Newcomer Research Network

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  • ItemOpen Access
    Equitable and Empowered Access to Primary Care: Challenges faced by Immigrant Nigerian Women in Canada.
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Tobi, Souza; Chowdhury, Nahsit; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census reported that 19.5% of recent African immigration (January 2016 to May 2021) to Canada comprised of Nigerian immigrants. Despite the country’s unique tribes and cultures, Nigerians are often lumped in with other nations when studying health patterns amongst African immigrants. As more immigrants settle in Canada, understanding the unique challenges they face accessing primary healthcare will help address their needs. A sample of Nigerian immigrant women were interviewed through focus group discussions to understand their experiences and challenges accessing Canada’s primary healthcare. Method: Using a community-based participatory design, eight focus groups were conducted among 41 first-generation Nigerian immigrant women on Zoom. The focus groups were conducted and transcribed in English. A thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) guideline was then performed to identify emerging themes and patterns. Results: The focus group discussions noted five major themes, following the socioecological model. Intrapersonal level barriers revealed financial pressures due to un/employment and past traumas with physicians. Interpersonal level barriers included difficulties communicating with physicians and dismissal of their health concerns. Institutional level barriers included wait times for primary and emergency services, unavailable female physicians, and limited cultural competency from providers. Community level barriers included religious and cultural stigmas towards mental and sexual healthcare, and policy level barriers revealed extreme costs of prescriptions, dental, and vision care. Conclusion: Nigerian immigrant women are a unique group as they do not report many language barriers due to speaking English back home, which differs from studies conducted on other immigrants. However, they experience many barriers and their large presence in Canada necessitates an awareness of their health needs in local, provincial, and federal health policy.
  • ItemOpen Access
    How to Measure Cultural Competence When Evaluating Patient-Centred Care: A Scoping Review
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2019-10-18) Ahmed, Sadia; Siad, Fartoon; Manalili, Kimberly; Lorenzetti, Diane; Barbosa, Tiffany; Lantion, Vic; Lu, Mingshan; Quan, Hude; Santana, Maria-Jose
    It is recognised that patient-centred care (PCC) can help improve health outcomes and is a key dimension of high-quality care. PCC that is culturally competent is necessary to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations. To monitor and evaluate whether the provision of care is truly patient centred and culturally competent, there is a need for development of quality indicators. We conducted a scoping review with two community partners from Action Dignity to identify existing patient-centred quality indicators (PC-QI) and measures for measuring cultural competence in healthcare. We searched academic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, etc.) and grey literature to identify relevant studies. PC-QIs were identified as a unit of measurement of the performance of the healthcare system, which reflects what matters to patients and families, and to any individual that is in contact with healthcare services. The search yielded a total of 786 abstracts and sources, of which 16 were included in the review. Twelve of those sources reported 10 measures for cultural competence. Identified domains from the measures included: physical environment, staff awareness of attitudes and values, diversity training and communication. Two out of 16 sources reported indicators for cultural competence (92 structure and process indicators, 48 outcome indicators). There was greater representation of structure and process indicators and measures for cultural competence, compared with outcome indicators. There are no current standardized measures and indicators, however the identified measures found in this review provide the potential foundation for the development of indicators to assess cultural competence in PCC.
  • ItemOpen Access
    A Participatory Approach to Research and Evaluation: Newcomer Youth Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2019-10-18) Bassi, Emilie; Taylor, Dixie
    The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth's Mentorship Program focuses on settlement and integration of newcomer youth in junior high and high school. A unique component of the program consists of Peer Mentors who were once newcomers themselves, receive training, and become equipped to provide friendship and support to their recently arrived peers. Our poster explores the Mentorship Program’s internal research and evaluation process that embraces a youth-led approach. This approach follows a simple practice of 'meeting youth where they are at and consistently strives to remain youth-centric. Using findings from this approach, we outline the impact of the peer-to-peer relationship that simultaneously addresses settlement needs for newcomers while supporting Peer Mentors with skills development. The Mentorship Program strives to continually lead an evolving program design and evaluation impact framework for the youth settlement sector.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Community Ecosystem Mapping in the Nigerian Calgarian Community: An Exploration for Meaningful Community Engagement.
