical areas for future intervention in policy and practice.

Nigerian Health Care Providers and Diabetes Self-Management Support: Their Perspectives and Practices

Nigeria struggles to reframe its traditional acute-care disease approach to health care to accommodate rising needs for chronic disease care. This interpretive descriptive study explored Nigerian healthcare providers' (HCPs) perspectives, experiences, and practices related to self-management support (SMS). Observational and experiential data were gathered from 19 HCPs at two urban hospitals in Southeastern Nigeria (seven physicians, four nurses, five dietitians/nutritionists, and three health educators). There were four themes: (a) compliance-oriented medical model, (b) SMS as advice, informal counseling, and education, (c) navigating the sociocultural terrain, and (d) workarounds. Nigerian HCPs perspectives and SMS practices were characterized by attempts to foster compliance with healthcare instructions within a traditional biomedical model. Participants enhanced patient support using specific strategies to bypass structural system obstacles. These findings demonstrate the need to reevaluate the current understanding of SMS in Nigeria and its practice.

Climate Change and African Migrant Health

INTRODUCTION

Climate change exacerbates existing sociopolitical and economic vulnerabilities, undermining livelihoods, inflating the risk of conflict, and making it difficult for people to remain stable. In 2019, around 25 million new displacements occurred due to natural disasters. This review aims to summarize the existing evidence regarding the impact of climate change on the health of African immigrants.

METHODS

Nine databases were systematically searched using a strategy developed in collaboration with a subject librarian. Potentially relevant articles were identified, screened, and reviewed by at least two reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving conflicts where necessary. Data were extracted from relevant articles using a standardized form.

RESULTS

Seven studies (three cross-sectional, two qualitative, one cohort, and one need assessment report) were identified; they included different categories of African migrants and reported on various aspects of health. The included articles report on climate change, e.g., flooding, drought, and excess heat, resulting in respiratory illness, mental health issues, malnutrition, and premature mortality among African immigrants.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests climate change adversely affects the physical, mental, and social health of African immigrants. It also highlights a knowledge gap in evidence related to the impact of climate change on the health of African immigrants.

Formal and informal support networks as sources of resilience and sources of oppression for temporary foreign workers in Canada

In this article, we explore temporary foreign workers’ (TFWs) access to and experiences with formal and informal supports in Canada. Our study utilized a participatory action research design and four overlapping phases of data collection: individual interviews with current and former TFWs, focus groups, individual interviews with settlement service agencies, and a cross-sectional survey with current and former TFWs. We used an intersectional theoretical framework to analyze these data and explore ways that TFWs interact with formal and informal sources of support for navigating their precarious immigration status and integration in Canada. Our findings show these supports have the potential to both benefit and harm TFWs, depending on their social positioning and availability of institutional resources. The benefits include information that aids settlement and integration processes in Canada, while the harms include misinformation that contributes to status loss. Future research and policy should recognize the complexity of informal and formal support networks available to TFWs. An absence of government support is apparent, as is the need for increased funding for settlement service agencies that serve these workers. In addition, Canada should better monitor employers, immigration consultants, and immigration lawyers to ensure these agents support rather than oppress TFWs.

Factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth

Background:

Black people are a growing population in Canada, but limited data are available on the factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth in Canada. We sought to explore the factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth in Alberta, Canada.

Methods:

Using a youth-led participatory action research approach and an intersectional feminist theoretical perspective, we collected data from a diverse sample of Black youth (aged 16–30 yr) in Alberta. We conducted individual interviews and conversation cafés with Black youth.

Results:

We completed 30 individual interviews and 4 conversation cafés with a total of 99 Black youth. Participants identified the dominant factors contributing to mental health problems as racial discrimination, the intergenerational gap in families, microaggression and stigma, academic expectations, financial stress, lack of identity, previous traumatic events and religion. They also identified factors that contributed positively to mental health, including a sense of accomplishment, openness about mental health, positive relationships, sense of community and spirituality.

Interpretation:

Black youth in Alberta reported that anti-Black racism and intergenerational tensions are major factors that contribute to their mental health, which suggests a need to address anti-Black racism and ensure more equitable approaches for Black youth in Alberta.

Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Black Populations: A Systematic Review of Strategies

Given the growing body of evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black populations, the aim of this systematic review was to identify the interventions and strategies used to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among Black populations globally. To identify relevant studies, we conducted a systematic review of the literature based on a systematic search of 10 electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, Dissertations and Theses Global, and SocINDEX. We screened a total of 1728 records and included 14 peer-reviewed interventional studies that were conducted to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black populations. A critical appraisal of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The intervention strategies for increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake were synthesized into three major categories: communication and information-based interventions, mandate-based interventions, and incentive-based interventions. Interventions that incorporated communication, community engagement, and culturally inclusive resources significantly improved vaccine uptake among Black populations, while incentive- and mandate-based interventions had less impact. Overall, this systematic review revealed that consideration of the sociocultural, historical, and political contexts of Black populations is important, but tailored interventions that integrate culture-affirming strategies are more likely to decrease COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase uptake among Black populations.

ADaPTS "(AD)olescents (P)ath through (T)ransplant (S)ickle cell disease"

Background

Sickle cell disease is an inherited chronic hematological disorder with an average lifespan of fifty years. The human cost of sickle cell disease includes missed school days, occupational opportunities, social isolation, stigmatization, and psychological sequelae. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy available but comes with potential morbidity and mortality. Our study explores how quality of life (QoL) is affected from the perspective of an adolescent who has undergone a nonmyeloablative matched sibling donor HCT.

Methods

We employed multiple case study methodology with purposeful sampling by selecting information-rich cases. Data sources: 1) QoL inventories 2) patient interviews 3) parent interview 4) vital support interview 5) medical record analysis. Data analysis: Intra-case analysis by assembling evidence within a single case and then analyzing the differences within cases to create a rich case description. Next, a time series analysis was completed to track changes in patients’ QoL. We used multiple sources of data to compose a timeline and changes across time. Then, we employed pattern matching as an analytical technique allowing for examination of patterns across cases. Finally, we used cross case synthesis to review results of each case.

Results

Quality of life was reported across the physical, social and psychological domains for 5 participants. All had sickle cell HgSS genotype, 80% were male and 80% were born outside of Canada. Physical domain: pre-transplant, 100% of patients experienced pain, and the majority suffered from fatigue, insomnia, and fevers resulting in hospitalizations. Afterwards, participants reported improved physical wellbeing. Social domain: pre-transplant, QoL was poor characterized by stigma, social isolation, and parental absenteeism. Post-HSCT adolescents gained social acceptance in areas that had stigmatized and excluded them. They were able to participate freely in activities with peers and their social life vastly improved. Psychological pre-transplant life experiences were overshadowed by psychological stress. The majority commented that their future was bleak and may lead to premature death. Afterwards adolescents described a crisis free life with positive psychological outcomes.

Conclusions

Adolescents with sickle cell disease who undertook HCT demonstrated improved QoL one year post transplant with regard to physical, social and psychological well-being.

A scoping review of COVID-19 online mis/disinformation in Black communities

Background

Mis/disinformation has reached an epidemic level with the COVID-19 virus and can be largely attributed to the growing digitalization of information and its rapid transmission via social media. Approximately 96% of Canadians and 80% of Americans report encountering COVID-19 dis/misinformation on at least one social media site/app. COVID-19 dis/misinformation promotes scepticism and a lack of confidence in COVID-19 interventions. Black people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of negative impacts on their livelihoods and are also more likely to be hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Dis/misinformation contributes to high rates of COVID-19 infection and low uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. Hence, the purpose of this scoping review was to map out the nature and extent of current research on COVID-19 disinformation among Blacks in Africa and the African diaspora.

Methods

We searched and reviewed articles from major databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Our search strategy involved the following concepts: 1) COVID-19, including variants; 2) misinformation, conspiracy theories, and fake news, and modes of misinformation transmission such as social media; and 3) Blacks or people of African descent, or the African diaspora. We retrieved 600 articles that were independently screened by two researchers. We included studies focusing on 1) Black people living inside or outside Africa; and 2) COVID-19 online dis/misinformation among this population. A total of 19 studies fit our inclusion criteria. We used a thematic analysis to analyse qualitative data.

Results

Our findings indicate Black people are accessing and often sharing online disinformation and misinformation primarily through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Dis/misinformation concerns the origin of COVID-19, transmission, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19, assertions of race immunity to the virus, distrust in government and health organizations, and intervention research and programming.

Conclusions

There is a global paucity of literature addressing COVID-19 online dis/misinformation among Black people. Dis/misinformation can fuel vaccine hesitancy and threaten the goal of herd immunity. Knowledge of the impact and implications of COVID-19 online dis/misinformation is necessary to inform public health interventions in Black communities.

Understanding the sexual and reproductive health needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada: A qualitative study

Background

Literature suggests that immigrant adolescents receive limited sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and rarely utilize SRH services in Canada. This study sought to explore the SRH information needs of immigrant adolescents in the province of Alberta.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive methodology was undertaken to conduct 21 individual interviews with immigrant adolescents in Alberta.

