The Sophie Lucyk Virtual Library

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/1807/70607

The Sophie Lucyk Virtual Library is a powerful way to educate people around the world, as well as a fitting memorial to honour alumna and social worker Sophie Lucyk's passionate desire to help all people receive an education. The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work has made knowledge mobilization one of its strategic directions. By making its research and activities as widely available as possible, this collection brings together the diverse range of impactful work pursued by the Faculty.

If you are an FSW faculty member and would like to have your work added to this collection, please contact lucyklibrary.fifsw@utoronto.ca

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The relevance of communal altruism for sexual minority men in contemporary contexts
(Wiley, 2023-05) Skakoon-Sparling, Shayna; Card, Kiffer G; Novick, Jake R; Berlin, Graham W; Lachowsky, Nathan J; Adam, Barry; Brennan, David J; Sang, Jordan M; Noor, Syed W; Cox, Joseph; Moore, David M; Grace, Daniel; Grey, Cornel; Daroya, Emerich; Hart, Trevor A
There are many reasons why individuals engage in prosocial behavior; communal sexual altruism is based on the notion that some practice safer sex in the interest of promoting the well-being of their community/in-group. Given that definitions of what constitutes "safer sex" have changed with advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, we investigated the importance of communal sexual altruism (herein "altruism") among urban gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (GBM) in the contemporary context. Using a sample of 2449 GBM we examined the association of both safer-sex-related attitudes (e.g., HIV treatment optimism-skepticism) and behaviors (e.g., condomless anal sex [CAS]) with altruism scores. Higher altruism scores were associated with a lower likelihood of CAS and a greater frequency of discussing HIV status with new partners. These findings demonstrate that many GBM are motivated to engage in several kinds of behaviors that improve the well-being of their in-group (i.e., the GBM community).
A Decade of Decline in Serious Cognitive Problems Among Older Americans: A Population-Based Study of 5.4 Million Respondents
(IOS Press, 2022) Fuller-Thomson, Esme; Ahlin, Katherine Marie
Background: Numerous studies suggest the prevalence of dementia has decreased over the past several decades in Western countries. Less is known about whether these trends differ by gender or age cohort, and if generational differences in educational attainment explain these trajectories. Objectives: 1) To detect temporal trends in the age-sex-race adjusted prevalence of serious cognitive problems among Americans aged 65+; 2) To establish if these temporal trends differ by gender and age cohort; 3) To examine if these temporal trends are attenuated by generational differences in educational attainment. Methods: Secondary analysis of 10 years of annual nationally representative data from the American Community Survey with 5.4 million community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults aged 65+. The question on serious cognitive problems was, “Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?” Results: The prevalence of serious cognitive problems in the US population aged 65 and older declined from 12.2% to 10.0% between 2008 and 2017. Had the prevalence remained at the 2008 levels, there would have been an additional 1.13 million older Americans with serious cognitive problems in 2017. The decline in memory problems across the decade was higher for women (23%) than for men (13%). Adjusting for education substantially attenuated the decline. Conclusions: Between 2008 and 2017, the prevalence of serious cognitive impairment among older Americans declined significantly, although these declines were partially attributable to generational differences in educational attainment.
Achieving Optimal Mental Health Despite Exposure to Chronic Parental Domestic Violence: What Pathways are Associated with Resilience in Adulthood?
(Springer, 2022-04) Fuller-Thomson, Esme; Ryan-Morissette, Deirdre; Attar-Schwartz, Shalhevet; Brennenstuhl, Sarah
Despite the numerous adverse consequences of exposure to parental domestic violence (PDV), some of those with a history of PDV thrive in adulthood and achieve complete mental health (CMH). This study investigates whether lifetime history of mental illness (depression, anxiety, substance use disorder) and social support (social provision scale) mediate the relationship between exposure to PDV and CMH in adulthood. A sample of 17,739 respondents from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health including 326 with a history of chronic PDV (> 10 times before age 16). CMH was defined as: 1) the absence of mental illness and substance dependence; 2) happiness or life satisfaction; and 3) psychological and social well-being. Path analyses were used to test the objective. Those exposed to PDV had a significantly lower prevalence of CMH compared to the general population (62.5% vs 76.1%, p < .001). Evidence of mediation was found for depression (indirect effect = -.19; 95%CI = -.30, -.09, p = .002), anxiety (indirect effect = -.12; 95%CI = -.20, -.05, p = .005), substance use disorder (indirect effect = -.04; 95%CI = -0.07, -.01, p = .016) and social provisions (indirect effect = -.13; 95%CI = -.19, -.07, p < .001). Among those with a history of PDV the odds of CMH were lower among those with lower social support and those with a history of substance use disorder or anxiety. It is important to consider mediators, such as mental health and social support, when addressing the negative outcomes of witnessing PDV.
