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Globally, self-employed people were among the hardest hit by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and faced hardships such as financial decline, restrictions, and business closures. A plethora of financial support measures were rolled out worldwide to support them, but there is a lack of research looking at the effect of the policy measures on self-employed people. To understand how different governmental financial support measures enhanced the resilience of the self-employed and improved their ability to manage the pandemic, we conducted a mixed-method study using policy analysis and semi-structured interviews. The documents described policies addressing governmental financial support in Sweden and Canada during the pandemic, and the interviews were conducted with Swedish and Canadian self-employed people to explore how they experienced the support measures in relation to their resilience. The key results were that self-employed people in both countries who were unable to telework were less resilient during the pandemic due to financial problems, restrictions, and lockdowns. The interviews revealed that many self-employed people in hard-hit industries were dissatisfied with the support measures and found them to be unfairly distributed. In addition, the self-employed people experiencing difficulties running their businesses reported reduced well-being, negatively affecting their business survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1882 religious schism in the mission village of Metlakatla, British Columbia, and the subsequent battle over land rights between the Tsimshian First Nations and settler governments, are some of the most extensively analysed events in the history of missions in nineteenth‐century Canada. Yet historians have overlooked the role played by the Church Missionary Society in perpetuating these events. Most importantly, historians have failed to ask why a society that was in financial difficulties and that regularly abandoned mission stations all over the world was so determined to hold on to this one station. The Society's official story was that it needed to protect its converts from persecution, but this article argues that two economic factors also contributed to the value of Metlakatla for the Society. First, competition with Methodist missionaries in the region made Metlakatla a valuable asset for attracting government grants and private donations. Second, the religious schism in Metlakatla undermined the Society's branding as a bastion of doctrinal purity, rendering it necessary to protect the Society's marketing strategy. Attending to these economic factors complicates simplistic narratives of imperial missionary work as only about Christianisation and civilisation, and contributes to ongoing efforts to understand missionary societies as corporations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Due to their medical and technology dependence, families of children with medical complexity (CMC) have significant costs associated with care. Financial impact on families in general have been described, but detailed exploration of expenses in specific categories has not been systematically explored. Our objective was to describe out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses incurred by caregivers of CMC and to determine factors associated with increased expenditures. Methods This is a secondary observational analysis of data primary caregiver-reported OOP expenses as part of a randomized control trial conducted in Ontario, Canada. Caregivers completed questionnaires reporting OOP costs. Descriptive statistics were utilized to report OOP expenses and a linear regression model was conducted. Results 107 primary caregivers of CMC were included. The median (IQR) age of participants was 34.5 years (30.5 to 40.5) and 83.2% identified as the mother. The majority were married or common-law (86.9%) and 50.5% were employed. The participant's children [median (IQR) age 4.5 (2.2 to 9.7); 57.9% male] most commonly had a neurological/neuromuscular primary diagnosis (46.1%) and 88% utilized medical technology. Total OOP expenses were $8,639 CDN annually (IQR = $4,661 to $31,326) with substantial expenses related to childcare/homemaking, travel to appointments, hospitalizations, and device costs. No factors associated with greater likelihood of OOP expenses were identified. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Conclusion Caregivers of CMC incur significant OOP expenses related to the care of their children resulting in financial burden. Future exploration of the financial impact on caregiver productivity, employment, and identification of resources to mitigate OOP expenses will be important for this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes how an employer-based tuition-assistance program for homecare workers at one Canadian homecare organization enabled nursing career advancement and retention. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design. We reviewed existing administrative data and concurrently conducted semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used on quantitative data and qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. A joint data display was developed to integrate findings from both quantitative and qualitative data together. Tuition assistance reduced financial barriers to career advancement; 83% of recipients remained with their employer for at least 1-year post-studies but only 29% experienced career advancement. Psychosocial supports, career navigation and coaching to ease the licensing and role transition processes were identified as opportunities to support learners. Employer-based tuition assistance programs are impactful in helping to develop skilled employees. Practical enhancements to further support career transitions may maximize retention to address urgent homecare staffing challenges. Employer-based tuition assistance can be a useful strategy to support nursing career growth and staff retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural environment is known to be particularly harmful to farmers' psychological health. To better understand how its impact is modulated, this study mainly focuses on the mediating role of chronic fatigue between A) loneliness at work, autonomy, workload, government regulations and policies and financial hardship, and B) life satisfaction, positive affect and psychological distress. The study is based on a sample of 453 Canadian dairy farmers. Structural equation modeling analyses confirmed the mediating role of chronic fatigue in the relationships between the factors studied, with the exception of financial hardship. Implications for research and the psychological burden affecting agricultural workers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is considered a lifelong disability that has been framed with neurobiological descriptions focused on the brain. These are important features but fail to tell the story of living with FASD. By surveying those with FASD, this work expanded upon prior survey work which illustrated a multitude of early-onset physiological issues occurring at rates much higher than is typical of the general population. The current project, again using an anonymous survey methodology, sought to open up other direct experiences to better understand the complexity of living with FASD. An anonymous online survey was used to gather data on adversity in childhood, schooling, employment, housing and finances, and involvement with the criminal justice system, as well as relationships and parenting. Results indicate high levels of adversity throughout the life span; vulnerability to manipulation, which is connected to involvement in the criminal justice system; struggles with housing; economic instability; and struggles maintaining employment, as well as difficulties with social and familial relationships. Systemic stigma was also identified. Suggestions are offered to inform others on how support can be enhanced and targeted with a goal of improving quality of life, as well as dealing with self-imposed stigma. The survey was developed by adults living with FASD who have served as a long-standing advocacy and educational group influencing policy and practice in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored attitudes of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) toward their amphetamine-use and associations with reduced use over time. We recruited sexually-active GBM aged 16+ years in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, Canada, from 02-2017 to 08-2019, with follow-up visits every 6–12 months until November 2020. Among participants who reported past-six-month (P6M) amphetamine-use at enrollment, we used logistic regression to identify demographic, psychological, social, mental health, other substance-use, and behavioral factors associated with reporting needing help reducing their substance-use. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to model reduced P6M amphetamine-use with perceived problematic-use as our primary explanatory variable. We enrolled 2,449 GBM across sites. 15.5-24.7% reported P6M amphetamine-use at enrollment and 82.6 − 85.7% reported needing no help or only a little help in reducing their substance use. Reporting needing a lot/of help or completely needing help in reducing substance-use was associated with group sex participation (AOR = 2.35, 95%CI:1.25–4.44), greater anxiety symptomatology (AOR = 2.11, 95%CI:1.16–3.83), greater financial strain (AOR = 1.35, 95%CI:1.21–1.50), and greater Escape Motive scores (AOR = 1.07, 95%CI:1.03–1.10). Reductions in P6M amphetamine-use were less likely among GBM who perceived their amphetamine-use as problematic (AOR = 0.17 95% CI 0.10 − 0.29). Most amphetamine-using GBM did not feel they needed help reducing their substance use, and many reported reduced amphetamine-use at subsequent visits. Those who perceived their use as problematic were less likely to reduce their use. Further interventions to assist GBM in reducing their use are needed to assist those who perceive their use as problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene is the property of Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Canadian new immigrant families (also known as newcomers) encounter challenges navigating systems when trying to access programmes critical for their children's healthy development. The purpose of this study is to understand how newcomer families find and use early childhood programmes and services from the perspective of families and early childhood educators (ECEs) working within a settlement organization. Methods: Using photovoice methodology, newcomer family members (n = 8) with young children and ECEs (n = 6) participated in a series of virtual workshops to share photos and reflect on their experiences. Results: Participants discussed the systemic barriers that obstructed newcomer families' access to services for young newcomer children. Financial challenges due to unemployment/ underemployment, language and cultural differences were emphasized. Despite these barriers and challenges, participants shared how culturally responsive programmes enhanced their connections to programmes and services. Both groups of participants discussed the critical role of social networks in supporting newcomers to use programmes by helping families become aware of available services and assistance with various processes such as registration. Conclusions: This research illustrates the lived experiences of newcomer families and identifies opportunities to address inequities, improve early childhood programmes, and enhance families' access to programmes and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the lesson from an exchange between Daryl Pullman and his commentators about medical assistance in dying (MAID). Topics include the use of the slippery slope metaphor in Pullman's article to explain the increasing numbers of MAID in Canada, the fact that Canadian MAID law does not require that MAID be a last resort option, and possible ways that interlocutors from disparate standpoint might find some minimal common ground.

