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Recent Submissions
Adapting Arts-Based Engagement Ethnography for Different Newcomer Groups
(Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Zak, Michelle; Charania, Farah; Kalchos, Linnea; Shim, Veronica; Kassan, Anusha
Background. In 2021, Canada’s newcomer community (individuals who have arrived in
Canada as immigrants, refugees, or international students within the last five years) had increased
significantly to 1 in 4 people (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, 2023). For many
newcomers, schools and communities are their first experience of Canadian culture and the site in which
they learn about the norms of their host culture (Areepattamannil & Freeman, 2008; Berry et al., 2006;
Rossiter & Rossiter; 2009).
Methods. An arts-based engagement ethnography (ABEE) is an innovative, culturally sensitive, and
multimodal approach to qualitative research conducted with underrepresented communities (Goopy &
Kassan, 2019; Kassan et al., 2020). The intersection of social justice principles and ABEE form a unique
research process that is participant-driven and easily adaptable to working with newcomer youth and
families, allowing researchers to unearth how newcomers experience integration into Canadian society
both individually and collectively. Each participant is given a set of cultural probes (e.g., iPad, diary,
maps, stationary, and polaroid camera) and asked to create artifacts that document their integration
experiences. The content of participants’ artifacts is used to develop individual interview protocols for
each youth or family member, followed by a collective interview through focus groups with students or
a family interview.
Observations. Results and key learnings from current and past ABEE studies with newcomer youth and
families will be presented, including cultural artifacts and integration themes.
Conclusion. We present implications for researchers, as well as graduate students, practitioners, and
service providers working with newcomer youth and families.
Data Governance in Precision Health as a Path to Equity for Racialized Communities
(Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Valliani, Arafaat; Turin, Tanvir C.
Introduction: Human genomics, and by extension precision health, is currently encountering
calls to consistently include racialized communities whom, so far, are unevenly involved in this area of
health research, care and wellness. In this paper, we discuss the context in which concerns about
inclusion in recent human genomics research emerged and how inclusion may be undertaken.
Methods/Approach: Employing transdisciplinary methods from post- and de-colonial science studies, we
review the existing literature regarding human genomics, precision health, health disparities and
histories of biomedicine in global context, in addition to drawing on collected archival material and
anecdotal evidence collected from open-ended ethnographic interviews to chart the bioethical issues
involved in introducing precision health to clinical settings particularly for members of racialized
communities.
Results/Conclusion: We suggest that the future of equitable genomic research and precision health
involving racialized communities must be both inclusive and equitable. One dimension of equity on
which we focus comprises genetic data governance among researchers and participating communities.
Collaborative Priority Setting for Enhancing Primary Health Care Access among the Nepalese Community in Canada
(Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Thapa, Kalpana; Chowdhury, Mohammad; Bajgain, Bishnu; Dahal, Rudra; Adhikari, Kamala; Chowdhury, Nashit; Turin, Tanvir C.
Background Extensive research concerning potential resolutions to immigrants' healthcare
access in Canada is limited, and the viewpoint of immigrant communities regarding priorities and
feasible solutions remains inadequately captured. The objective of this article is to portray a research
endeavor in which grassroots community members assumed the role of priority-setters for research on
primary care access concerns.
Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to solicit input from Nepalese-Canadian immigrants in Calgary to
rank ten predefined primary care access topics based on their perceived importance for research
centered on solutions.
Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted where ranking options for the ten primary care
access challenge themes were provided to the participants. The themes were identified based on
comprehensive literature reviews conducted by the members of the program of research. The survey
questionnaire was pilot-tested and refined by team members before administering it.
Results: We received 401 responses; of the respondents, 50.37% were men. There were significant
differences between males and females in age, educational attainment, yearly household income, and
length of stay in Canada variables. Healthcare costs, lack of resources, workplace-related barriers,
cultural differences/preferences/perceptions, and transportation barriers were among the top-ranked
research priorities by the participants.
Conclusion: There is a growing recognition that health solution priority-setting approaches should
embrace interdisciplinarity and collaboration, with community participation as a pivotal factor. This
involvement enhances the healthcare system and fosters the creation of interventions that more
effectively cater to the community's needs.
Nurturing Community Bonds Through Online Social Networking Site Based Communications: A Journey During COVID-19
(Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Shaheen, Ahmad; Turin, Tanvir C.