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Souza, Tobi; Chowdhury, Nashit; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: Current research highlights a limited knowledge of the barriers Nigerian immigrants face accessing primary healthcare in Canada. Understanding their circumstances can inform public policy that alleviates these burdens and improve their overall health outcomes. Doing so requires understanding the community, its history, cultural spaces, and traditions that encompasses Nigerian immigrants. This project follows a community-based participatory approach that gains insight into the Nigerian community. Method: Following a model of community engagement adapted by Chowdhury et al. (2022) with the Bangladeshi community, I mapped the Nigerian community ecosystem in Calgary, Alberta. This included gathering my observations as a Nigerian community member, utilizing census and archival data, and meeting with community champions. I also reviewed previous literature involving Nigerian immigrants globally. This multi-faceted community-engaged approach helped me capture the social dynamics and integration patterns. Results: 24.1% of all Africans in Calgary are Nigerian. Most Nigerians tend to come from the Southern portion of Nigeria, comprised mostly of the Igbo and Yoruba tribes, due to wealthy oil and gas industries, whereas the North consists of the agricultural Hausa tribe. Local socio-cultural organizations, like the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, restaurants like Delish Dining, and religious organizations like the Nigerian Canadian Muslim Congregation Calgary provide communal spaces for Nigerians. Common traditions include fasting and prayer for healing, and many Nigerians look to faith leaders for alleviating medical conditions. Conclusion: I learned about the Nigerian immigrant community through community ecosystem mapping and developed collaborative relationships with community leaders. I used this information to tailor my focus group questions to their cultural health beliefs and examine the clashes between Nigerian culture and the Canadian healthcare system.
  • ItemOpen Access
    First Steps in Community Engagement and Research: Mapping the Filipino Community Ecosystem in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Panghulan, Heny; Deris, Pauela; Raihan, Mohammad; Chowdhury, Nashit; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: Community ecosystem mapping is a framework for understanding the intricate characteristics, values, and norms of a specific community. Every community has its unique history, culture, values, and challenges that shape its identity and experiences. Therefore, understanding the community ecosystem helps those who are interested in working with the community to be respectful of the community’s culture. This study provides an overview of the Filipino community living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada through community ecosystem mapping. Methods: In mapping the ecosystem of Calgary’s Filipino community, demographic information was obtained from Statistics Canada. Next, information obtained from the Filipino researcher’s personal experiences was cross-validated with information gathered from community champions such as nonprofit immigrant organizations. Information about the community was also cross-validated with websites that served to inform Filipino newcomers. All the information obtained was then compiled to create the overall mapping component. Results: Filipinos are the third largest immigrant group in Calgary. The largest religious group among Filipino Canadians is Christianity (93.8%), followed by Islam (0.287%) and Buddhism (0.03%). Given the large number of Christian Filipinos, Christian values are embedded in the Filipino culture. Activities like going to mass with family and attending church events like Simbang Gabi are common in Filipino culture. Among Filipino Canadians, 91.7% are 15 years old and older. The occupations of Filipino workers primarily belong to the service and healthcare industry. A large proportion of adults in the community can be attributed to temporary Filipino workers who arrive in Canada with hopes of achieving a permanent residency status. Filipino international students also account for a large proportion of adults in the community. In the Filipino community, respect for elders is greatly valued and honorifics are often used. Conclusion: Community ecosystem mapping is an ongoing process and will be used throughout the duration of the project, to ensure that trust is constantly being maintained with the community.