Results

A total of four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Barriers to SRH; (2) needs of adolescents regarding SRH; (3) sources of knowledge; and (4) strategies to improve SRH. Our findings document the conflicting needs and preferences between adolescents and their parents regarding access to SRH resources and services.

Discussion

Adolescents often felt unprepared to deal with their SRH issues due to socio-cultural barriers and conflicts with their parents' conservative attitude toward SRH concerns. Structural barriers to accessing SRH resources and services were also reported, including the location and cost of services. As a result, the majority of adolescents relied on digital methods to receive SRH information.

Conclusion

This study highlights that future research and SRH service provider efforts need to remain cognizant of the positionality of immigrant adolescents and explore innovative ways to deliver SRH resources and services that meet their unique needs.

Immigrant child health in Canada: a scoping review

Introduction

Understanding the health of immigrant children from birth to 18 years of age is important given the significance of the early childhood years and complexity of factors that may influence the health status of immigrant populations. Thus, the purpose of this review was to understand the extent and nature of the literature on the health of immigrant children in Canada.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature. The review was focused on studies of first-generation and second-generation immigrant children aged 0–18 years. We completed standardised data extraction of immigration status, immigration route, age of children, data source, health or clinical focus, country of origin and major findings.

Results

In total, 250 published papers representing data from 237 studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 178 articles used quantitative methodologies (mostly survey and cross-sectional study designs), 54 used qualitative methodologies and 18 used mixed methodologies. The articles considered in this review included 147 (59%) focusing on physical health, 76 (30%) focusing on mental health and 37 (15%) focusing on the social aspects of health for refugee and first-generation and second-generation immigrant children across the provinces and territories of Canada.

Conclusions

Several literature gaps exist with respect to child immigrant health in Canada. For instance, there are no exclusive studies on immigrant boys and limited studies on children of international students.

Understanding the Health and Well-being of Canadian Black Children and Youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequities and vulnerabilities in our society, with the Black population being disproportionately affected. As previous pandemics have resulted in an increase in adverse events to children and youth, we reviewed the literature to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black children and youth. We found Black children and youth experience psychosocial stressors related to uncertainties of the future. Differential gender effects related to COVID-19 are also apparent. Physical distancing related to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in differential impacts on physical activity levels in children. We also noted, increase levels of isolation may result in undetected child abuse. The review highlights the urgent need for multifaceted interventions that address disparities in social determinants of health and psychosocial needs of Black children and youth in Canada. Future research that addresses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black children and youth is needed to help create context-specific interventions.  

An Interpretive Description of Sociocultural Influences on Diabetes Self-Management Support in Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to explore how Nigeria’s social and cultural environment influences professional diabetes self-management support practices. This interpretive descriptive study is based on two diabetes clinics in southeastern Nigeria. Nineteen healthcare providers, including nurses, were purposely selected and engaged in participant observation and interviews. Concurrent data generation and analysis facilitated iterative constant comparative analysis. Findings show significant factors influencing diabetes self-management support include belief in the supernatural origin of diabetes, individual–family interdependence, myths and limited understanding of diabetes, lack of health insurance, poverty, and the rigidity of a hierarchical acute care model of diabetes services. Thus, there is an urgent need to adapt diabetes self-management support strategies to fit people’s contexts. By doing so, specific challenges in the healthcare system can directly be addressed while capitalizing on identified strengths and adapting select strategies that constructively foster person-centered and culturally appropriate care.

Humanitarian aid and breastfeeding practices of displaced mothers: a qualitative study in disaster relief camps

Background: During disasters and displacement, affected families often receive humanitarian aid from governmental and nongovernmental organizations and donor agencies. Little information is available on the effects of humanitarian aid on the breastfeeding practices of mothers affected by disaster and displacement. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of humanitarian aid on the breastfeeding practices of displaced mothers affected by natural disasters in Chitral, Pakistan. Methods: This was qualitative study of residents of four villages of Chitral who had experienced a recent flood and later an earthquake. Data were collected through field observations, analysis of various documents (e.g. aid-agency documents, published reports and newspaper articles) and in-depth interviews with 18 internally displaced mothers living in disaster relief camps in Chitral. Results: Three main themes developed from the data: humanitarian aid as a life saver, insufficient humanitarian aid affecting breastfeeding, and systemic injustices in the distribution of humanitarian aid. Conclusion: Although humanitarian aid facilitated the survival, health and well-being of the displaced mothers and their family members, there were various problems with the humanitarian aid that increased the vulnerability of the displaced mothers and negatively affected their breastfeeding practices. Humanitarian aid must be gender-sensitive, thoughtful, timely, needs-based, equitable and context-specific. A systematic process of aid allocation and restricted donation of formula milk or any other form of breast-milk substitute is recommended during disasters.

