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Displaying (1 - 19 of 19)

Title: Perinatal outcomes for Bella Coola General Hospital: 1940 to 2001.
Contributors: Tara Mackenzie (author), Harvey Thommasen (Thesis advisor), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Community Health
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:00:22.104Z

Title: Women's perceptions of health and well-being in a rural, remote, and resource-dependent community
Contributors: Shayna Dolan (author), Dawn Hemingway (thesis advisor), Margot Parkes (thesis advisor), Theresa Healy (committee member)
Abstract: This research sought to explore the perceptions of health and well-being for women in a rural and remote northeastern British Columbia community experiencing intense social, ecological, and economic change as a result of its dependence on natural resource extraction. Designed as a qualitative inquiry into the health of local women, this research is informed by social constructivism, feminist theory, and ecosystems approaches to health. Engagement with participants and data collection was heavily influenced by Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach that identifies assets within a given system with the aim of contributing to positive change. Findings indicate that equitable access, perceptions of people and place, and leadership, communication, and collaboration are factors that strongly impact women’s health and in this context.
Discipline: Community Health Science
Date added: 2019-09-04T21:14:10.38Z

Title: Food insecurity in aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS: evidence-informed health promotion interventions for family nurse practitioner practice
Contributors: Shannon M. Martens (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), Khaldoun Aldiabat (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Food insecurity negatively affects HIV/AIDS populations. The purpose of this integrated literature review is to identify evidence-informed health promotion interventions to prevent and treat food insecurity amongst Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS in rural and remote British Columbia, Canada. A comprehensive literature search identified 31 pieces of literature for data analysis. The highest priority identified for family nurse practitioner practice was advocacy for healthy public policy: increase social assistance and the Family Bonus, expand the monthly nutritional supplement to include all with HIV/AIDS, and include remote Aboriginal communities in the Nutrition North Canada Program. The next identified priority was community action initiatives including: community hunter, gardening, and kitchen programs, as well as food banks. Finally, on the individual level, interventions included food insecurity assessment, nutritional counselling, micronutrient supplementation, and addressing depression and addictions. Through utilization of these interventions, family nurse practitioners will be enabled to effectively address food insecurity. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:22:26.294Z

Title: Maternal and perinatal community outcomes associated with having a "no caesarean section policy".
Contributors: Nancy Elizabeth Lynch (author), Harvey Thommasen (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Community Health
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:34:04.186Z

Title: Routes to transcendence: Disordered eating, substance abuse, and self-injury in young women.
Contributors: Maria L. McKay (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to explore the intersections between disordered eating, substance abuse, and self-injury among young women. In this thesis, I attempted to illuminate convergences and divergences between the experiences of young women who have struggled with these three problems, in the interest of shedding light on contributing factors, as well as possible barriers, to recovery and wellness. Throughout the research process, the focus was on the women's thoughts, feelings, and meaning-making. Inquiry into past trauma and abuse was deliberately omitted in order to focus on the behaviours as adaptations rather than symptoms of pathology. Nine women ages 21 to 27 were interviewed all were university students. Experience of the three behaviours varied, as did experience of therapeutic intervention. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to yield eight themes and seven sub-themes. The most pervasive of these was the theme of ambivalence, which functions on multiple levels and appears to constitute a significant barrier to help-seeking and recovery. Other themes included identity body image stigma learning the behaviours function and strategy of behaviours choice and recovery.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:04:15.586Z

Title: Clinical encounters in Canada's northern territories: implications for nurse practitioners working with aboriginal women to promote sexual health
Contributors: Michelle R. Wolsky (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), Janet Baillies (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In Canada's northern territories, nurse practitioners (NPs) play a significant role in the delivery of health care and are often the first and only point of contact as primary health care providers for Aboriginal women. As such, NPs are uniquely situated to work with Aboriginal women in northern communities to address the greater health inequities, incidences of communicable and chronic disease in ways that account for locally specific historical, geographic, economic, social, and cultural contexts. However, it is increasingly evident that clinical encounters between NPs and Aboriginal women in the north are not resulting in improved sexual health outcomes. The intent of this review was to explore the factors influencing why sexual health outcomes for Aboriginal women are not improving. A review of Nursing and Aboriginal peoples' health literature revealed that, while broader colonial contexts inform Aboriginal women's health, there are concrete structural and interpersonal factors that most directly impact clinical encounters. These include how health services are delivered to Aboriginal peoples in Canada, the health policies that govern the delivery of health care to Aboriginal women, and NP clinical practice issues in the north. These factors come together to inform how relationships between NPs and Aboriginal women can and does evolve in clinical settings. What is evident from this review is the importance of NPs becoming aware of the historical complexities and post colonial processes that impact Aboriginal women's health. This awareness will allow NPs to work collaboratively with Aboriginal women to address those mechanisms of delivery, policies, and cultural attitudes that can act as barriers for accessing health care. It is through working collaboratively with Aboriginal women to improve clinical encounters that changes in sexual health outcomes will occur. --P. iii.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:08:46.266Z