The retention and recruitment of care providers are ongoing concerns in healthcare globally. Examining intention to leave (ITL) as a measure of retention, the existing literature has focused on nurses working in hospitals, with less attention paid to other care providers and other areas of practice. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the unique factors influencing ITL among three categories of care providers in home care: registered practical nurses, registered nurses, and personal support workers. This study assessed and compared predictors of ITL, including organizational commitment, job satisfaction, perceived supervisor support, burnout, role stress, work/family conflict, and community satisfaction. A convenience sample of home care staff working in one agency in a Canadian province was sent an electronic survey by e-mail in 2021. Responses (n = 185) underwent data analysis including descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression, as well as thematic analysis of two open-ended items. The results of the study indicated that 54% (n = 99) of respondents were considering leaving their job, and respondents were dissatisfied with their salary and benefits. Role stress, work-family conflict, and burnout differed significantly between groups. Several themes emerged for strategies to promote employees to stay with the agency, with the overwhelming strategy being higher wages/salary. Themes for why employees stayed with the agency included love for clients and commitment to their care, as well as fondness for the teams within which respondents worked. The findings of the study lead to several important implications and recommendations for the home care sector. Advocating for wage parity among healthcare sectors and other opportunities for compensation for home care workers is necessary. Additional strategies include supportive and innovative approaches for scheduling, teamwork, and working with staff to identify barriers and solutions in home care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been considerable research into burnout but much less into how surgeons thrive and find joy. This study, conducted by the SAGES Reimagining the Practice of Surgery Task Force, explored factors influencing surgeon well-being, the eventual goal being translating findings into tangible changes to help restore the joy in surgery. Methods: This was a qualitative, descriptive study. Purposive sampling ensured representation across ages, genders, ethnicities, practice types, and geographies. Semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed. We coded inductively, finalized the codebook by consensus, and then constructed a thematic network. Global themes formed our conclusions; organizing themes gave additional detail. Analysis was facilitated by NVivo. Results: We interviewed 17 surgeons from the US and Canada. Total interview time was 15 hours. Our global and organizing themes were: Stressors (Work–life Integration, Administration-related Concerns, Time and Productivity Pressures, Operating Room Factors, and Lack of Respect). Satisfaction (Service, Challenge, Autonomy, Leadership, and Respect and Recognition). Support (Team, Personal Life, Leaders, and Institutions). Values (Professional and Personal). Suggestions (Individual, Practice, and System level). Values, stressors, and satisfaction influenced perspectives on support. Experiences of support shaped suggestions. All participants reported stressors and satisfiers. Surgeons at all stages enjoyed operating and being of service. Supports and suggestions included compensation and infrastructure, but human resources were most critical. To experience joy, surgeons needed high-functioning clinical teams, good leaders/mentors, and supportive family/social networks. Conclusions: Our results indicated organizations could (1) better understand surgeons' values, like autonomy; (2) provide more time for satisfiers, like patient relationship building; (3) minimize stressors, like time and financial pressures; and (4) at all levels focus on (4a) building teams and leaders and (4b) giving surgeons time and space for healthy family/social lives. Next steps include developing an assessment tool for individual institutions to build "joy improvement plans" and to inform surgical associations' advocacy efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Food insecurity (FI) is associated with a number of adverse child health outcomes and increased emergency department (ED) use. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the financial hardship faced by many families. We sought to determine the prevalence of FI among children with ED visits, compare this to pre-pandemic rates, and describe associated risk factors. Methods From September to December 2021, families presenting to a Canadian paediatric ED were asked to complete a survey screening for FI along with health and demographic information. Results were compared to data collected in 2012. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure associations with FI. Results In 2021, 26% (n = 173/665) of families identified as food insecure compared to 22.7% in 2012 (n = 146/644) a difference of 3.3% (95% CI [−1.4%, 8.1%]). In multivariable analysis, greater number of children in the home (OR 1.19, 95% CI [1.01, 1.41]), financial strain from medical expenses (OR 5.31, 95% CI [3.45, 8.18]), and a lack of primary care access (OR 1.27, 95% CI [1.08, 1.51]) were independent predictors of FI. Less than half of families with FI reported use of food charity, most commonly food banks, while one-quarter received help from family or friends. Families experiencing FI expressed a preference for support through free or low-cost meals and financial assistance with medical expenses. Conclusion More than one in four families attending a paediatric ED screened positive for FI. Future research is needed to examine the effect of support interventions for families assessed in medical care facilities including financial support for those with chronic medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational stress remains a remarkable problem among correctional officers. While the scholarship