  • ItemOpen Access
    What People Call People: Language and Reflexivity in Participatory Research
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) AlMousawi, Batool; McGillion, Brenna; Wang, Meng; Morton Ninomiya, Melody; Turin, Tanvir C; Marshall, Zack
    Background: Participatory research, which includes community-based research, patientoriented research, and citizen science, is an investigative approach that engages community stakeholders as partners in the research process. The increased prominence of participatory research in the world of science signals change, however, there is a noted absence of data that captures who academic researchers are engaging in participatory research, and what language is ascribed to community partners. Methods: Through Shift: Working for Change in Participatory Research, a survey invitation was sent to 5,480 principal investigators funded by Canadian Tri-Council agencies between 2013-2018. The survey included questions about community stakeholders and their research roles, remuneration, and researcher demographics. Open-text responses were inductively double-coded using in-vivo content analysis. Results: 1,005 survey respondents who conducted participatory research were asked two questions about community stakeholders: “Which community stakeholders were involved in this participatory research study?” and “What terminology do you generally use to refer to the community stakeholders on your team?”. In addition to selecting from a list of response options such as “community researchers”, and “peer researchers”, respondents provided 440 open-text responses. Terms referred to a variety of different community partners, including people in the education, arts, governance, health, industry, and social justice sectors. Conclusion: Academic researchers used multiple terms to refer to community collaborators. Knowing this, we hope to examine how power differentials are created and maintained through language, amplify voices that have been historically excluded from science, and advocate for researchers to be mindful of language choices when referring to community partners.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Digital Literacy for South Asian Seniors: An Experience Working with the Bangladeshi Community.
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Rashid, Ruksana; Singh, Shaminder; Rahman, Mohammad Shaikhur; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: In today's age of digitalization, possessing strong digital literacy skills significantly enhances one's overall quality of life. The organization known as VOICE (Foundation for the Voice of Immigrants in Canada for Empowerment) has undertaken a mission to enhance the quality of life for marginalized populations by providing health and social support. As part of this mission, VOICE has initiated efforts to empower seniors with improved digital literacy skills. Approach: In addition to serving South Asian seniors, a specific segment of this project was dedicated to empowering senior citizens from Bangladesh through digital literacy and edu-entertainment sessions. To cater to the unique requirements and interests of these seniors, a needs assessment was conducted, allowing us to design educational and entertaining sessions covering a wide range of topics. The primary goal was to educate and empower these seniors, enriching their lives through engaging content. Observations: From March 2023 to July 2023, we completed 20 in person training sessions- 10 in Northeast and 10 in Northwest of Calgary. A total of 23 senior members of Bangladesh community participated. We selected Genesis Center library at Northeast Calgary and Nose hill library at Northwest Calgary as facilities as they were better accessible to the participants. We invited guest speakers from multiple disciplines to offer knowledge translation to the seniors including a cardiologist to share information on risks of heart diseases among seniors in one session. Other speakers included yoga instructor, family physician etc. From July 2023 We have started online sessions as of our project outline. So far, we have had 5 Zoom sessions. Our specialized curriculum and course materials focused to build basic digital skills among seniors and help them remain socially connected by using social media, to increase their online access to resources and services, e.g., online shopping, food/grocery ordering, online lab services booking etc., and to remain safe while using social media. Time to time we offered them ride and any help they might need. The seniors enjoyed potluck and social gathering organized through this project. Our observation- Seniors like digital literacy education through online or in person platforms. Transport was a limitation for seniors to attend these sessions. We are going to conduct two evaluations in fall 2023. Conclusion: Seniors consistently exhibit strong motivation to engage in programs that promote learning and foster social interactions within a secure and stimulating environment. Our program has effectively delivered such programs to seniors, including those who frequently encounter barriers to accessing services.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Perception of Immigrant Communities on Adaptability to Climate-induced Risks and Disasters: A Study on Turkish-Canadian Immigrants in Calgary