Domestic Violence and Immigrant Women: A Glimpse Behind a Veiled Door

Domestic violence (DV) experienced by immigrant women is a public health concern. In collaboration with a community agency, researchers undertook a retrospective review of 1,763 client files from 2006-2014. The three aims were to document the incidence of DV, service needs associated with DV, and identification of risk factors associated with DV in the extracted file data. About 41% reported DV and required multiple services. Separated and divorced women, and women on visitor/temporary visas showed the highest risk. The results underscore the value of research partnerships with community-based service agencies in increasing our understanding of DV among immigrant women.

The mental health of immigrant and refugee children in Canada: A scoping review

Introduction: First- and second-generation immigrant children under 15 years of age make up 37.5% of the total population of children in Canada. Immigrant children aged 10-19, irrespective of their immigration status, face more ethnic victimization at school and in their neighborhoods. By 2036, the number of immigrant children in Canada is predicted to increase by 49%. Method: A well-established Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework was applied to conduct this scoping review. This project reviewed the existing research literature on factors affecting immigrant and refugee children's mental health in Canada. Results: The mental health of immigrant and refugee children can be viewed as a combined product of personal, social, cultural, economic, and pre- and post-migratory factors. Immigrant and refugee children’s experiences of migration can be stressful and destabilizing. Service providers are not well trained and often cannot grasp the circumstances of immigrant and refugee children and families, which consequently disengages them from required treatment services and follow-up care. Conclusion: Reflection of diversity and inclusivity in mental health policies can influence actions in a primary care setting and reduce accessibility gaps and barriers that affect immigrant and refugee children in Canada. Keywords: child; Canada; immigrant; mental health; refugee

Health of African Refugee Children Outside Africa: A Scoping Review

PROBLEM

Africa is the largest source continent of refugee children. However, we found no published synthesis of the literature on the health of African refugee children outside Africa. Conducting a review of the literature on this particular population will help illuminate the particular contextual health issues faced by African child refugees who live outside Africa. The purpose of this review is to synthesize what is known from the existing literature regarding the health of sub-Saharan African refugee children who live outside Africa.

METHODS

We completed a scoping review of the published literature. We included articles published in English with a focus on the health of sub-Saharan African refugee children living outside Africa. We excluded studies of refugees in Africa as the living conditions of these refugees, most of whom reside in camps, are very different from those outside Africa. Using relevant keywords, we searched 10 databases to identify and screen 6602 articles after duplicates were eliminated.

SAMPLE

A total of 20 studies were included in this review.

FINDINGS

Published research articles on sub-Saharan African child refugees living outside Africa focus on infectious diseases, mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, food insecurity and psychosocial adjustment, physical health (including obesity), and health promotion strategies. This population is characterized by a high rate of infectious diseases (e.g., malaria), obesity, and mental health problems, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

To attend to the health needs of sub-Saharan African refugee children who live outside Africa, interventions should address pre-migration factors as well as post-migration factors (including income and community belonging) while employing a strengths-based perspective.

Understanding the health needs of internally displaced persons: A scoping review

We seek to strengthen understanding of the health needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in contexts of conflict or violence. Based upon a scoping review, our paper identified limited evidence on IDP health, but nevertheless indicates that IDPs tend to experience worse health outcomes than other conflict-affected populations across a range of health issues; and this is due to the particularly vulnerable situation of IDPs relative to these other populations, including reduced access to health services. Further research is required to better understand these needs and the interventions that can most effectively address these needs.

Parental acculturation and oral health of children among immigrants

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations between parental acculturation level and strategies and children's caries experience and oral health (OH) behaviors.

METHODS

Participants were immigrant parents of children aged 2-12 years. Data were collected by validated questionnaires gathering information on socio-demographics, child's OH behaviors, and parents'; acculturation and dental examinations determining child's caries experience using DMFT/dmft index. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty-six parent/child dyads completed the study. Length of residency (B = 0.103; 95% CI: 0.064, 0.141) parents' education (B = 1.691; 95% CI: 1.228, 2.155), and household income (B = -0.959; 95% CI: -1.566, -0.352) significantly predicted acculturation level. Parents with high Canadian cultural knowledge reported higher frequency of children's toothbrushing (p-value = 0.015). Parents of children who consumed sugar >1/day had higher mean scores of acculturation to Canadian culture (p-value = 0.016), English language proficiency (p-value = 0.024), and Canadian food adoption (p-value = 0.046). Parents of children who visited the dentist within last 12 months had significantly higher assimilation and lower separation mean scores. Parents of children who visited dentist because of dental problems had higher marginalization mean score than those who went for check-ups (p-value = 0.046). Parental acculturation was not significantly correlated with their children's dmft/DMFT level.