on correctional services has scrutinized correctional work to identify and analyze sources and consequences of stress, correctional training has received little attention. Drawing on the literature on sources of stress in corrections work, we analyze and compare whether sources of stress on the job overlap with those of correctional training. We base our analysis on interviews with correctional officers from Canada's federal prison system who were interviewed while completing the Correctional Service of Canada's Correctional Training Program. Findings suggest that sources of stress in training are not consistent with those of correctional work. The training program conditions succeed in preparing recruits to manage pressure, strain, and anxiety. However, the program does not necessarily equip recruits to deal with on-the-job stress, and does little to eliminate the occupational stressors and mental health disorders that too often emerge during occupational tenure. Correctional training programs in Canada and beyond must ensure that recruits are equipped with tools to deal with the specific sources of stress and possibly eliminate such sources in the course of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. BACKGROUND: Understanding factors that affect integration of NPs is likely to address barriers and provide reform strategies that shape a cost-effective, sustainable, accessible, and efficient health care system. There are a limited number of current and high-quality studies examining the transition process of registered nurses (RNs) to nurse practitioners (NPs), especially in Canada. PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of RNs transitioning to NPs in Canada. METHODOLOGY: Thematic analysis of audio-recorded semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore the experiences of 17 RNs as they transitioned to NPs. A purposive sampling of 17 participants was completed in 2022. RESULTS: Six main themes emerged from analysis of 17 interviews. The content of themes varied according to NPs' years of experience and the NP school they attended. CONCLUSIONS: Peer support and mentorship programs were facilitators in the transition from RN to NP. Conversely, shortcomings in education, financial stressors, and the lack of NP role definition were seen as barriers. Legislation and regulations supportive of NPs, diverse and comprehensive education, and improved availability of mentorship programs may strengthen transition facilitators and help NPs overcome related barriers. IMPLICATIONS: Legislation and regulations supportive of the NP role are needed, focusing on defining the NP role and establishing an independent and consistent remuneration structure for NPs. A more in-depth and diversified educational curriculum is needed, with increased support from faculty and educators and continual encouragement of initiation and perpetuation of peer support. A mentorship program is beneficial to reduce transition shock from the role of the RN to the NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the political economy of financial stability under conditions of deep cross‐border market integration, adapting the 'joint products' approach of Broz among others. Many argue that financial stability is a public good; we propose that it is inherently excludable and that particular conditions must obtain to ensure it is non‐diminishable for all. The difficulties of providing financial stability arise because of the 'club goods' nature of monetary and financial systems. We then propose six institutional preconditions that can stabilise a financial market that is integrated across multiple regulatory jurisdictions. We use case studies of Great Britain, the US and Canada to show how national governments have dealt with these political economy dilemmas to stumble towards similar arrangements to stabilise domestic financial market integration. Three criteria relate to the 'technical substructure' of markets, while three others focus on macro‐prudential considerations. Together they constitute necessary and sufficient conditions for the provision of financial stability. These criteria generate political economy obstacles both individually and as an interdependent package but can mitigate the costly dynamics of financial market disintegration in times of crisis. We argue that these criteria can be applied across national boundaries as well as across regulatory jurisdictions within them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to describe and compare the sociodemographic and health characteristics of people with a current cancer diagnosis (CC), past cancer diagnosis (PC) and never diagnosed with cancer (NC) across three life-course stages: adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) (age 15–39 years), midlife (40–64) and later-life (65+). Subjects and methods: Population-based survey data collected between 2015 and 2018 were used to estimate characteristics by cancer status and life-course stage. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between cancer status and health after adjusting for sociodemographics and comorbidities. Results: During AYA and midlife, over 20% of the CC group reported dealing with long-term illness as their main activity over the past week. Compared to the NC group, in AYA the PC group were 2.45 times (95% CI 1.37–4.38) more likely to drink 4+ times per week and 1.56 times (95% CI 1.14–2.12) more likely to smoke daily. The odds of meeting physical activity guidelines were lower in the CC than NC group in both midlife (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.58–0.85) and later life (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.97). Across the life course, the CC group were more likely than the NC group to report fair to poor health with ORs decreasing from 18.54 (95% CI 8.39–40.97) in AYA to 3.60 (95% CI 3.14–4.12) in later life, and both the CC and PC groups were more likely than the NC group to report multiple chronic conditions. Conclusions: Cancer survivors experience adverse economic and health outcomes across the life course, particularly earlier in their cancer journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perceived