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Islam, Mozharul; Erman, Didem; Datta, Ranjan; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: Climate change brings uneven implications not only to countries around the world but even to the people living in the same country based on their socio-economic status, access to resources, participation in the decision-making process, and so forth. Climate change affects not only developing countries, but it also affects the developed countries. As a developed country, Canada, especially the Western region of Canada, is observing climate-induced risks and hazards. This Western region is also home to many people with immigrant status, making them more vulnerable. Therefore, this study aims to understand how the immigrant communities (Turkish-Canadian) define the climate change impacts, how they translate their perception to develop adaptation strategies, and whether they take part in the climate decision-making process developed by the City of Calgary. Methods: In this research, we will employ the relational theoretical approach to explore how the Turkish-Canadian communities experience climate risks and disasters and how their socio-cultural knowledge helped them develop adaptation strategies to cope with climate risks and disasters. Through this relational approach, we will conduct 15 in-depth interviews using a non-structured interview guide. The interview will be transcribed into themes and sub-themes, leading to interpretative thematic analysis. Potential Outcomes: The study results show that the vulnerability of Turkish-Canadian communities intensified due to their intersectional positionality, i.e., immigrant status in Calgary and systematic inequality, which limited their access to government-led adaptation policies and resources. The results explore that the members of this community use various adaptive mechanisms to cope with climate-induced risks and disasters. Conclusion: Although there are some studies on immigrant communities and their adaptation challenges, there is a gap in how Turkish-Canadian immigrants perceive climate-induced disasters and the barriers that limit their adaptability to the risks and disasters. Therefore, this study's results will be helpful for researchers and policymakers to develop a holistic approach to fully delineate the climate risks and disasters and minimize structural inequality, increase awareness, build resilience, and engage all the racialized communities in the state-led adaptation strategies.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Second Language Socialization in Social and Academic Contexts
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2019-10-18) Boz, Umit; Barrantes, Lena; Sewell, Douglas; Tweedie, Gregory
    Despite proliferation of various delivery models of academic language support, at present little is known about how international and newcomer students engage with the complexities of social interaction in social and academic contexts by relying on their developing sociolinguistic awareness. Drawing upon Duff's notion of second language (L2) socialization (Duff, 2007; Duff, 2011), this qualitative inquiry explores the individual and contextual factors underlying the L2 socialization practices of international and newcomer students attending a postsecondary language support program. In particular, we attempt to capture a) the nature of sociolinguistic engagement among post-secondary international and newcomer students; b) the ways in which learners relate to the changing social world; and c) how they negotiate and establish membership with different social spaces and networks within and outside the university community. Data was gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews with 22 participants. Data analysis revealed an array of overarching themes in relation to participants’ perceptions of their sociolinguistic engagement in English, including culture, non-native speaker identity, and sense of community and belongingness. Findings indicate that the university environment, particularly the student residence, provided a key source of networking and increased opportunities for L2 socialization. Findings also suggest the need for deepened coordination among the many stakeholders providing institutional support systems for international and newcomer students.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Familial Experiences with School Integration: An Arts-based Engagement Ethnography
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Zaidi, Rahat; Kassan, Anusha; Trussler, Patti; Mukred, Rabab; Zak, Michelle; Khan, Mahnoor
    Within 15 years, Statistics Canada (2017) predicts that more than 30% of individuals living in Canada will be part of a visible minority. The education system plays an important role in the overall experiences of this demographic, and particularly their children, often identifying the school as their initial point of personal contact with their host country. Using an arts-based engagement ethnography, a methodology designed to engage participants more meaningfully in order to capture their cultural practices and social lives in the context of their complex experiences the study explores newcomer familial experiences during the COVID-19 epidemic as they set up their lives in Canada, specifically within the context of school. Six families participated in the study. They had immigrated from Ethiopia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Yemen, and Syria. The principal objective of this study was to provide context to ignite a dialogue within the educational community by repositioning newcomers’ narratives. This involved having them focus on recounting their experiences through a strength-based lens. Results indicate families