Perceptions of cigarette smoking and vaping among 2SLGBTQI+young adults in Ontario and Quebec, Canada
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-05-13) Planinac, Lynn; Schwartz, Robert; Chaiton, Michael; Baskerville, Bruce; Grace, Daniel; Logie, Carmen; MacDonald, Catherine
Canadian young adults who identify as Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex (2SLGBTQI+) have higher smoking rates compared to their straight cisgender counterparts. One of the reasons for this trend is the perceived social acceptability of smoking and how it relates to stress, mental health and social connections. A sequential mixed-methods study was conducted with qualitative focus groups, followed by quantitative survey data collection starting in the spring of 2020, examining perceptions of both smoking and vaping. Results demonstrate higher social acceptability of vaping compared to smoking in the study sample. Qualitative results showed a strong link between the higher acceptability of smoking and vaping with coping and social connections. Quantitative results indicated that higher smoking acceptability was more common among those who currently smoke, currently vape, are younger, live in smaller cities, identify as a person of colour, with variation by gender and sexual orientation; vaping was found to be more acceptable among those who currently smoke, currently vape, were younger participants, and have some post-secondary education. This research is important for the development of prevention and cessation programs in addressing both the negative and positive dimensions affecting smoking among 2SLGBTQI+ young adults.
Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ + Youth
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-09-27) Watts, Keith J.; Wagaman, M. Alex; Eaton, Andrew D.; Leung, Vivian W. Y.; Craig, Shelley L.
A sense of belonging to familial and peer networks is crucial for the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. Black LGBTQ+ youth report feeling rejected and isolated due to their sexual and/or gender identities. Utilizing linear regression analyses, this study explored the relationship between peer and family belongingness and levels of depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health among 181 Black LGBTQ+ youth in the United States and Canada . Findings suggest that family and peer belongingness are important factors in Black LGBTQ+ youth's mental health and warrant further study into the protective nature of peer and family relationships for this population.
Perceived Social Support and Mental Health Indicators of a Mexican LGBT Sample During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Springer, 2023-05-02) Lozano-Verduzco, Ignacio; Vega-Cauich, Julio; Mendoza-Pérez, Juan Carlos; Craig, Shelley L
The COVID-19 pandemic created mental health challenges for LGBTQ + communities worldwide, however there is a paucity of research on Mexican populations. Existing data show that LGBTQ + people in Mexico experience acute forms of violence and discrimination that impact their mental health. This article explores the relationship between social support, discrimination, and mental health for LGBTQ + populations in Mexico (N = 1525) during the COVID-19 lockdown. Utilizing social media recruitment strategies, participants answered an online survey exploring five mental health indicators: depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt during lockdown. Mediating, and multiple regression analyses revealed that neuroticism is the most important variable in predicting poor mental health, and that perceived social support plays a mediating role in the case of depression. Discomfort with one's own family holds positive correlations with mental health indicators, showing that the greater the discomfort, higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. Results also showed that discrimination, and drug use hold significant relationships to suicidal attempt. Practice recommendations for Mexican LGBTQ + communities are offered.
Video playback, affective witnessing, and the mobility of trauma: Video evidence of violent crime in the criminal justice system
(Elsevier, 2023-05) Birze, Arija; Regehr, Cheryl; Regehr, Kaitlyn
In today's technologically mediated society, video is increasingly relied upon as an objective and reliable source of evidence in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes. The now pervasive presence of violent video in the criminal justice system, however, presents new challenges for understanding repeated work-related exposure to and witnessing of potentially traumatic material and its impacts. Thus, this project seeks to qualitatively examine the relational affective processes that occur among criminal justice professionals when violent crimes are captured on video. We present four key categories organized around the circumstances of exposure and its impacts: 1) playback in the investigative and pre-trial process; 2) sharing videos among colleagues; 3) playing videos for victims, witnesses, and families and; 4) transmission in the broader public. Findings suggest this work involves deeply embodied processes where video evidence of violent crime enables a virtual presence at scenes and an emotional proximity to events through new forms of witnessing. These affective experiences are one relational dynamic that keeps witnessing active, thus expanding the mobility of trauma, its reach and potential impacts.