financial security impacts physical, mental, and social health and overall wellbeing at community and population levels. Public health action on this dynamic is even more critical now that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated financial strain and reduced financial wellbeing. Yet, public health literature on this topic is limited. Initiatives targeting financial strain and financial wellbeing and their deterministic effects on equity in health and living conditions are missing. Our research-practice collaborative project addresses this gap in knowledge and intervention through an action-oriented public health framework for initiatives targeting financial strain and wellbeing. Methods: The Framework was developed using a multi-step methodology that involved review of theoretical and empirical evidence alongside input from a panel of experts from Australia and Canada. In an integrated knowledge translation approach, academics (n = 14) and a diverse group of experts from government and non-profit sectors (n = 22) were engaged throughout the project via workshops, one-on-one dialogues, and questionnaires. Results: The validated Framework provides organizations and governments with guidance for the design, implementation, and assessment of diverse financial wellbeing- and financial strain-related initiatives. It presents 17 priority actionable areas (i.e., entry points for action) likely to have long-lasting, positive effects on people's financial circumstances, contributing to improved financial wellbeing and health. The 17 entry points relate to five domains: Government (All Levels), Organizational & Political Culture, Socioeconomic & Political Context, Social & Cultural Circumstances, and Life Circumstances. Conclusions: The Framework reveals the intersectionality of root causes and consequences of financial strain and poor financial wellbeing, while also reinforcing the need for tailored actions to promote socioeconomic and health equity for all people. The dynamic, systemic interplay of the entry points illustrated in the Framework suggest opportunities for multi-sectoral, collaborative action across government and organizations towards systems change and the prevention of unintended negative impacts of initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--: Resident physicians face a higher rate of burnout and depression than the general population. Few studies have examined burnout and depression in Canadian laboratory medicine residents, and none during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective.--: To identify the prevalence of burnout and depression, contributing factors, and the impact of COVID-19 in this population. Design.--: An electronic survey was distributed to Canadian laboratory medicine residents. Burnout was assessed using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Results.--: Seventy-nine responses were collected. The prevalence of burnout was 63% (50 of 79). The prevalence of depression was 47% (37 of 79). Modifiable factors significantly associated with burnout included career dissatisfaction, below average academic performance, lack of time off for illness, stress related to finances, lack of a peer or staff physician mentor, and a high level of fatigue. Modifiable factors significantly associated with depression further included a lack of access to wellness resources, lack of time off for leisure, and fewer hours of sleep. Fifty-five percent (41 of 74) of participants reported direct impacts to their personal circumstances by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions.--: Burnout and depression are significant issues affecting Canadian laboratory medicine residents. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we recommend the institution of flexible work arrangements, protected time off for illness and leisure, ongoing evaluation of career satisfaction, formal and informal wellness programming with trainee input, formal mentorship programming, and a financial literacy curriculum as measures to improve trainee wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Transition to adult life can be a challenging time for disabled youth and their families. This article describes the collaborative creation of Transitions Theatre, a research-based reader's theatre activity based on narrative interviews with eight disabled youth (aged 17–22) and seven parents. Analysis of these interviews generated two opposing yet interrelated themes. On one hand, youth and families felt lost in transition facing multiple gaps in healthcare, financial support, education, and opportunities for social participation after having "aged out" of the pediatric system. On the other hand, they started cripping "normal" adulthood to envision more inclusive futures wherein disabilities are understood as integral to society. These two themes were transformed into two reader's theatre scripts, one featuring a youth, the other featuring a parent. Seven youth and four parents (six of them were original interview participants) then participated in a Transitions Theatre workshop to read the scripts together and discuss the authenticity and relatability of the scripts. Participant feedback suggested that the reader's theatre method was effective in sharing findings with research participants and stimulating a critical dialogue on how to (re)imagine transition to adulthood. We discuss the importance of implementing inclusive design strategies to make reader's theatre accessible to participants with diverse abilities and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relatively sparse literature has documented various challenges international migration poses to martial stability, yet we know little about immigrant women's experiences with marital breakdown. Drawing data from a qualitative study of Chinese economic immigrants to Canada, this article explores women's experiences of navigating the processes of this life circumstance, and of how gender—including their senses of changing gender roles in post-immigration and postmarital contexts—plays out in these trajectories. The results of this exploratory study illustrate the value of transcending dichotomous conceptions of the relationship between gender and migration, and of opening spaces in which to better understand immigrant women's increasingly diversified life trajectories and the range of barriers they encounter along the way. The study also reveals multiple opportunities for social work contributions: tackling systematic barriers to settlement, facilitating social support in the community, and recognizing individuals' diverse trajectory potentials (including the potential for this typically unwelcome event to be integrated as personal growth and transition). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of the interaction of pre- and post-migration stressors is critical to understanding Canadian Muslim immigrant women's experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study uses a dominant qualitative design, supplemented by quantitative data to understand eight Canadian Muslim immigrant women's experience of IPV from six countries of origin. Five themes were identified: (a) childhood exposure to trauma and violence, (b) iron cage of society, (c) the fusion of love and violence, (d) postmigration challenges and assistance, and (e) toll and consequences of IPV. These themes are described to illustrate the trajectory in the development of IPV and the participants' eventual decision to leave their relationship. Pre-migration experiences included adverse childhood experiences, family history of IPV, and difficulty with help-seeking for IPV. Post-migration challenges of language difficulties, lack of social connections, internalized familial patriarchal values, and sexism influenced women's help-seeking and decision-making. Results from this sample suggested that immigrant Muslim women are likely more affected by IPV in comparison to Canadianborn Muslim women, experienced more stressors, less support, delayed help-seeking process, and more serious mental health consequences. Quantitative measures revealed negative effects of IPV on women's mental and overall health. The roles of ethnic communities, religious institutions, law enforcement, and service providers in supporting Canadian Muslim women with experience of IPV are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer patients experience financial hardship due to rising expenses related to cancer treatment and declining income levels associated with reduced employability. Employment Insurance Sick Benefits (EI-SB) is a social income support program which provides temporary income replacement to Canadians when they fall ill. Although EI-SB is designed to maintain continuity of income during an illness, little is known about the perspectives of cancer patients who receive EI-SB. This knowledge can inform the development of public policies which are responsive to the needs and priorities of cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a theory-informed thematic analysis of data collected from twenty semi-structured interviews with participants who were receiving care in a cancer centre in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and had received EI-SB. A coding framework was developed using Taplin and colleagues' intermediate outcomes of patient care across the cancer care continuum. Interpretation of findings was guided by the synergies of oppression theoretical lens. Results: Three overarching themes describe the experiences of cancer patients receiving social income support: Economic exclusion, in which the structure of the labour market and social welfare system determine access to workplace benefits and continuity of reasonable income; financial toxicity, a vicious cycle of financial burden and increasing financial distress; and constrained choices, where cancer influences employability and lowered income influences the need to be employed. Conclusion: Cancer patients need income support programs that are tailored to match their healthcare priorities. In addition, policies which strengthen working conditions and facilitate a reintegration to work when possible will be important in addressing the structural drivers of income insecurity experienced by cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article empirically examines the extent to which the co-occurrence of the maltreatment of companion animals and intimate partner violence (IPV) previously documented in samples of women accessing services from domestic violence shelters extends to a nationally representative sample of the general Canadian population, with a specific focus on emotional and financial abuse. Using data from the intimate partner victimization module of the 2014 Canadian General Social Survey (n = 17,950), the authors find that reporting one's intimate partner threatened or abused companion animals in the home increased the probability that one had experienced at least one form of emotional abuse or financial abuse by 38.6% (p ≤.001) and 7.5% (p ≤.001), respectively, net of several key control variables. Moreover, the findings indicate that those who identify as women are significantly more likely to report their partner emotionally or financially abused them and threatened or mistreated their pet(s); the connection between animal maltreatment and IPV is particularly pronounced for emotional IPV when compared with other forms of IPV; challenge the commonplace conceptualization of animal abuse as a form of property abuse; and suggest a need for a more nuanced understanding of IPV perpetrators vis-à-vis animal maltreatment. This is the first study to use nationally representative data to assess the co-occurrence of animal abuse and IPV, and as such, it makes significant contributions to the interdisciplinary literature on animal abuse and IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International students in Canada make an enormous contribution to the Canadian economy. As domestic students' enrollment has declined, international students' admissions have compensated for economic losses that Canadian universities incur from the decline of domestic students' enrollment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting international students' admissions to Canadian universities. Drawing on various