were motivated to share their experiences, and established positive connections to the school, which provided them with a sense of belonging and purpose, while also nurturing their well-being and mental health. This indicated a promising point of entry for newcomer youth and their families. There was a sense of identity, purpose, religious beliefs, and solid relationships within the community. Where the responses were negative, they ranged from misunderstandings of school/cultural expectations to issues of identity, and challenges fitting in with the new community and culture. Systemic implications of this research include the criticality in addressing the academic and psychosocial needs of newcomers (e.g., improving teacher training/preparation programs). This can be accomplished by increasing awareness of newcomer families’ lived experiences, creating programming that is holistic, and providing additional supports to help newcomers overcome anxiety and isolation.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Creating Health Equity in Cancer Screening (CHECS): Developing Strategies for Underscreened Populations through Community Engagement
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Boothby, Celina; Sebastian, Sneha; Khan, Samina; Patterson, Kara; Yang, Huiming
    Background: The East and Northeast areas of Calgary, Alberta experience higher material deprivation and lower breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates. This project aimed to reduce inequities in cancer screening in these areas by engaging with community members and health workers to better understand reasons and motivations for screening for cancer. The results of this engagement informed the co-design of an outreach strategy aimed at increasing cancer screening awareness, and ultimately participation. Methods: Community members and health workers were recruited through Facebook and partner organizations and participated in virtual focus groups and interviews, respectively. Focus groups were provided in five different languages: Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, Tigrinya, and English. Qualitative analysis of the engagement results was completed using NVivo software and was coded independently by two researchers using an inductive approach. Results: Fourteen focus groups were conducted with 69 participants. Fifty-one were South Asian, 13 Caucasian, and five East African. There were 57 females and 12 males aged between 25 and 60 years (average 45). Five themes were identified: knowledge, benefits vs. harms, motivations & deterrents, health information, and awareness. Fifteen interviews were conducted with 21 participants from varied health professions. Four themes were identified: cultural differences, who/how provide information, make education relatable, and make education accessible. Conclusion. Utilizing the feedback from the engagement, a multi-component outreach strategy was co-designed and included a translated awareness-building video series, a social media campaign leveraging partner channels, and a health worker information package with resources to assist with informed cancer screening discussions.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Survivors of Daesh: Characterization of Health Conditions among Yazidi Refugees Resettled to Canada
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Hassan, Nour; Coakley, Annalee; Almasri, Ibrahim; Talavlikar, Rachel; Aucoin, Michael; Grewal, Rabina; McBrian, Kerry; Ronksley, Paul; Fabreau, Gabriel
    Background: Yazidi refugees, an ethno-religious minority from Iraq and Syria, were resettled to Canada between 2017 and 2018 after experiencing mass displacement, genocide, and enslavement by the Islamic State (Daesh). The health status of resettled Yazidi refugees is unknown. We characterize the mental and physical health conditions of Yazidi refugees in Calgary. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of resettled Yazidi refugees seen between 2017 and 2018 at the Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic in Calgary, Canada. Sociodemographic and medical diagnosis data were extracted through chart review of electronic medical records. We investigated the sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of physical and mental health conditions stratified by age groups and by sex among adults. We then conducted an exploratory analysis consulting five expert clinicians to identify specific health conditions that may be linked to Daesh exposure. Results: We included 242 Yazidi refugees with a median age of 19.5 [IQR 10-30] years and 58.3% were female. Approximately half (51.2%) of the sample had direct exposure to Daesh. The most prevalent diagnoses were symptoms and signs (ICD10 chapter 18, 49.6%), nutritional diseases (37.8%), mental and behavioral disorders (33.5%), infectious diseases (30.9%), and musculoskeletal diseases (28.7%). Through clinician consensus, conditions of mental health (32.2%), suspected somatization (48.3%) and sexual and physical violence (11.3%) were identified as likely attributable to Daesh exposure. Conclusion: Yazidi refugees resettled to Calgary are mentally, socially, and clinically complex. Given the high prevalence of both physical and mental health conditions, healthcare delivery for this traumatized population requires a holistic multidisciplinary approach.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Welcoming Newcomers with Open Arms: CBE Welcome Centre Partnerships
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Rachid, Moe; Schmidt, Bobby; Pearse, Sandy