Emotions, Agency, and Materiality: Embodiment of Homophobic Discrimination Amongst Mexican LGBTQ+ Youth
(Taylor & Francis, 2022-02-04) Lozano-Verduzco, Ignacio; Martínez, Lenin Zamorano; Mendoza-Pérez, Juan Carlos; Craig, Shelley L; Eaton, Andrew D
Embodiment refers to understanding the body as the object and subject of culture, a process that allows an understanding of political, cultural, social, and emotional processes in the assemblage of a particular identity. We describe a qualitative-narrative study utilizing focus groups and interviews in three Mexican cities with 75 LGBTQ+ youth to understand the effects of discrimination and how this impacts subjectivity through embodied affection. Through axial and line-by-line analysis, we describe the process of embodiment through four dimensions: violence, emotions, agency, and materiality. Violence operates as the sediment for LGBTQ+ youth’s subjective, social, and political life, and paves the way for particular emotions, such as guilt, shame, fear, sadness, and pain, that directly relates to material aspects such as gender expression and body presentation, beauty standards and a discourse around perversion and promiscuity. Finally, the combination of emotions and materiality prove relevant for certain expressions of agency and resilience.
Invisible Wounds: Exploring the Coping Strategies of Black Survivors of Homicide Victims in Canada
(SAGE Publications, 2024-04-18) Sharpe, Tanya; Aqil, Nauman; Donkin, Victoria
Canada has experienced a steady increase in homicide. Specifically, out of the 10 provinces and 3 territories, Ontario has consistently experienced the highest number of homicides, the majority concentrated within predominantly African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Despite this disproportionate reality, there is limited research on the ways in which survivors of homicide victims cope with the murder of their loved ones. This article explores the identification and characterization of coping strategies for ACB survivors of homicide victims residing in five neighbourhoods in the GTA. Participants in this study provided their insights and experiences, highlighting the coping mechanisms employed, the influence of cultural identity, and the challenges they experienced in accessing adequate care following the death of their loved ones. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.
Sexual and reproductive health among forcibly displaced persons in urban environments in low and middle-income countries: scoping review findings
(BMC, 2024-04-12) Logie, Carmen H; MacKenzie, Frannie; Malama, Kalonde; Lorimer, Nicole; Lad, Anoushka; Zhao, Michelle; Narasimhan, Manjulaa; Fahme, Sasha; Turan, Bülent; Kagunda, Julia; Konda, Kelika; Hasham, Aryssa; Perez-Brumer, Amaya
Most forcibly displaced individuals live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a significant number residing in urban areas. This scoping review examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMICs. We searched eight databases for relevant literature published between 1998 and 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. SRH was defined to include various dimensions of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education; sexual and gender-based violence; HIV/ STI prevention; sexual function, and psychosexual counseling) and reproductive health (antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; and safe abortion care). We included 90 documents (53 peer-reviewed articles, 37 grey literature reports) spanning 100 countries. Most peer-reviewed articles addressed sexual health and approximately one-third centered reproductive health. The grey literature primarily explored sexual and gender-based violence vulnerabilities. Identified SRH barriers encompassed challenges across structural (livelihood loss), health institution (lack of insurance), community (reduced social support), interpersonal (gender inequities), and individual (low literacy) levels. Findings underscore gaps in addressing SRH needs among urban refugees in LMICs specifically regarding sexual function, fertility care, and safe abortion, as well as regional knowledge gaps regarding urban refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing, long-acting self-injectable contraception, abortion self-management) hold significant promise to address SRH barriers experienced by urban refugees and warrant further exploration with this population. Urgent research efforts are necessary to bridge these knowledge gaps and develop tailored interventions aimed at supporting urban refugees in LMICs.
