{"title":"Who is advocating for the health of ageing populations around the globe?","authors":"J. Mah","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11046","url":null,"abstract":"The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the inadequacies of the existing structures in place for the most vulnerable populations; this is especially true for the capacity of healthcare and social systems to care for older adults. There have been global outcries over long-term care systems; yet, who is coordinating the efforts to ensure we are investing in infrastructure to support the health and wellbeing needs of ageing populations? This commentary first situates the health of global ageing populations as an international responsibility, before examining why conventional global health actors have only partially filled this gap. The commentary concludes by calling for a dedicated institution to champion this cause, as global population ageing is unlikely to emerge as a global health priority without an international advocate. ","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"42 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123300477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. O'Brien, Haoxuan Liu, Madeline E. Shivgulam, Jodi E. Langley, N. Bray, D. Kimmerly
{"title":"The Impact of Exercise Training Interventions on Flow-Mediated Dilation: An Umbrella Review Protocol","authors":"M. O'Brien, Haoxuan Liu, Madeline E. Shivgulam, Jodi E. Langley, N. Bray, D. Kimmerly","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11249","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction. (Cardio)vascular diseases are among the top causes of death in western societies. The impact of exercise training interventions to improve endothelial-dependent, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses has been reviewed extensively. These reviews may differ in their inclusion criteria, exercise type, exercise mode, exercise intensity, specific research questions, and conclusions. Comparing and contrasting these reviews will assist with the determination of optimal exercise programs across healthy and clinical populations.Objectives. We will conduct an umbrella review (or review of reviews) on systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the impact of exercise training interventions on peripheral artery FMD. The impact of exercise training design, population or artery studied, FMD methodology, and quality of reviews will be explored.Methods. A database search will be conducted in Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on exercise training and FMD. All reviews must be conducted in adults (≥18 years). No limitation will be placed on the population (disease status, sex, etc.) or type of exercise training. Study quality will be determined using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews. Two independent screeners will examine titles, abstracts, full texts of relevant sources, and conduct the quality assessments. The results will be presented narratively and in a tabular format to align with the review objectives.Conclusion. This umbrella review may provide insight into the optimal training program to improve arterial health and act as an agent of change for modifying existing community exercise programs or clinical rehabilitation programs.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131903077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Finding Leisure through Improvisation at Home: Self-Sustainment during COVID-19","authors":"Giana Tomas","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11370","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11370","url":null,"abstract":"During tumultuous, shaky, and uncertain times such as COVID-19, understandings of and life at home have shifted dramatically, especially amidst lockdown or on-and-off stay-at-home orders. While staying at home made me feel a sense of safety and protection, lockdown was a whole other challenge. Staying at home from morning till dawn, doing the exact same things over and over again, and relying on technology more than ever to fuel my social needs, encompassed my lockdown routine; a routine developed out of desires for normalcy and desperation to feel a sense of stability and so-called productivity. In light of my sanity and survival, I had to make do. I had to improvise. I had to find ‘leisure’ that worked for me while the world moved cautiously amidst COVID. In the details of everyday pandemic life, I found leisure in improvisation. In some cases such as my lockdown experience, leisure can be found in improvisation; not just in one thing or activity per se, but also in a series of pursuits that can help us make do, pass time, keep sane, and even experience temporary bliss and enjoyment amidst an unsteady and unpredictable environment.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"30 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124001876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clarifying the concept of mental health literacy: Protocol for a scoping review","authors":"Emma Coughlan, Lindsay K Heyland, Taylor G. Hill","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11236","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11236","url":null,"abstract":"This scoping review will map the peer-reviewed and grey literature, to clarify the concept of mental health literacy (MHL). MHL is an emerging area of study within mental health promotion, as programming and policy efforts devoted to promoting mental health emerge. Enhancing MHL in the general population is a strategy for promoting mental health by reducing stigma and empowering individuals to recognize, interpret, and understand their mental health, and know when to seek help for themselves and others. Despite the positive outcomes associated with MHL, conceptualization varies in scope, purpose, process, and outcome; there is little consensus of what “counts” as MHL. A clearly defined conceptualization of MHL is needed to support research, programing, and policy in mental health promotion. Papers on the theoretical and conceptual principles underlying MHL and primary studies documenting MHL initiatives, and methods, will be included. A scoping literature search will be performed following the search protocol for scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) to identify all relevant literature on MHL. Searches will be conducted in three scientific databases; there will be no time limit imposed, although all sources must be written in English. Identifying the conceptualizations of MHL in the literature that is guiding mental health interventions will provide conceptual clarity ultimately advancing knowledge of mental health literacy.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128676832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Jelicic, Jodi E. Langley, Shelley McKibbon, S. Grandy, D. Santa Mina, Stephanie Snow, M. MacNeil, M. Keats
{"title":"Characterising pragmatic exercise interventions to reduce cognitive impairment in cancer survivors: A scoping review protocol","authors":"N. Jelicic, Jodi E. Langley, Shelley McKibbon, S. Grandy, D. Santa Mina, Stephanie Snow, M. MacNeil, M. Keats","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11189","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify the characteristics of pragmatic exercise interventions aimed to reduce cognitive impairment in cancer survivors, and their effectiveness in reducing this impairment and maintaining high adherence.Introduction: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a particularly troublesome side-effect of cancer treatment that has been suggested to decrease following exercise interventions. Most existing research consists of randomized control trials, which often lack external validity. Pragmatic interventions fill this gap. Some pragmatic trials that provide real-world evidence, however, struggle to maintain strong participant adherence. Thus, examining characteristics of pragmatic interventions with high levels of adherence may be beneficial in improving overall adherence in future pragmatic trials on this topic.Inclusion criteria: This review will examine literature with cancer survivors who are partaking in pragmatic exercise programs. Specifically, literature exploring the effects of pragmatic exercise interventions in decreasing cancer survivors’ CI will be examined, with no limits to intervention mode, frequency, or duration. “Cancer survivor” will be defined as any individual with a cancer diagnosis, at any point along the survivorship continuum.Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was developed in accordance with JBI methodology to retrieve relevant sources. Databases to be reviewed from inception to present will include CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and PsychInfo. Two independent screeners will examine titles and abstracts as well as full texts of relevant sources. The results of the search and the study inclusion process will be reported in full in a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. The results will be presented narratively, using appropriate tables and figures.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115044722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Evaluation of Cancer’s Margins Training Videos and their Impact on Medical Students’ Self-Rated Confidence in Working with Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (LBT) Patients with Breast and Gynecological Cancers","authors":"Joanna Coulas, J. Gahagan","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11235","url":null,"abstract":"Lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) patients with breast and gynecological cancers face unique challenges and barriers to accessing LBT affirming healthcare. Physician attitudes and knowledge for working with LBT patients contribute to these challenges and barriers. Despite this, there is very limited LBT specific education in the medical curriculum. Cancer’s Margins (cancersmargins.ca) is a national project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) that has developed a series of first voice videos which can serve as additional training content for medical students for working with LBT patients within what has been traditionally termed “women’s cancers”. This project serves to evaluate the impact of the Cancer’s Margins videos on the self-reported confidence of Dalhousie University medical students in working with these populations. Medical students were invited to participate in a two-part online survey using a 29-item survey that explored self-rated confidence before and after watching the Cancer’s Margins videos. There were 4 open-ended questions for feedback on the videos to help assess overall self-rated impact. 23 surveys were either fully or partially completed. Overall attitudes towards LBT patients were positive, but overall confidence was variable. There was an average increase of 8% in overall group self-rated confidence after watching the Cancer’s Margins videos. Incorporating training for working with LBT patients into the medical school curriculum could increase quality of care and break down barriers in access to care for LBT populations. The Cancer’s Margins training videos can be an effective resource for medical students for increasing self-reported confidence. ","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132008227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Barriers and potential solutions to mental healthcare access for youth refugees and asylum seekers","authors":"Geneveave Barbo","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11323","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11323","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, over 82.4 million people were forcibly displaced in 2020, about 42% (35 million) of which are children and youth. Youth, aged 15 to 24, are highly susceptible to mental health difficulties, particularly those who are refugees and asylum seekers. Serious post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety symptoms have been seen in youth refugees and asylum seekers months after they have resettled in their host countries. Yet, they encounter numerous barriers to accessing mental health support. This infographic illustrates the preliminary findings of an integrative review conducted to determine the barriers to mental health access of youth refugees and asylum seekers as well as the potential solutions to these barriers. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and other relevant organizations’ websites were searched for published and unpublished articles. Data from eligible articles were extracted and analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings from this review have the potential to inform future research, policy, and practice.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"37 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116790865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Accessing sexualized violence services and supports for women in rural Nova Scotia: A qualitative study","authors":"Clare Heggie, L. Jackson, A. Steenbeek","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11082","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Women who experience sexualized violence can face significant barriers to accessing services and supports, including fear of victim blaming, stigma, and fear of re-traumatization. To date, there is a paucity of research that specifically examines the experiences of women accessing sexualized violence services and supports in rural places, and the potential unique or additional barriers they may face. Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of women living in rural [province] who accessed services or supports after experiencing sexualized violence. Methods: Participants were recruited through community organizations and social media. Interviews were conducted with nine women in Fall 2019. Data were analyzed using feminist-thematic analysis. Results: Findings indicate that the women shared experiences of navigating a fragmented system of services and supports, many reported harmful experiences with the justice system and formal healthcare system, and some also experienced positive experiences with community-based services. Enhancing community-based services is recommended as one key strategy for improving access to sexualized violence services and supports in rural communities.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"148 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129017579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adverse Childhood Experiences: Early Childhood Educators' Awareness and Support","authors":"Marla E Smith, Jessie-Lee D. McIsaac","doi":"10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i1.11078","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to the prolonged exposure of potentially traumatic events that have lifelong impacts on health and well-being. Early childhood educators (ECEs) can provide supportive environments for children to mitigate the impact of ACEs. This study explored the awareness of ECEs related to ACEs and the assistance they need to create supportive environments for children.Objectives: Provide a Canadian context to ACEs and the early childhood education environment, explore awareness of ECEs related to ACEs and explore the assistance ECEs need to create supportive environments for all children.Methods: Qualitative Description was used to illustrate the narratives of participants’ experiences regarding ACEs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with early childhood educators (n=9) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Thematic analysis resulted in themes that related to the awareness of ECEs in relation to ACEs and their perceived support to assist children in early childhood settings.Results: ACE awareness was described through parent-to-educator communication, child behaviours, and community location. Barriers to awareness included varying comfort levels of parents and stigma around sharing unfavourable experiences that happen in the home. Participants suggested that creating supportive relationships and environments were important for children experiencing ACEs. Participants discussed additional strategies that could help them feel supported when encountering ACEs, including professional development opportunities, specific ACE training and increased collaboration with other professionals.Conclusion/Discussion: There is limited research using ECEs voices to describe their awareness and perceived support related to ACEs. This research identifies areas of support needed to assist early childhood educators in creating supportive environments for children.","PeriodicalId":302892,"journal":{"name":"Healthy Populations Journal","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133638713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}