    For many years, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) Welcome Centre (formerly known as Kingsland) has been the first line of reception for Calgary newcomer-families and has assisted them in creating strong community ties. The CBE Welcome Centre and its partners provide invaluable services to immigrants and refugees in terms of school registration, social support, and full integration that expedites the families’ ability to find work, seek medical care, and benefit from government programs and resources. The processes are quite simple yet robust in that families are guided through every step while receiving wrap-around supports tailored to their needs. In the spirit of “Mobilizing Knowledge on Newcomers”, the poster will feature the processes and partnerships between the CBE Welcome Centre and serviceproviding partners: • Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society which oversees the Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre; and • Immigrant Services Calgary which supports with language and numeracy assessments of learners while also connecting parents to Gateway (a community of collaborative organizations and partners that offers newcomers one landing place to connect them to a variety of needs-based services). The poster will also highlight other CBE supports such as Diversity Learning Support Advisors who provide culturally and linguistically appropriate professional services, Language Interpreters, and the CBE Literacy, English and Academic Development (LEAD) program. The CBE English Language Learning Specialist determines which newcomers are best suited for this specialized program. In LEAD, students with limited formal schooling receive intensive supports and services in a sheltered, trauma-sensitive setting
  • ItemOpen Access
    Adapting and Developing Child Health Knowledge Translation Tools for Diverse Communities: Exploring Cultural Considerations and End-User Preferences
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Elliott, Sarah; Scott, Shannon; Wright, Kelsey; Hartling, Lisa
    Background: Exploring cultural considerations for adaption and development of knowledge translation tools (KT) may promote relevance for previously underserved knowledge users. Our objective was to explore and understand considerations for cultural adaption of our co-developed parent KT tools for French, Filipino, Indigenous and Somali communities. Methods: For French and Tagalog speaking parents, we showed them a culturally and linguistically adapted whiteboard animation video on croup and conducted interviews to understand its relevance and usability. To assess usability of KT tools for Somali and Indigenous parents, community healthcare providers and knowledge brokers were interviewed for their perspectives on several KT tools varying in format. Interview audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for relevant themes using thematic analysis. Results: 13 French and 13 Filipino parents completed the usability survey and were interviewed. 18 healthcare providers who serve Indigenous families, and 13 healthcare providers who serve Somali families participated in interviews. All groups reported that the KT tools would be most successful with audio in the native languages of the communities served. Participants cautioned using verbatim vocabulary and suggested that cultural competency and understanding of health language was essential for high quality translations. Participants emphasized the importance of assessing access to services and resources in the target knowledge users and matching visuals in KT products to more broadly represent the community. Conclusion: Participants suggested that culturally and linguistically adapted KT tools improved relatability and communication of health messages, which is an important consideration for the development and adaption of future KT products.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Equitable Access Challenges for Primary Healthcare Faced by Egyptian Immigrant Women in Canada
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Zein, Salma; Raihan, Mohammad; Chowdhury, Nashit; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: Primary healthcare services are often the first services accessed when one experiences a health issue and where inequities in healthcare access are likely to appear. To date, there is a scarcity of health-related research that has been conducted among Egyptian-Canadian immigrant women. The primary objective of this study is thus to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of primary healthcare access barriers among Egyptian immigrant women residing in Calgary. Methods: Using a community-engaged research approach, we conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) among first-generation Egyptian-Canadian women in Calgary. Community-engaged research is a collaborative research approach engaging researchers, community members, and community stakeholders in identifying societal inequities throughout every step of the research process. The recorded FGDs will be analyzed using thematic analysis by generating codes and defining key themes. Results: There were 14 participants in the 3 FGDs with an average age of 38.1 years. Among the participants, 64.3% were married, and all had university-level education. As the study is currently ongoing, we conducted a preliminary analysis with the three FGD transcripts. Based on preliminary data from conducted FGDs, it is anticipated that barriers will include wait times, communication barriers, and lack of trust based on prior negative experiences with the Canadian healthcare system. Conclusion: This project focuses on studying equitable healthcare access within an underrepresented immigrant population, with the goal of promoting more research in the field of immigrant health. This project has implications for health policy, as this may help inform and raise awareness about the barriers immigrant women may face when accessing primary healthcare and potential solutions.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Framing the Underlying Root Causes of Equitable Primary Health Care Access Challenges Faced by Racialized/Immigrant Community: A Community-Engaged Concept Mapping Research