Canadian social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants with different legal statuses in Canada
(SAGE Publications, 2024-04) Bhuyan, Rupaleem; Osazuwa, Sandra; Schmidt, Catherine; Kwon, Inwook; Rundle, Andrew; Park, Yoosun
Summary This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to address systemic inequality within social work by examining Canadian social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants who are permanent residents (PR), refugees, temporary residents (TR), or undocumented immigrants. Using a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample (n = 653), we explore how social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants vary in relation to (a) respondents’ demographics, (b) contact with immigrants, (c) perceptions of equal opportunities among immigrants, (d) perceptions of deservingness for immigrants with different legal statuses, and (e) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these attitudes. Findings While Canadian social workers generally express positive attitudes toward immigrants, there is a slightly stronger endorsement for PR and refugees to access public services compared to nonstatus (NS) immigrants and TR. Social workers who identify as conservative or have limited contact with immigrants are more likely to perceive NS immigrants as potential criminal threats or burdens on the healthcare system. Significantly, a majority of respondents feel that their social work training inadequately prepares them to work effectively with immigrants. Applications Canadian social workers advocate for principles of diversity, inclusion, and commitment to social justice. However, perceptions regarding which immigrants deserve access to social services vary based on legal status, suggesting a limitation in social workers’ professional mandate. The study discusses implications for social work education and training, emphasizing the need to address and unsettle systemic racism within the profession.
Online Sexual Health Information Seeking Patterns Differentiated by Social Location and Physical Location among Gay and Bisexual Men in Ontario, Canada
(Taylor & Francis, 2022-07) Brennan, David J; Kesler, Maya A; Davies, Adam W J; Ablona, Aidan; Collict, David
Objective: This research aimed to understand the varying needs of diverse gay and bisexual men (GBM) in relation to online sexual health information-seeking dependent upon differing social sociodemographic variables and geographic location. Methods: A total of 1802 GBM in Ontario participated in this study. Multivariable regressions were conducted to analyze differences in information-seeking based on ethnicity group, HIV status, recent sexual behaviour and regionality (urban and rural location). Results: There were significant differences in online sexual health information-seeking content based on these demographic variables. Conclusions: Implications for sexual health outreach and service provision for diverse GBM is discussed as well.
Evaluating an embodied mindfulness approach to teach reflective practice to MSW students: a mixed methods case study
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Katz, Ellen; Kirvan, Anne; Tufford, Lea; Bogo, Marion
Reflection is a key component of practice, supporting social workers to learn from past experiences and navigate the uncertainty and ambiguity that is common within our work. While the benefits of reflective practice are well documented, there remains considerable debate as to how it is taught and evaluated, with variability across the health and social service professions. The authors sought to evaluate an embodied approach to teaching reflective practice, grounded in mindfulness and contemplative pedagogy. Using a mixed-methods case study research design, we evaluated the teaching approach by triangulating three sources of data: questionnaires, written reflective exercises, and a focus group. The findings suggest that the teaching approach described in this study supported participants to develop the competency of reflection in a way that was distinct from previous learning. It also supported participants to strengthen learning about themselves, both personally and professionally, and to apply mindfulness and reflection in practice. The authors see potential for expanding this teaching approach beyond the specific context of a social work direct practice course in mindfulness and recommend research to further explore adaptation of the approach.
Bridging and Bonding Social Capital by Analyzing the Demographics, User Activities, and Social Network Dynamics of Sexual Assault Centers on Twitter: Mixed Methods Study
(JMIR Publications, 2024-03-27) Xue, Jia; Zhang, Qiaoru; Zhang, Yun; Shi, Hong; Zheng, Chengda; Fan, Jingchuan; Zhang, Linxiao; Chen, Chen; Li, Luye; Shier, Micheal L
Background: Social media platforms have gained popularity as communication tools for organizations to engage with clients and the public, disseminate information, and raise awareness about social issues. From a social capital perspective, relationship building is seen as an investment, involving a complex interplay of tangible and intangible resources. Social media–based social capital signifies the diverse social networks that organizations can foster through their engagement on social media platforms. Literature underscores the great significance of further investigation into the scope and nature of social media use, particularly within sectors dedicated to service delivery, such as sexual assault organizations. Objective: This study aims to fill a research gap by investigating the use of Twitter by sexual assault support agencies in Canada. It seeks to understand the demographics, user activities, and social network structure within these organizations on Twitter, focusing on building social capital. The research questions explore the demographic profile, geographic distribution, and Twitter activity of these organizations as well as the social network dynamics of bridging and bonding social capital. Methods: This study used purposive sampling to investigate sexual assault centers in Canada with active Twitter accounts, resulting in the identification of 124 centers. The Twitter handles were collected, yielding 113 unique handles, and their corresponding Twitter IDs were obtained and validated. A total of 294,350 tweets were collected from these centers, covering >93.54% of their Twitter activity. Preprocessing was conducted to prepare the data, and descriptive analysis was used to determine the center demographics and age. Furthermore, geolocation mapping was performed to visualize the center locations. Social network analysis was used to explore the intricate relationships within the network of sexual assault center Twitter accounts, using various metrics to assess the network structure and connectivity dynamics. Results: The results highlight the substantial presence of sexual assault organizations on Twitter, particularly in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, underscoring the importance of tailored engagement strategies considering regional disparities. The analysis of Twitter account creation years shows a peak in 2012, followed by a decline in new account creations in subsequent years. The monthly tweet activity shows November as the most active month, whereas July had the lowest activity. The study also reveals variations in Twitter activity, account creation patterns, and social network dynamics, identifying influential social queens and marginalized entities within the network. Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive landscape of the demographics and activities of sexual assault centers in Canada on Twitter. This study suggests that future research should explore the long-term consequences of social media use and examine stakeholder perceptions, providing valuable insights to improve communication practices within the nonprofit human services sector and further the missions of these organizations.