secondary data sources, this article argues that international students in Canada are vulnerable due to their temporary immigration status. They are excluded from most government relief programs aimed at supporting Canadians during this pandemic. Most international students experience psychological and financial difficulties amid the pandemic. The situation is triggering a further decline in international students' admission, creating economic implications for Canadian universities. By exploring the challenges facing international students and the strategies required to strengthen their resilience and universities' capacities, this article contributes to our understanding of the plights of international students and educational institutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors offer a response to commentaries on their debate article on how to formulate alcohol drinking guidelines. Topics discussed include the use of years of life lost (YLL) by the Canadian Guidance on Alcohol and Health (CGAH) as the main measure of health loss, the need for evidence on how the use of YLL affects people's perceptions of alcohol's impact upon health, and how personalized web applications may help to operationalize risk measures.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Disability Studies is the property of Canadian Disability Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic's first wave on Canadian childcare. Using results from 8,300 responses to a Canadawide survey of centres and regulated family childcare, it illustrates how limited public funding and reliance on parent fees made childcare unsustainable when services closed. The lack of public funding created financial stress and uncertainty about the future among centres Canada wide, including in provinces offering more robust support. The paper concludes by considering how dynamics set in motion by the pandemic shaped political developments and may ultimately contribute to the transformation of Canadian childcare to a publicly funded systemic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the sustainability of age-friendly initiatives is timely, given the interest of governments worldwide in age-friendly policy and the implementation of age-friendly programs. Focussing on expert perspectives from 11 rural communities in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, this study examines how limitations to the sustainability of rural age-friendly initiatives (at both the committee and program level) may affect systemic community change. An iterative collaborative qualitative analysis demonstrates that the longevity of rural agefriendly initiatives was directly limited by financial and capacity challenges. These factors created limitations of scope, in which committees often were prevented from being able to address the multi-year, comprehensive requirements of bigger-picture issues facing older adults, especially among isolated, marginalized, or vulnerable residents. Over-dependence on volunteers and on the ability of small, rural municipalities to develop age-friendly initiatives that, in urban settings, are typically created with more capacity and resources, seriously limits the long-term scope, and by extension the impact, of rural age-friendly initiatives. 'Age-friendly' is often viewed as a positive way to improve the health and quality of life of older people. However, the present findings demonstrate that often-insurmountable challenges of longevity and scope, in terms of the breadth of issues that can be addressed, faced by rural age-friendly initiatives typically do not facilitate these anticipated outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To seek understanding of financial burden from the perspective of cancer patients, in a largely publicly funded health care system, about the impacts of financial hardship on their lives.Methods: A qualitative descriptive analysis was completed for comments written in response to an open-ended, free-text item on a pan-Canadian survey about costs incurred during cancer treatment and follow-up and the impact of financial difficulties.Results: A total 378 of the 901 survey respondents provided comments about their financial situations during cancer treatment. Forty percent of those individuals indicated experiencing financial struggles and resulting emotional distress. Themes were identified as follows: cost incurred, reduced income and reserves, impact of costs and reduced financial income/reserve, and managing financial distress.Conclusion: Even within a universal health care system, a significant proportion of cancer patients experienced financial struggle and resulting emotional distress.Practice Implications: Regular monitoring of financial and emotional distress and its sources can facilitate the identification of those who are experiencing financial difficulty and the provision of appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities with respect to access to basic financial services in Canada. The authors examine changes made to the regulation of financial products in the wake of the pandemic in order to expose the need to ensure that these regulations protect the ability of all Canadians to meet their needs and financial obligations. Part IA compares the regulation of government cheques cashed at banks and alternative service providers. Part IB analyzes Ontario's changes to the regulation of institutions providing payday loans and warns that the current regulatory scheme leaves a gap in the regulation of installment loans. Part II provides an overview of voluntary credit relief programs offered in response to the pandemic and discusses how taking advantage of these programs may impact a borrower's credit score. Part III cautions that financial stress as a result of the pandemic may lead to those with poor or no credit history to turn to so called "credit repair loans". The authors conclude by expressing their hope that the pandemic will generate the political will to work towards a regulatory system for financial produces that meets the needs of all Canadians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Competing interests:: None declared.