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2023-10-06) Raihan, Mohammad; Chowdhury, Nashit; Rahman, Nafiza; Marshall, Zack; King, Regine; Turin, Tanvir C
    Background: Primary health care encompasses all the services within a community that address the daily health requirements of citizens across all life stages. Access to primary care plays a crucial role in upholding good health. However, immigrant/racialized communities, arriving from diverse cultural and socio-demographic backgrounds, often face health maintenance challenges in their new country. This situation creates disparities in accessing primary health care services, subsequently impacting their overall well-being. Aim(s): This study utilizes a community-based participatory research approach to capture racialized/immigrant communities' experiences while accessing primary health care in Canada. The broad objective is to provide a community-vetted framework to explain the barriers to inform interventions that increase healthcare accessibility. Methods: A community advisory group will be engaged with the research team in all phases of this research. We propose activities in two phases: (i) Group Concept Mapping of primary health care access barriers and (ii) Root Cause Framework Construction of the identified barriers to understanding “what leads to what”. We will perform 20 different FGD sessions with the immigrant/racialized community members to create a barriers list, sort them into piles, rate them and create final cluster maps using concept system software. Finally, we will validate the final cluster solutions with the respondents in separate sessions with them. The root causes of each cluster of barriers will be identified with our transdisciplinary research team using the “what leads to what” technique and corroborating the diagram with the community through World Café events. Finally, we will conduct one-on-one interviews with different key care stakeholders and develop a cause-and-effect diagram using the Ishikawa model. Results: The expected outcomes of this project include the development of a framework that can help inform interventions to increase healthcare accessibility of racialized/immigrant communities. Conclusion: Conducting research on this topic will illuminate the unique healthcare challenges faced by immigrant/racialized communities, enabling the development of tailored interventions that promote equitable access and improved health outcomes.
  • ItemOpen Access
    One-and-a-half Generation Filipinx Youth in Metro Vancouver: Narratives of Negotiating Ethno-Cultural Identities
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Mangila-Nguyen, Maria Socorro; Walsh, Christine
    Filipinx migration in Canada, one of the top three sources of new immigrant families in metropolitan communities (Statistics Canada, 2017), is diverse. However, most studies feature adults or service providers. In my narrative inquiry I engaged five one-and-a-half generation (1.5G) Filipinx youth to explore their storied lives of negotiating their ethnic identities in Metro Vancouver. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to gain insights into the impact of migration and acculturation on Filipinx youth who straddle their country of origin and host country. I focussed on their experiences and capacities to develop and negotiate their identities in various sites of interactions including the nuclear and extended families, peers, school, and larger communities. Narrative inquiry enabled me to facilitate a respectful process with the participants to tell their stories at their level of readiness in ways that make sense to them, including through art or music or in first languages. This process of unravelling storied lives of young people revealed narrative threads that weave through the stories including tensions in the nuclear and extended families, challenges in seeking help in high school and learning to negotiate their ethnic identities. How the participants shared their stories and manifested their emotions gave insights to disruptions of attachment to the sponsoring parent and primary caregiver(s) in the Philippines. This study reflects the impact of time to reunification of families through migration, personal and social interactions in the sites of interactions. The stories can also inform sponsoring parents, school boards, and various communities on how to engage 1.5G youth in Metro Vancouver.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Mapping the Research Landscape of Older Newcomer Housing Insecurity and Homelessness in Canada
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Kaushik, Vibha; Hoselton, Jill; Walsh, Christine