Introduction: Social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube play a crucial role in
connecting people who share common interests, goals, or causes. They facilitate the formation of online
communities, providing information, entertainment, education, and support. These platforms also
enable participation in enriching online events, contributing to social capital and overall wellbeing.
Approach: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, driven by the need for
social interaction, I initiated efforts using online social networking platforms. Beginning with small video
group chats, these endeavors gradually expanded to larger group events encompassing a diverse range
of activities. These engagements encompassed discussions on current topics, cultural presentations, and
even live streaming of YouTube content of shared interest. As these activities unfolded, the desire arose
to organize more focused initiatives through social networking sites. Consequently, I created an online
communication platform named Mims TV and MIMS 24 and I orchestrated Talk Shows, Health Webinars,
Religious Programs, and Live Musical Events, all on a scheduled basis. I am continuing these activities of
Mims TV in social media even after the pandemic has been over.
Observation: The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of active
participation and audience engagement in these programs. The Mims TV and MIMS 24 created a virtual
space for social interaction and engagement. These provided a sense of connection and belonging,
helping community members combat feelings of isolation. Cultural and religious programs offered
familiarity, while health webinars provided valuable pandemic guidance. Diverse activities, including
cultural performances and live streams, enriched the experience. In terms of community engagement,
we currently have 90,000 community members following this page. The program related to New
Community Shopping information has been viewed by 2,100 people. Other programs, such as buying
and selling homes and Fashion Vlogs, have been viewed by 1,100 and 1,000 people respectively.
Additionally, approximately 30 Reels, focusing on topics such as Grocery prices, Cooking styles, and
travel shoots, have also garnered views of 5,900, 3,800, and 2,700 respectively.
Conclusion: This experience emphasizes the pivotal role that social networking sites can play in
community development, serving as dynamic spaces that bridge geographical gaps and facilitate
meaningful interactions. As we navigate a digitally-driven world, these platforms stand as powerful tools
to nurture social capital, promote well-being, and empower communities to collectively grow and thrive.
Exploring Student Voices: An Analysis of Student Feedback from RISE for Health’s 2023 Learning Sessions.
(Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Sekandari, Sanam; Zuberi, Rayyan; Erman, Didem; Turin, Tanvir C.
Background: The immigrant population faces unique barriers and do not experience the
same high standard of health as the non-immigrant population in Canada (1). Youth engagement
programs have been shown to strengthen community well-being (2). The RISE for Health program
develops health sessions tailored to immigrant and refugee youth needs. These sessions aim to
empower youth to become health advocates within their communities.
Purpose: Analyze the RISE for Health participants’ feedback following the 2023 learning sessions and
assess how participants aim to apply what they learned to their lives and communities.
Methods: Immigrant and refugee high school youth participated in a series of RISE for Health learning
sessions from July to August of 2023. Following each session, students completed a post-session survey
that asked students to provide a rating, suggestions for improvement, and how they will apply what
they learned. Students' responses regarding how they planned to apply their newly gained knowledge
were implemented into our analysis to assess knowledge uptake and application following participation
in the RISE sessions.
Results: Analysis of the post-session surveys indicated that the majority of the participants aimed to
apply their newly gained knowledge by informing family members, peers, and their broader community.
Participants also highlighted the significance of improving community ties and a desire to become active
advocates within their communities to encourage positive, healthy change. Moreover, many
participants shared that the sessions motivated them to advance their own health (i.e., improve coping
mechanisms, setting healthy goals, etc.).
Conclusion: The RISE for Health Program aims to advance newcomer health outcomes by empowering
youth to become active health leaders within their communities. The findings of this analysis suggest
that students are completing the sessions with the goal of applying their newly gained knowledge and
skills to their communities. Youth engagement within communities is critical to strengthening the
capacities and overall standard of health in immigrant communities.
References: (1) Ravichandiran, N., Mathews, M. & Ryan, B.L. Utilization of healthcare by immigrants in
Canada: a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey. BMC Prim. Care 23, 69
(2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-022-01682-2
(2) Sprague Martinez L, Pufall Jones E, Connolly Ba N. From Consultation to Shared Decision-Making:
Youth Engagement Strategies for Promoting School and Community Wellbeing. J Sch Health.
2020;90(12):976-984. doi:10.1111/josh.12960