CONCLUSIONS

Children of highly acculturated parents reported higher toothbrushing frequency and were more likely to consume sugar than children of less acculturated parents. Assimilated parents reported more and marginalized parents reported less favorable OH behaviors than other categories. Parental acculturation level or strategy was not associated with children's caries experience.

Access to mental health for Black youths in Alberta

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to examine the barriers that influence access to and use of mental health services by Black youths in Alberta.

METHODS

We used a youth-led participatory action research (PAR) methodology within a youth empowerment model situated within intersectionality theory to understand access to health care for both Canadian-born and immigrant Black youth in Alberta. The research project was co-led by an advisory committee consisting of 10 youths who provided advice and tangible support to the research. Seven members of the advisory committee also collected data, co-facilitated conversation cafés, analyzed data and helped in the dissemination activities. We conducted in-depth individual interviews and held four conversation café-style focus groups with a total of 129 youth. During the conversation cafés, the youths took the lead in identifying issues of concern and in explaining the impact of these issues on their lives. Through rigorous data coding and thematic analysis as well as reflexivity and member checking we ensured our empirical findings were trustworthy.

RESULTS

Our findings highlight key barriers that can limit access to and utilization of mental health services by Black youth, including a lack of cultural inclusion and safety, a lack of knowledge/information on mental health services, the cost of mental health services, geographical barriers, stigma and judgmentalism, and limits of resilience.

CONCLUSION

Findings confirm diverse/intersecting barriers that collectively perpetuate disproportional access to and uptake of mental health services by Black youths. The results of this study suggest health policy and practice stakeholders should consider the following recommendations to break down barriers: diversify the mental health service workforce; increase the availability and quality of mental health services in Black-dominated neighbourhoods; and embed anti-racist practices and intercultural competencies in mental health service delivery.

Perspectives of service agencies on factors influencing immigrants’ mental health in Alberta, Canada

Newcomers to Canada experience resettlement challenges that affect their mental well-being. Guided by an intersectionality theoretical framework, we sought the perspectives of immigrant service agencies on factors influencing immigrants’ mental health in Alberta, Canada.  Data were collected by means of qualitative interviews and focus groups with immigrant service providers. Our data analysis identified seven themes – precarious immigration status, employment discrimination, social isolation, socioeconomic pressures, sociocultural stress, gender and age-related vulnerabilities, and lack of appropriate mental health supports – reflecting the major intersecting determinants of immigrants’ mental health. We propose policy interventions for addressing the mental health vulnerabilities of immigrants.  

The health of internally displaced children in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Background

Internally displaced children are those who have been forced to flee their homes due to severe unfavourable conditions (war, violence or disasters) but have not crossed international borders. Emerging research shows these children face multiple health challenges. However, we found no review focused solely on the health of such internally displaced children. Thus, this review sought to examine what is known about their health and their health concerns.

Methods

A scoping review of the literature was conducted. A total of 10 databases were searched in January 2019, yielding 6602 articles after duplicates were eliminated. Two research assistants independently selected articles that met inclusion criteria. A numerical summary and thematic analysis were conducted to facilitate data extraction and data analysis.

Results

A total of 25 articles met the inclusion criteria, including 16 quantitative, 6 qualitative and 3 mixed methods studies. The findings reveal elevated mental health problems and infectious diseases in this population. Findings on the nutritional status of internally displaced children as a broad group are mixed, with some studies showing poorer nutritional status among the children in this group and others showing poorer nutritional health status among host society children. Internally displaced children also experience challenges with access to health services. Premigration factors (trauma) and postmigration factors (humanitarian assistance on displacement) all contribute to the health of internally displaced children.

Conclusion

Findings provide insight into the complex array of factors influencing the health of internally displaced children. More intervention studies are required to address the needs of this population.

