LU|ZONE|UL Collection:
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/3770
2024-03-29T10:34:39ZAnother fork in the road: the experiences of retired teachers and nurses living in Northeastern Ontario.
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/4085
Title: Another fork in the road: the experiences of retired teachers and nurses living in Northeastern Ontario.
Authors: Patrick, Elizabeth Ann
Abstract: Canadian women born after the Second World War, between 1945 and 1964, were both
credited and criticized for their roles in challenging traditions and forging life pathways that were
different to those before them. In recent decades, this cohort has been entering their retirement
paths. This qualitative study explored stories about how some women were living the transcendent
stage of later life in rural and small towns in Northeastern Ontario. Using a feminist narrative
approach, twenty-one primarily boomer women were interviewed by telephone, using semi-
structured questions. The women had retired from teaching or nursing, accomplished professional
designations in their jobs, and lived in the target areas. Braun & Clarke’s (2022) reflexive thematic
analysis was followed to generate codes and themes. Ten themes emerged: 1) how do I feel at this
stage of my life?, 2) it’s my life, my time., 3) where did my identity go?, 4) what do I do now?, 5)
the impact of gender roles on participants’ stories., 6) options for retirement and feelings about
this life event., 7) expectations for the next fork in the road., 8) connection and purpose., 9) the
importance of health-financial, mental and physical., and 10) let go, take the plunge.
The results of this study supported the literature regarding retirement pathways; however,
this group mainly identified with transitional or continuity models. Freedom to make choices,
unencumbered by the rules of a job, resonated throughout the results. Data highlighted the
importance of community and family involvement for overall health and wellbeing. This resilient
group determined that they would learn new things and adapt to ongoing physical and mental
health issues through staying busy and maintaining relationships with family and friends.
Key words: Women, Retirement, Baby Boomers, Professional, Northeastern Ontario,
Retirement pathways.2023-08-08T00:00:00ZAn interpretive description of health equity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical practice guidelines
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/4070
Title: An interpretive description of health equity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical practice guidelines
Authors: McMillan Boyles, Christina
Abstract: Health equity is an increasing global phenomenon of interest among health care professionals
(HCPs), researchers, and decision-makers. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) serve to promote
standardized care and may have implications relative to health equity. Health care professionals
rely on evidence including CPGs to be accountable, provide optimal care, and to advance
advocacy efforts for people with chronic lung disease. However, CPGs for COPD may
unintentionally exacerbate health inequities and health disparities experienced by those living in
northern or rural areas where there may be decreased access to supports such as spirometry,
pulmonary rehabilitation, and specialist care. The purpose of this study was to conduct an
interdisciplinary analysis of COPD CPGs to understand the contribution and implications of
these guidelines to health equity for individuals living with COPD. Different perspectives and
representations of health equity across the guidelines may have problematic implications and
challenges for patients, HCPs and decision-makers. The research question guiding this study is
how do CPGs for COPD explicitly or implicitly address health equity? The study design,
interpretive description, was guided by critical social theory. Using purposive sampling, publicly
available international, national, and provincial English language CPGs for COPD were selected.
Concurrent data collection and analysis was informed by five items of The Equity Lens
instrument and the four items of Domain 5, outlined in the Applicability of the Appraisal of
Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) Instrument. The four stages of content
analysis are decontextualization, recontextualization, categorization, and compilation. The results
offer opportunities to engage multiple interdisciplinary knowledge users in dialogue about the
implications of CPG adoption to move toward health equity and to best service individuals with
COPD in Northeastern Ontario.2023-06-21T00:00:00ZStress, anxiety, and depression among mining workers: understanding the correlates of mental health and wellbeing
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/4014
Title: Stress, anxiety, and depression among mining workers: understanding the correlates of mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Dignard, Caroline
Abstract: Background: Mental health problems are among the leading causes of disability. The
consequences of poor mental in the workplace are numerous and well-documented. Despite this,
mental health research specific to the mining industry remains scarce, especially in Canada
where mining plays a significant economic role. What is more, workers in male-dominated
industries have been found to be at greater risk for mood and anxiety disorders, and the limited
existing literature depicts higher rates of mental illness among mining workers. This is relevant
in Canada because the mining industry is a major employer of Canadians.
Objective: Our research team conducted a study at a large mining company in Ontario, Canada
to better understand the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce by assessing symptoms
of various mental health problems and illnesses, as well as work and non-work-related factors
that may be associated with these symptoms. As part of this study, my thesis examines the
prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in this sample of Canadian mine
workers, as well as the demographic, health-related, psychosocial, and work-related predictors of
stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms for these workers. Methods: 2,224 mining workers across 25 worksites at one company in Ontario, Canada
completed a self-reported questionnaire. The survey included assessments of symptoms of stress,
anxiety, and depression, demographic questions, and assessments of psychosocial and healthrelated factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: While stress levels were found to be comparable to the general working population,
symptom prevalence of anxiety and depression were greater in this workforce than in the general
working population of Canada. Significant correlates of these workers’ mental health and wellbeing were grouped into the following 8 categories: individual characteristics, interpersonal
relationships, lifestyle, and the overlap between physical and mental health (see Chapter 6), as
well as work schedule and demands, effort-reward imbalance and recognition and reward, job
insecurity and job satisfaction, and the physical and psychological work environment (see
Chapter 7). Conclusions: Findings are consistent with previous research and confirmed our hypotheses.
Recommendations for addressing significant predictors of mental health and wellbeing for these
workers are presented in Chapter 8.2022-11-11T00:00:00ZExploring the influence of language concordance and the active offer of French language physician services on patient satisfaction through a Northern Ontario continuing professional development initiative
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/3993
Title: Exploring the influence of language concordance and the active offer of French language physician services on patient satisfaction through a Northern Ontario continuing professional development initiative
Authors: Timony, Patrick
Abstract: Francophone minority populations across Canada experience poorer health
outcomes. A lack of French language health services may be a contributing factor. Interpersonal
communication between patient and physician is essential to providing quality health care and
the legislative landscape in Ontario is evolving to become more responsive to Francophone
communication needs. For instance, the passing of Bill 74 and the modernisation of the French
Language Services Act (that was first passed in 1989) have created an expectation that health
service providers will proactively offer services in French. The purpose of the present thesis was
to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a continuing professional development (CPD)
program that teaches patient-centered communication through the active offer of French
language services; to investigate the presence of the active offer in Northeastern Ontario; and to
explore the influence of language concordance and the active offer on patient satisfaction.2023-01-16T00:00:00Z