Health Sciences, Faculty of

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    Measuring health quality of life, wellbeing, and social and personal relationship outcomes through participation in adapted recreation
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Ervin, Amanda; Doan, Jon
    Across the world there are millions of children, youth, and adults that live with some form of a physical, cognitive or mental health limitation. The use of recreation therapy, outdoor recreation, and adapted recreation are underutilized services that can assist in the quality of life and wellbeing experience for individuals of all abilities. As such, this study aimed to fill a gap in the current literature by investigating the outcomes of two adapted recreation activities for children, youth and adults living with physical, cognitive and mental health challenges. This pilot study addresses two questions 1) Will engaging in one session of Equine Assisted Therapy impact social skills and personal relationship characteristics in participants ages 8-30 living with physical and mental health disorders? 2) Will engaging in one adapted fishing experience impact Health Quality of Life and wellbeing for clients living with physical, cognitive, and mental health issues and for volunteers and family/ caregivers ages 18 +? Findings indicate that recreation therapy in the form of equine assisted therapy and adapted fishing are likely to have positive impacts on social and personal relationship skills and positive impacts on self-perceived quality of life and wellbeing.
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    Immigrants' exposure to natural environments in Canada: associations with integration, settlement satisfaction, physical activity, and wellbeing
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Charles Rodriguez, Ulises; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Larouche, Richard
    Refugees and immigrants dissatisfied with their settlement may experience a significant decline in mental health after arrival. Evidence suggests that nature can positively affect mental health, belonging, and place attachment. The dissertation includes three complementary studies. Our scoping review revealed that being in nature is primarily an embodied experience that can foster new memories, facilitating adaptation and attachment to new environments among immigrants. Our national cross-sectional study suggest that immigrants engage in significantly fewer outdoor activities and outdoor activities are associated with settlement satisfaction. In our evaluation, participants expressed a range of motivations, benefits, challenges, and recommendations for a local community garden project. The scoping review and cross-sectional study identify outcomes and barriers to participation and summarize recommendations for research and practice. Adopting a participatory approach to our evaluation facilitated capacity building and direct use of research findings. Such an approach can catalyze sustainable community action in immigrant communities.
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    Exploring the stressors and coping experiences of healthcare workers in long-term care homes during COVID-19 crisis within Southern Alberta
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Adeosun, Adebayo Olumuyiwa; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Koso, Silvia
    This study aimed to explore the psychological and other stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care (LTC) homes in the Southern Alberta region in Canada. A qualitative descriptive research design was used to answer two research questions: (1) What are the psychological stressors of healthcare workers in LTC homes during the COVID-19 public health crisis in Southern Alberta, and (2) What are the coping mechanisms that healthcare workers in LTC homes find helpful in managing the identified stressors? Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from semi-structured interviews with HCWs. The results revealed that the main pandemic stressors experienced by the HCWs were chronic understaffing, unpredictability and constant change, fear of risking being infected and the unknown, and disruption of work-life balance with an implication on the mental HCWs. The main coping mechanisms identified by the HCWs bordered on behavioural, social, and internal and spiritual coping responses. The findings from this study have implications for the development of effective measures for improving the mental health of HCWs in the LTC setting during a public health crisis and provide information for interventions that may promote the psychological wellbeing of HCWs. The study also offers policy and practice-based recommendations.
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    Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Canadian men: does men's alignment with traditional masculine norms play a role in the development of GAD?
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Leavitt, Nikkolas G.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Kellett, Peter
    This thesis explored the association between masculinity and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among men used two measures of masculinity: the Male Role Norms Inventory Short-Form (MRNI-SF) and participants' self-rated masculinity scores. The GAD-7 was used to assess participants' GAD symptoms, while the effects of covariates and racialization were also examined. Results showed that traditional masculinity was positively associated with increased anxiety scores, whereas self-rated masculinity was negatively associated. Covariates such as pre-existing mental health conditions, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) also influenced the association between masculinity and GAD. Moreover, being African-Canadian had a significant moderating effect, suggesting that the impact of masculinity on mental health outcomes may differ across racialized groups. These findings highlighted the importance of redefining masculinity and exploring new ways to measure it in research, and the need to consider intersecting factors that contribute to men's mental health outcomes.
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    The experiences, responsibilities, and recommendations of the Registered Nurse Health Coach in Alberta
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Rohovie, Erin C.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Oosterbroek, Tracy
    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that almost half of the adult population are living with at least one chronic disease and 70% of healthcare costs involve the care of individuals with long term chronic conditions. The Registered Nurse Health Coach (RNHC) is well positioned to partner with these individuals to enhance primary healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes. This thesis includes a literature review on the current evidence on the RNHC role and a study guided by the following broad question: what are the experiences, roles, and recommendations of the Registered Nurse Health Coach in Alberta? A qualitative descriptive study design was utilized to examine the RNHC experiences in the Alberta primary healthcare setting and explore the opportunities and challenges experienced by the RNHC. Limited research exists in Canada on the role of the RNHC. Findings from this study suggested that the RNHC role supports individuals achieve their healthcare needs through specialized skills and a unique approach to health. This approach helps RNHCs create partnerships with clients that empowers individuals to positively influence their own health. The RNHC participants from this study discussed how these partnerships and experiences with clients reignited their passion and pride as Registered Nurses practicing as health coaches. It is expected the findings will contribute to the current understanding of the RNHC role within the Alberta primary care context. This knowledge will inform future research, healthcare teams, and Registered Nurses in the Alberta Primary Care Network (PCN) of the role of RNHCs.