Exploring the experiences of wellbeing, health, and healthcare among women who have been domestically sex trafficked in Ontario, Canada: A qualitative study protocol
(Public Library of Science, 2024-03) Bruder, Rhonelle; Mason, Robin; Williams, Charmaine C; Du Mont, Janice
Introduction Although there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that persons who have been sex trafficked can suffer devastating health consequences and often face challenges accessing suitable care that addresses their health and overall well-being, little existing research has adopted a survivor-informed approach. Centering the voices of sex-trafficked women in this research will provide valuable insights into their health-related experiences and can help lay the foundation for survivor-centric healthcare responses. Methods and analysis Using a semi-structured interview guide, we will interview women who have been domestically sex trafficked in Ontario; recruitment will continue until data saturation is reached. Interview questions and prompts will elicit information about women’s experiences prior to, during, and after their trafficking ordeal, with particular attention paid to their encounters with healthcare providers. Intersectionality theory will inform strategies for recruitment, data collection, and data analysis. Data will be analyzed deductively as well as inductively using Braun and Clarke’s six phases of reflexive thematic analysis. The study’s design was informed by the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ), which ensures a comprehensive and robust reporting of interview data. We will continue to adhere to the COREQ checklist throughout the data collection, analysis, and findings write-up phases, helping to ensure methodological accuracy and transparency. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first Canada-specific investigation to apply intersectionality theory to explore the experiences of well-being, health, and healthcare from the perspectives of women who have been domestically sex trafficked. The results of this study hold the potential to improve responses to trafficking within the healthcare sector. Specifically, the findings could be used to inform the development of education materials and curricula for medical students and continuing professional education for health and allied healthcare providers. They could also inform the creation of patient experience surveys and intake forms for sex trafficked patients.
Operationalizing the Women-Centred HIV Care Model for trans women and persons with transfeminine experience living with and affected by HIV: a qualitative study
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-03) Iyer, Harshita; Underhill, Angela; Persad, Yasmeen; Lacombe-Duncan, Ashley; Kennedy, V. Logan; Nation, Kelendria; Kia, Hannah; Logie, Carmen H.; Kaida, Angela; MacKinnon, Kinnon; Armstrong, Ian; Bilbao-Joseph, Celeste; Tharao, Wangari; Loutfy, Mona
Background The Women-Centered HIV Care (WCHC) Model and associated toolkits were created to address the health care barriers and disparities that women and gender diverse people living with HIV experience. Since trans women and transfeminine people experience disproportionately high rates of HIV acquisition (in comparison to their cisgender peers) amidst biologic, social, political, and historical factors that affect their general care experiences negatively, more research is needed. Aim We aimed to obtain feedback on the WCHC Model regarding the acceptability, applicability, usability, gaps, and potential adaptations needed to meet the needs of trans women and gender diverse people with transfeminine experience. Methods Our study was grounded in community-based research principles and intersectionality frameworks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 trans women and transfeminine people residing in Ontario, Canada. We analyzed the data using a descriptive qualitative content analysis approach. Results Participants were largely satisfied with the WCHC Model. However, participants were concerned with the model’s implementation due to a lack of knowledge among healthcare providers regarding trans women’s experiences within broader social contexts. Simultaneously, participants affirmed the need for care providers to offer person-centered care – a central component of the WCHC Model. Lastly, participants spoke to the healthcare system limitations and failures that disproportionately affected trans women and posed significant barriers to WCHC access and engagement. Discussion Our findings demonstrate that trans women perceive successful healthcare delivery as combining holistic care frameworks – like the WCHC Model – with healthcare providers’ understanding of individual and community needs. There is a need for policy reform to improve the healthcare system. We offer reflections and recommendations for improving healthcare for trans women.