Title: The role of nurse practitioners in outreach services and facilitating access for marginalized adult women in British Columbia
Contributors: Jamie L. Tourond (author), Kathy Banks (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Studies show that marginalized adult women experience significant barriers in the process of gaining access to health care in British Columbia. Their needs and risk factors have been studied extensively and much attention has been given to the ways in which the significant inequalities experienced by these women can be addressed. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to understand the role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) working in outreach services in British Columbia, and to examine ways in which NPs can better facilitate access to health care for marginalized adult women with high-risk lifestyles. Due to the dearth of research on NPs in these practice settings, a review of the health literature was undertaken to identify research that examines the current barriers encountered by marginalized adult women, and the way in which outreach centers might serve as an entry point for access to health care. A rigorous literature search method revealed 18 articles, which were considered appropriate for analysis. The key findings identified the individual and structural barriers to health care access for marginalized women, and emphasized the significant role of outreach centers in facilitating access to health services. The role of NPs in outreach centers is examined by way of a feminist lens, one that is informed by the life experiences of these marginalized women in order to formulate an appropriate, person-centered treatment plan. Nurse Practitioners can facilitate access to health care for marginalized women by fostering a harm reduction philosophy in their practice, by establishing therapeutic relationships with women to overcome the fear and mistrust they have around the health care system and its providers, and by incorporating a person-centered approach to caring for women. Implications for research and education are discussed. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:24:54.853Z

Title: Routine physical activity and healthy pregnant women's self reports of psychological distress: a literature review
Contributors: Amanda Staton (author), Penny Barrett (Thesis advisor), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Psychological distress is identified as a common experience during pregnancy, and a risk factor for negative maternal and fetal health outcomes. Physical activity contributes to physical and emotional health in non-pregnant subjects. The same may be true for pregnant women. The purpose of this project is to conduct a critical examination of the literature and provide recommendations to guide nurse practitioners in working with prenatal clients. The following question was designed to guide this process: In healthy pregnant women, does physical activity at least three times weekly, as compared to remaining sedentary, decrease self reports of psychological distress? For the purpose of this project, psychological distress is defined women's self reported feelings of anxiety, depressed mood, or concerns with body image. The studies included in the literature review were obtained from a series of online database searches. Research studies, literature reviews, or clinical practice guidelines published after 1999 and written in English were included. The final yield was nine studies and three clinical practice guidelines. The evidence suggests participation in physical activity decrease over the course of pregnancy, and that women who routinely participate in physical activity during pregnancy tend to feel more positive about body image and report less feelings of anxiety and depressed mood compared to women who do not regularly engage in physical activity. Due to the limited number of studies found on this topic and the design and methodology limitations of these studies, further research is warranted. --P.ii.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:08:42.899Z

Title: Women's stories of access: Sexual health education and services in Yukon.
Contributors: Linnea Rudachyk (author), Linda O'Neill (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This research explored five women's life stories of access to sexual health education and services in Yukon using a narrative approach. The narratives represented the experiences of the women and the meaning they derived from their experiences. The primary research question was: What are women's stories of sexual health education and services and how have these stories affected their sexual health and overall well-bring? The themes were organized into three main categories: Sexual health education in Yukon schools and sexual health services and supports in the community challenges associated with limited access to sexual health education and services in the schools and community and dreams for the next generation. Three metathemes were interpreted from the narratives: Trust, Accessible Sexual Health Education and Services, and Desire for Positive Change. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:13:36.33Z