African immigrant child health: A scoping review

The health of migrant children is a pressing issue. While most African migration takes place within Africa, a significant number of African migrants travel to outside of the continent. This article reports findings from a scoping review on the health of African immigrant children from sub-Saharan Africa now living outside of Africa. A systematic search for studies published between 2000 and 2019 resulted in only 20 studies reporting on the health of children up to 18 years of age migrating from sub-Saharan Africa. Data from these articles were thematically analyzed, highlighting concerns related to the children's nutrition status (n = 8), mental health (n = 7), and physical health (n = 5). Study participants were primarily from Somali and Ethiopia, and most studies were conducted in Australia or Israel. The review highlights several gaps related to the scope, range, and nature of evidence on the health of African immigrant children living outside of Africa. In particular, most focus on children's nutritional and mental health, but pay little attention to other health concerns this specific population may encounter or to the benefits associated with effective responses.

A review of the literature on sexual and reproductive health of African migrant and refugee children

Background

Migration and involuntary displacement of children and young people have recently become common features of many African countries due to widespread poverty, rapid urbanization, joblessness, and instability that motivate them to seek livelihoods away from their places of origin. With limited education and skills, children become vulnerable socioeconomically, thereby exposing themselves to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks.

Methods

Against this background, the authors undertook a scoping review of the existing literature between January and June 2019 to highlight current knowledge on SRH of African migrant and refugee children. Twenty-two studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed.

Results

The results identified overcrowding and sexual exploitation of children within refugee camps where reproductive health services are often limited and underutilized. They also reveal language barriers as key obstacles towards young migrants’ access to SRH information and services because local languages used to deliver these services are alien to the migrants. Further, cultural practices like genital cutting, which survived migration could have serious reproductive health implications for young migrants. A major gap identified is about SRH risk factors of unaccompanied migrant minors, which have received limited study, and calls for more quantitative and qualitative SRH studies on unaccompanied child migrants. Studies should also focus on the different dimensions of SRH challenges among child migrants differentiated by gender, documented or undocumented, within or across national borders, and within or outside refugee camps to properly inform and situate policies, keeping in mind the economic motive and spatial displacement of children as major considerations.

Conclusion

The conditions that necessitate economic-driven migration of children will continue to exist in sub-Saharan Africa. This will provide fertile grounds for child migration to continue to thrive, with diverse sexual and reproductive health risks among the child migrants. There is need for further quantitative and qualitative research on child migrants’ sexual and reproductive health experiences paying special attention to their differentiation by gender, documented or undocumented, within or across national borders and within or outside refugee camps.

Child migration is increasingly becoming a common feature of many African countries as children migrate within and away from their countries of origin in search of better livelihoods due to widespread poverty, instability and rapid urbanisation. Many of the migrating children have little or no education and limited employable skills, thereby exposing themselves to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks. This paper is a scoping review of existing literature from 2000 to 2019 to document relevant findings on SRH of African migrant and refugee children.

The review identified migrant children within refugee camps to experience overcrowding and sexual exploitation amidst limited and underutilized reproductive health services. Language barriers are also key obstacles against young migrants’ access to SRH information and services as these services are delivered in local languages unfamiliar to them. Child migrants continue to suffer from cultural practices including genital cutting with serious reproductive health implications. SRH risk factors of unaccompanied migrant minors remain as a gap in the review and, therefore, more SRH studies on unaccompanied child migrants are needed. Attention should also be paid to the different dimensions of SRH challenges among child migrants to reflect gender differences, whether documented or undocumented, within or across national borders, and within or outside refugee camps for better understanding.

In conclusion, child migration in Africa will continue to be economic-driven and will expose the actors to diverse sexual and reproductive health risks. Further in-depth quantitative and qualitative research is required to inform relevant policies on child migrants’ SRH.

Invisible diaspora: A scoping review of migrant caregivers’ social integration trajectory

Background: The Canadian Caregiver program, initiated in 1992, functions to conceal the inadequate public policy and programs on child and elder care in Canada. Consequently, migrant caregivers have become an invisible diaspora filling a domestic labour gap with few protections. Aim and Methods: This scoping review aims to identify the systemic barriers that undermine social integration of migrant caregivers. We searched ten publication index databases from 2001-2020. We retrieved 1,624 articles, after accounting for exclusion criteria, 22 peer-reviewed articles were selected for this review representing migrant women across Canada who are and/or were part of the program. Results: Four key barriers were identified: economic exploitation, deskilling and downward occupational mobility, asymmetrical accountability, and social isolation. Conclusion: Discriminatory policies and hidden exploitative employment practices of the Canadian Caregiver program perpetuate a cycle of marginalization. This review also found that community support groups and alliances function to promote resilience among migrant caregivers through community advocacy.