    Background: Canada’s older adult population is expected to grow more than double over the next few decades. Canada’s newcomer population is also growing rapidly. Mirroring the pattern of population growth, the population of older newcomer is also expected to increase rapidly. Studies have found important linkages between newcomers, housing instability, and vulnerability to homelessness. Most of this research, however, has focused on younger cohorts of newcomers, largely excluding older newcomers. Available research supports that older newcomers are more likely to live in poverty and face systemic challenges in accessing services than younger newcomers or Canadian-born. Methods: The purpose of this literature review is to: (1) to gain an understanding of the existing research and debates surrounding the topic of housing insecurity and homelessness among older newcomers in Canada, (2) to establish if housing insecurity and homelessness among older newcomers has received appropriate attention in the academic literature and public policy statements in Canada, and (3) to create a discourse designed to inform future academic research. Results: The review highlights the relative neglect by the research community of the issue of homelessness among older newcomers in Canada. This review establishes an urgent need to document the current state of homelessness among older newcomers in Canada and to listen to the voices of older newcomers who are experiencing, or have experienced, housing insecurity or homelessness. Conclusion: We conclude with a call for a significant discussion of housing insecurity and homelessness among older newcomers in Canada and to mainstream this discussion.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Correlates of Outdoor Time in Children from Families Speaking Non-Official Languages at Home: A Multi-Site Canadian Study
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Nayakarathna, Ransimala; Patel, Nimesh; Currie, Cheryl; Faulkner, Guy; Riaz, Negin; Tremblay, Mark; Trudeau, Francois; Larouche, Richard
    Background: Previous research consistently shows that outdoor time is associated with higher physical activity and children from ethnic minority groups spend less time outdoors. Using data collected in three regions of Canada we explored the correlates of outdoor time among children, who spoke a non-official language at home. Methods: 1,699 children were recruited from 37 schools stratified by area-level socioeconomic status and type of urbanization This analysis included 478 children who spoke a non-official-language at home. Children’s outdoor time and data on potential correlates were collected via child and parent surveys. Weather data was collected from Environment Canada. Gender-stratified linear multiple regression models examined the correlates of outdoor time while controlling for child age and sampling variables (site, urban-type, socioeconomic status). Results: In boys, higher independent mobility, higher ambient temperature, mobile phone ownership, having younger parents, and having parents who biked to work were associated with more outdoor time. Boys living in suburban (vs urban) areas spent less time outdoors. The association between independent mobility and outdoor time became weaker with increasing age for boys. Girls spent less time outdoors when parents had a high school or lower education level and when parental perceptions of neighborhood safety and neighborhood cohesion were low. Conclusions: Correlates of outdoor time differ according to gender among non-official-language speaking children in Canada and span through the social-ecological model. If confirmed in future studies, these findings would underscore the need for gender-sensitized interventions to increase children’s outdoor time at individual, family, social and physical environmental levels.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Towards an Immersive Cultural Sensitivity Training Environment: Background Discourse Analysis Supporting a Community Initiative
    (Newcomer Research Network, University of Calgary, 2021-10-15) Cresswell, James; Li, Douglas; Jurkova, Sinela
    One of the most significant aspects of cultural sensitivity is awareness of microaggressions, which are seemingly minor interpersonal actions which inadvertently reinforce societal stereotypes and norms by reminding their targets of their lower status in society. They are important for sensitivity training because they can lead to a sense of marginalization and have negative social and mental health impacts on the targets The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies has the capacity to stimulate and immerse learners in content so that they can grasp content faster and cultivate better empathy. Currently, there is a gap among researchers, community agencies, and technology development companies. Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) formed a partnership with Red Iron Labs and researchers to fill this gap. The goal of this project was to use qualitative research that can catalogue and systematically present microaggressions to develop a VR cultural sensitivity training prototype. We used qualitative interviews with recorded audio and video as a means to develop content to develop material for the VR training module. Discursive psychology is a qualitative approach that focusses on language-use as a kind of interpersonal action and it is a method for systematically analyzing how talk and narratives are constructed, which means that it makes tacitly enacted micro-behaviours a point of focus. The presentation will present some of the results but will focus on the process of forming a generative partnership that will lead to innovative uses of technology for the social good