Title: Intimate stories: Examining Prince George women's awareness about and use of cervical screening services.
Contributors: Virginia Lynn Russell (author), Sarah de Leeuw (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine contributing factors in women's use of cervical screening and to promote cervical health and screening awareness for young and/or vulnerable women in Prince George, B.C. The project was a community-based participatory research project that took place over a six-month period and organized in three stages, including: 1) using questionnaires with women in the community to try to better understand women's lives and lived experiences, 2) facilitating health groups for four months to build deeper relationships with women in the community and, 3) offering two community workshops to promote cervical health and screening. The objectives of the first two stages were to examine women's experiences with health services, and understand their personal her/stories and various health determinants that impacted them. The objective of the stage three was to evaluate how awareness about sexual health topics (i.e., the human papillomavirus (HPV), and cervical health/screening) changed as a result of arts-based and peer-driven interventions. Results from this study indicated that social determinants such as finances and education play an important role in women's awareness about, access to, and use of cervical screening services. Further to this, her/stories of victimization, gendered feelings, feelings of disempowerment, and life circumstances also significantly influenced women's comfort levels with, access to, and use of cervical cancer screening services in Prince George, B.C. --P. iii.
Discipline: Community Health
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:09:10.532Z

Title: Meanings of health and well-being for rural lesbians in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Amber Leigh Perry (author), Jo Anne Fiske (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Gender Studies
Date added: 2017-03-30T16:57:34.197Z

Title: Spinning a northern web: Women using information and communication technology to network for health and wellness.
Contributors: Christina McLennan (author), Dawn Hemingway (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This case study explores women's experiences using information and communication technology (ICT) to address women's health in northern, rural and remote communities in British Columbia. Incorporating features of collaborative, action research methodology, an online focus group was utilized to explore the Women North Network (WNN) and its primarily Internet-based component. Utilizing ICT to overcome geographic isolation, the WNN builds community by strengthening connections between women and supports information sharing, action and the development of research and policy initiatives. Study participants offer an understanding of what is practical and meaningful for women using ICT; suggesting that by encountering supportive relationships that build community leading to action, women will become engaged in using ICT. Increased access to computers, Internet and women-centred training are essential. Furthermore, social work and other health promotion professions utilizing ICT will have greater ability to includediverse communities in influencing social and health policy in northern, rural and remote communities.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T16:59:52.107Z

Title: Addressing chlamydia in middle aged and older women in rural and northern British Columbia
Contributors: Leona Christine Smith (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), Kathy Banks (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this literature review is to identify the ways in which nurse practitioners working in primary care can incorporate sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening as part of the well woman examination, especially among middle-aged and older women and Aboriginal women, in order to prevent long-term complications of undiagnosed STIs, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and an increased risk of acquiring HIV. An integrative literature review revealed that there is an abundance of research about STI screening for women under the age of 25. However, there is limited research about STI screening, prevention, and treatment among sexually active middle-aged and older women. Primary care providers can conduct screening and prevention practices for chlamydia and other STIs by normalizing STI screening with a nonjudgmental attitude. All primary care providers need further education about the increasing rates of chlamydia and other STIs in middle-aged and older women. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:25:24.004Z

Title: Nurse practitioner use of patient-centered care to improve the quality of life of women experiencing vasomotor symptoms of menopause
Contributors: Shannon Campbell (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Menopause is a passage in every woman's life. Hormonal changes are responsible for the cessation of ovulation, and this transition can be difficult for some women. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), consisting of hot flashes/flushes and night sweats, can be bothersome for some, and VMS are the primary reason for women to seek medical attention during menopause. Patient-centered care (PCC) is an approach which improves discussion, promotes patient involvement, and creates a positive provider/patient relationship with a result of improved quality of life (QOL). Hormone therapy, the gold standard for VMS relief, has come under scrutiny in recent years due to a fear of increased health risks with its use. Complementary and alternative medicines are being promoted as natural alternatives. Women are seeking help to make sense of the variety of treatment options available for VMS relief and nurse practitioners are in an optimal position to help these women. Through the use of PCC, nurse practitioners (NP) can conduct a thorough health history and assessment. They can provide expert advice, hold discussions with women about their preferences and assess them for individual risks with the ultimate provision of appropriate and individualized care for women experiencing VMS of menopause. --P. ii.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:06:22.807Z