A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children

Migration is a growing phenomenon around the world, including within the African continent. Many migrants, especially African children, face challenges related to health and social inclusion and can face increased health risks. A systematic scoping review of available literature on the health of African migrant children across the globe was conducted to offer insight into these health risks. The review was conducted over a 15-month period from January 2019 to April 2020, yielding 6602 articles once duplicates were removed. This search included electronic databases, reference lists of articles reviewed, and searches of libraries of relevant organisations. A total of 187 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 159 were quantitative, 22 were qualitative, and 6 used mixed methods. The findings reveal decreased health in this population in areas of nutrition, infectious diseases, mental health, birth outcomes, sexual and reproductive health, physical and developmental health, parasitic infections, oral health, respiratory health, preventative health, endocrine disorders, health care services, and haematological conditions. The findings offer insights into factors influencing the health of African immigrant and refugee children. Further studies, especially qualitative studies, are needed to determine barriers to service access after migration and to investigate other underexplored and overlooked health concerns of African migrant children, including pneumonia and child maltreatment.

Surviving the employment gap: a cross-sectional survey of internationally educated nurses

AIM

To examine the extent to which the type of financial assistance (personal resources, social programmes and earnings) and source country influence the length of time for internationally educated nurses to secure employment as regulated nurses in Canada.

BACKGROUND

Internationally educated nurses must professionally recertify in order to work as regulated nurses in Canada. For many, it can be a lengthy, cumbersome and costly process that delays employment, while others recertify and secure employment quickly. Financial assistance in the form of personal resources, or from social programmes or earnings from working could contribute to the length of time to recertify. When internationally educated nurses cannot readily recertify, they turn to survival jobs where they can remain and never practice their profession in Canada or leave the country to work in jurisdictions where it easier to obtain professional credentials.

METHODS

Data were collected via cross-sectional survey of internationally educated nurses (n = 1186) who were immigrants, permanent residents and employed as regulated nurses. Multiple linear regression was employed to examine the influence of the type of financial assistance (personal resources, social programmes and earnings) and source country on time to regulated nurse employment.

RESULTS

Regression model explained 9.3% of variance in time to regulated nurse employment. Three predictors were statistically significant: source country, social programmes and earnings. Personal resources was not a significant predictor.

CONCLUSION

Financial assistance helps internationally educated nurses survive the regulated nurse employment gap. The type of financial assistance and source country influences the length of time to regulated nurse employment.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND SOCIAL POLICY

Provides initial evidence to support the development of policies, and educational and social programmes to assist internationally educated nurses with financially surviving the gap in regulated nurse employment.

A Qualitative Exploration of Immigrant Muslim Older Adults' Experiences and Perceptions of Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for healthy aging; however, there has been little exploration of physical activity in Muslim older immigrants in Canada. Over one million Canadians identify as Muslim, the majority is first-generation immigrants, with increasing cohorts entering older age. A community-based participatory research project on healthy aging was conducted with 68 older adults and community members from South Asian, Arab, and African Muslim ethnocultural communities in a Canadian urban center. A combination of individual interviews and focus groups discussions were completed, followed by thematic analysis of data. Participating community groups emphasized the importance of physical activity in older age and prioritized the need for physical activity programs. The four themes highlight Muslim older immigrants' perspectives on physical activity in Canada: (a) values and approaches to staying active; (b) health factors: pain and health limitations; (c) social factors: culture, religion, and belonging; and (d) environmental factors: safety and accessibility.

Left-Behind Women in the Context of International Migration: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Despite the research on left-behind children, less is known about left-behind women across transnational spaces. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the extent, range, and nature of the existing body of literature on left-behind women whose partners have migrated across borders. Method: This scoping review was guided by the five-step approach of Arksey and O'Malley. Fifty-four articles that focused on left-behind women across transnational spaces were included. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Left-behind women were primarily from Mexico (n = 13) and the migrants' place of destination was primarily the United States (n = 14). We identified two major themes: (a) women's social, economic and cultural conditions and (b) women's well-being. Discussion: We identified significant knowledge gaps regarding left-behind women in the context of transnational migration. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Access to Healthcare for Immigrant Children in Canada

Immigrants experience poorer health outcomes than nonimmigrants in Canada for several reasons. A central contributing factor to poor health outcomes for immigrants is access to healthcare. Previous research on access to healthcare for immigrants has largely focused on the experience of immigrant adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate how immigrants access health services for their children in Alberta, Canada. Our study involved a descriptive qualitative design. Upon receiving ethics approval from the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board, we invited immigrant parents to participate in this study. We interviewed 50 immigrant parents, including 17 fathers and 33 mothers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to the themes that emerged. Findings reveal that systemic barriers contributed to challenges in accessing healthcare for immigrant children. Participants identified several of these barriers-namely, system barriers, language and cultural barriers, relationship with health professionals, and financial barriers. These barriers can be addressed by policymakers and service providers by strengthening the diversity of the workforce, addressing income as a social determinant of health, and improving access to language interpretation services.

