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ItemOpen Access
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.
ItemOpen Access
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.
ItemOpen Access
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.
ItemOpen Access
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.
ItemOpen Access
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