Title: Northern health care: a woman's experience
Contributors: Kelly Maureen Durand (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:11:08.259Z

Title: Preventive cancer screening: social determinants of participation in mammography and pap tests
Contributors: Joanne Bryant (author), Bruno D. Zumbo (Thesis advisor), Anette J. Browne (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to determine the extent to which social factors are influential in determining women's participation in cancer screening services in Prince George, British Columbia. Specifically, this thesis evaluated the association of age, income, education, work status, disability, marital status, and immigrant status with previous use of screening mammography for breast cancer and Pap tests for cervical cancer. Data were obtained from the 1994 National Population Health Survey which contained a sample of 416 women from the Prince George area. A series of logistic regression analyses were used to distinguish ever versus never screened, as well as recency of previous screening. Participation rates in screening mammography in Prince George are comparatively high, however no association was found between social factors and previous mammography use. This suggests women in Prince George are participating in mammography services regardless of social background. Participation rates in Pap test screening in Prince George are high and are similar to provincial averages; however, while a large percentage of women have been screened, this percentage varies across social groups. Immigrant women, single women, and women with less education are over represented among women who have never had a Pap test. In addition, older women are less likely to obtain recent screening when compared to younger women. These results imply the need to focus education and recruitment strategies for increasing participation Pap test screening at specific groups of women in Prince George.
Discipline: Community Health
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:17:39.196Z

Title: Health needs of older women in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Melinda A. Allison (author)
Abstract: This thesis explores the self-identified determinants of health most salient to women 65 years and older in northern British Columbia (BC). The idea of this research evolved out of a larger project based on a grant awarded to Northern Health from the BC Provincial Women's Health Network to explore these issues in women 45 years and older. Almost five hundred women from across the North contributed to the larger project through surveys and focus groups. From the larger sample a subset of the data from women 65 years and older was extracted (n=179) for further analysis, and to form the basis for this thesis. Descriptive statistics and summative themes enhanced with participant quotations have all been used to present the findings. Aspects of intersectionality provided a lens through which the data was analyzed, and social constructionism was the theoretical framework. The strongest themes which emerged out of the data are related to accessibility of care and affordable supports functionality and independence social supports and community connectedness and the role of caregiving. This thesis offers a number of recommendations based on the research findings. Study challenges and limitations are also outlined as are suggestions for future research related to women's health and wellness in northern BC.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:03:53.118Z

Title: Women's lived experiences of engaging in creative expression within the context of significant life events.
Contributors: Marion Joan Healey-Ogden (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2017-03-30T16:57:58.048Z

Title: Women in midlife: experiences of the mind and body movement of Nia.
Contributors: Martha Lynn Switzman (author), Corinne Koehn (Thesis advisor), Sylvia Barton (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Midlife is a time when many women encounter life changes. Mind and body exercise programs such as t'ai chi and yoga continue to increase in popularity as a way to manage with life stressors and enhance well-being. A new form of exercise called Neuromuscular Integrative Action, ...also known as Nia, has been added to the mind and body paradigm. I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to better understand the role Nia has as a mind and body movement form with eight women in midlife and its potential for counselors to consider, as an adjunctive therapeutic means to aid in managing and enhancing greater well-being. The findings were set within the reflective interpretations across the four lifeworld existentials of time, body, relationship, and space. The women's narratives revealed: 1) reflections through time in representations of stories of the past - childhood, shifting and tragic, living in the moment, and future glimpses, 2) the body's wisdom ~ the body's movement in representations of body being ~ body listening, music ~ movement ~ emotions, and energetic connections ~ spiritual connections, 3) transforming relationships were understood through representations of self-discovery ~ self-acceptance, self-expression ~ self-care, and compassionate responses, and 4) living well-being in midlife spaces emerged as representations of a welcoming and safe space, making connections with other women, and well-being in midlife ~ lived as a life style. Further synthesis and discussion focuses on an overarching theme of how the revisioning of self-identity of midlife women practicing Nia leads to a sense of wellness through reconstructions of the reflective self, the connected self, the authentic self, and the contextualized self. Finally, considerations related to aligning social identity with well-being are also discussed.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:05:01.441Z

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