"Growing Old is not for the Weak of Heart": Social isolation and loneliness in Muslim immigrant older adults in Canada

The increase in global migration means more immigrants are ageing in host countries with unique experiences and needs. Muslim immigrants in Canada are from diverse ethnocultural communities and experience unmet health and social needs in older age. A community-based participatory research project was conducted in Alberta, Canada, in 2017-2018 to understand the experiences and needs of healthy ageing in this population. A community advisory committee participated in all phases of the research project including initial framing of the research focus, recruitment, data collection and data analysis. In total, 67 older adults and stakeholders from South Asian, Arab and African Muslim communities participated in one of 23 individual interviews or seven focus group discussions over a 1-year period. Participants were asked about their experiences of growing old in Canada, unmet health and social needs, and community perspectives on healthy ageing. All data were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Interpreters were used for non-English speaking participants. Data were thematically analysed with a focus on social isolation and loneliness. Using an exclusion lens two major themes were identified: (a) intersections of exclusion: ageism, sexism, racism, and; (b) strategies for inclusion: local, national, transnational. Findings highlight both the vulnerability of Muslim immigrant older adults and their capacity for agency. The study findings point to the intersecting influences of exclusionary practices on social isolation and loneliness in immigrant older adults and the need to incorporate an exclusion lens in developing social policies and programs for healthy ageing.

Immigrant Mothers' Perspectives of Barriers and Facilitators in Accessing Mental Health Care for Their Children

Introduction: Data on immigrant and refugees' access to services in Canada typically focus on adult populations generally but not children specifically. To fill this gap, this study explored immigrant and refugee mothers' perceptions of barriers and facilitators for mental health care for their children in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Method: In this qualitative descriptive study, researchers conducted 18 semistructured interviews with immigrant and refugee mothers who live in Edmonton, self-identify as women, and have children living in Canada. Results: Barriers included financial strain, lack of information, racism/discrimination, language barriers, stigma, feeling isolated, and feeling unheard by service providers. Facilitators included schools offering services, personal levels of higher education, and free services. Discussion: Nurses can improve access to mental health services by addressing issues related to racism within the health system, by creating awareness related to mental health, and by providing trained interpreters to help bridge barriers in communications.

“We Are Like Any Other People, but We Don’t Cry Much Because Nobody Listens”: The Need to Strengthen Aging Policies and Service Provision for Minorities in Canada

Background and Objectives

This study explores the aging experiences and needs of immigrant Muslim communities in an urban center in Alberta, Canada. Over one million Muslims live in Canada, with the majority being immigrants and visible minorities. Aging-focused policies and services have yet to address the needs of this population as larger cohorts begin to enter older age.

Research Design and Methods

A community-based participatory research approach was adopted with a community advisory committee co-leading all aspects of the research process. Sixty-seven older adults and stakeholders from diverse ethnocultural immigrant Muslim communities participated in either individual interviews or one of the seven focus groups (2017–2018). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with a focus on factors that support or hinder positive aging experiences in this population.

Results

Participants not only described the benefits of growing old in Canada but also identified unique challenges stemming from their social positioning as religious minorities, immigrants, and older adults. We highlight these experiences in three themes: (a) aging while living across places, (b) negotiating access to aging-supportive resources in a time of scarcity, and (c) re-envisioning Islamic approaches to eldercare.

Discussion and Implications

Immigrant Muslim communities report inequities experienced by older community members. There is a need for an in-depth analysis of the ways aging and migration policies intersect to influence the resources that immigrant minorities have access to as they grow old in Canada.

Promoting the health of children and young people who migrate: reflections from four regional reviews

Calls to enhance the health of migrant population sub-groups are strengthening, with increasing evidence documenting the relationship between migration and health outcomes. Despite the importance of migration to global health promotion, little research has focused on the health experiences of young migrants. As part of a Worldwide University Network project, we completed four systematic reviews examining the existing evidence base on the health experiences of children and young people who migrate. In this commentary, we share commonalities with the international evidence but also reflect on some of the challenges, omissions and limitations. These insights expose significant gaps and methodological shortcomings in the evidence - providing space for new research that seeks to identify the influences on migrant children's health.