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Nonprofit organizations in Canada were significantly impacted by COVID-19, including lost revenue and needing to adjust the program delivery. The lack of technology capacity in the nonprofit sector is a key barrier for many nonprofit organizations to adapt to delivering programs online. Momentum, a Calgary-based nonprofit organization, experienced both financial and programmatic challenges due to COVID-19. Momentum pivoted program delivery to provide supports during the COVID-19 lockdown and developed innovative approaches to online programming. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, Momentum was able to rapidly develop its capacity to use technology for online programming with the support of critical new funding. Many nonprofits will have to transform their business models to not only survive but thrive in the post-COVID world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the importance of financial satisfaction for overall life satisfaction in households whose principal source of subjective stress is financial. Using data drawn from 2 waves (2005, 2010) of the nationally representative General Social Survey in Canada, we find that for financially stressed Canadian households, their stress-affected sense of financial well-being overwhelmingly conditions their overall sense of life satisfaction. We consider as well the potential for financial stress to moderate the relationship between income and life satisfaction but find only a modest effect and then only for high income households in 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 4000 carsharing members were surveyed to understand motivations of one-way and two-way carsharing. • One-way carsharing is motivated by greater convenience. Two-way carsharing is motivated by efficiency and savings. • One-way carsharing members are younger, have higher incomes but self-report greater financial stress. • One-way members own 3× more vehicles and drive 3× more. They also use shared cars twice as often as two-way members. • The rapid recent rise in carsharing has been motivated by a lifestyle that values the convenience of one-way carsharing. Carshare membership in North America has grown approximately 25% per year over the past decade. Some have attributed this to pro-environmental values and low-impact lifestyles of millennials, the primary users of carsharing. Many municipal governments have adopted this belief and support carsharing through various accommodations and subsidies. Results from a survey in Vancouver, Canada (which has the highest level of carsharing in North America) showed that one-way and two-way carsharing members have different motivations for carsharing and travel patterns. One-way members, primarily millennials, self-report that they carshare for convenience, using shared vehicles twice as frequently and private vehicles three times as frequently as two-way members. Two-way members choose carsharing for financial savings and a more efficient lifestyle. They tend to walk and bike more often than one-way members and the overall Vancouver population. These trip mode and frequency differences are consistent across age, gender, income, and geography. Perhaps as a consequence of the above, we also found that while one-way members are on average younger and wealthier, two-way members self-report as having more affordable lifestyles. These findings point to two-way carsharing members adhering to more efficient, sustainable lifestyles. Municipalities may consider these differences in motivations and trip patterns between one-way and two-way members of relevance in their carsharing policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graduate students are vital to the creation of research and innovation in Canada. The National Graduate Student Finance Survey was launched in 2021 by the Ottawa Science Policy Network to investigate the financial realities of Canadian graduate students. Closing in April 2022, the survey received 1305 responses from graduate students representing various geographical locations, years of study, fields of education, and demographic backgrounds. The results capture a snapshot into graduate student finances, including an in-depth analysis of stipends, scholarships, debt, tuition, and living expenses. In its entirety, we found that the majority of graduate students are facing serious financial concerns. This is largely due to stagnant funding for students both from federal and provincial granting agencies and from within their institutions. This reality is even worse for international students, members of historically underrepresented communities, and those with dependents, all of whom experience additional challenges that impact their financial security. Based on our findings, we propose several recommendations to the Tri-Council agencies (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Social Science and Humanities Research Council, and Canadian Institute for Health Research) and academic institutions to strengthen graduate student finances and help sustain the future of research in Canada., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests.

The economic cost associated with low muscle strength in Canadian adults is unknown. The total annual economic burden of low muscle strength in Canadian adults represents 2.2% of the overall burden of illness costs in 2021. We estimated that $546 million per year would be saved if the prevalence of low handgrip strength was reduced by 10%., Competing Interests: The content and views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.

Background: Patients with scleroderma require a lifetime of treatment and frequent contacts with rheumatologists and other health care professionals. Although publicly funded health care systems in Canada cover many costs, patients may still face a substantial financial burden in accessing care. The purpose of this study was to quantify out-of-pocket costs borne by people with scleroderma in Canada and compare this burden for those living in large communities and smaller communities., Methods: We analyzed responses to a Web-based survey of people living in Canada with scleroderma. Respondents reported annual out-of-pocket medical, travel and accommodation and other nonmedical costs (2019 Canadian dollars). We used descriptive statistics to describe travel distance and out-of-pocket costs. We used a 2-part model to estimate the impact on out-of-pocket costs of living in a large urban centre (≥ 100 000 population), compared with smaller urban centres or rural areas (< 100 000 population). We generated combined mean estimates from the 2-part models using predictive margins., Results: The survey included 120 people in Canada with scleroderma. The mean, annual, total out-of-pocket costs were $3357 (standard deviation $5580). Respondents living in smaller urban centres and rural areas reported higher mean total costs ($4148, 95% confidence interval [CI] $3618-$4680) and travel or accommodation costs ($1084, 95% CI $804-$1364) than those in larger urban centres (total costs $2678, 95% CI $2252-$3104; travel or accommodation costs $332, 95% CI $207-$458)., Interpretation: Many patients with scleroderma incur considerable out-of-pocket costs, and this burden is exacerbated for those living in smaller urban centres and rural areas. Health care systems and providers should consider ways to alleviate this burden and support equitable access to care., Competing Interests: Competing interests: K. Julia Kaal reports funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health System Impact Fellowship. Tracey-Lea Laba reports funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Sidney Sax (Overseas) Fellowship. No other competing interests were declared., (© 2023 CMA Impact Inc. or its licensors.)