Water and food insecurity and linkages with physical and sexual intimate partner violence among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda: cross-sectional survey findings
(IWA Publishing, 2024-03) Logie, Carmen H.; Okumu, Moses; Tailor, Lauren S.; Taing, Lina; Dorea, Caetano; Mbuagbaw, Lawrence; Hakiza, Robert; Kibuuka-Musoke, Daniel; Katisi, Brenda; Nakitende, Aidah; Kyambadde, Peter; MacKenzie, Frannie; Admassu, Zerihun
Water insecurity (WI) and food insecurity (FI), each associated with violence exposure, are understudied in urban humanitarian settings. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda to examine: (a) social-ecological correlates of WI, FI, and concurrent FI and WI; (b) associations between WI and FI with recent sexual and physical intimate partner violence (IPV); and (c) associations between an Index of Vulnerability (IoV) comprised of social-ecological stressors (e.g., FI, WI) and recent physical/sexual IPV. Among participants (n = 340; mean age: 21.1 years, standard deviation: 2.6) almost half (47.8%) reported WI and two-thirds (65.0%) FI. In adjusted analyses, time in Uganda, age, and insecure housing were associated with increased odds of WI and concurrent FI and WI; household toilet sharing and insecure housing were associated with increased odds of FI. In adjusted analyses, WI, concurrent FI and WI, housing insecurity, and parenthood were associated with higher sexual IPV odds. FI and parenthood were associated with increased odds of physical IPV. IoV scores were associated with physical/sexual IPV, and IoV scores accounted for more variance in physical/sexual IPV than any individual indicator. Future research can address WI and co-occurring resource insecurities to reduce gender-based water-related violence risks.
Social prescribing for children and youth: A scoping review protocol
(Public Library of Science, 2024-03) Muhl, Caitlin; Mulligan, Kate; Bayoumi, Imaan; Ashcroft, Rachelle; Ross-White, Amanda; Godfrey, Christina
Social prescribing is suited to all age groups, but it is especially important for children and youth, as it is well understood that this population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the social determinants of health and health inequities, and that intervening at this stage of life has the greatest impact on health and wellbeing over the life course. While this population has largely been neglected in social prescribing research, policy, and practice, several evaluations of social prescribing for children and youth have emerged in recent years, which calls for a review of the evidence on this topic. Thus, the objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence on the use of social prescribing for children and youth. This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished literature. No language or date restrictions will be placed on the search. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), AMED (Ovid), ASSIA (ProQuest), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), Global Health (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate), Epistemonikos, JBI EBP Database (Ovid), and Cochrane Library. Sources of gray literature to be searched include Google, Google Scholar, Social Care Online (Social Care Institute for Excellence), SIREN Evidence and Resource Library (Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network), and websites of social prescribing organizations and networks. Additionally, a request for evidence sources will be sent out to members of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening, retrieval and assessment of full-text evidence sources, and data extraction. Data analysis will consist of basic descriptive analysis. Results will be presented in tabular and/or diagrammatic format alongside a narrative summary.
A qualitative examination of primary care team's participation in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccination
(BMC, 2024-03-14) Ashcroft, Rachelle; Donnelly, Catherine; Lam, Simon; Sheffield, Peter; Hamilton, Bryn; Kemp, Connor; Adamson, Keith; Brown, Judith Belle
Background Primary health care (PHC) has historically led and implemented successful immunization programs, driven by strong relationships with patients and communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada began its vaccination strategy with mass immunizations that later included local efforts with PHC providers. This study seeks to understand how PHC contributed to the different phases of the COVID-19 vaccination rollouts in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province. Methods We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with focus groups consisting of PHC providers, administrators, and staff in Ontario. Eight focus groups were held with 39 participants representing geographic diversity across the six Ontario Health regions. Participants reflected a diverse range of clinical, administrative, and leadership roles. Each focus group was audio-recorded and transcribed with transcriptions analyzed using thematic analysis. Results With respect to understanding PHC teams’ participation in the different phases of the COVID-19 vaccination rollouts, we identified five themes: (i) supporting long-term care, (ii) providing leadership in mass vaccinations, (iii) integrating vaccinations in PHC practice sites, (iv) reaching those in need through outreach activities; and (v) PHC’s contributions being under-recognized. Conclusions PHC was instrumental in supporting COVID-19 vaccinations in Ontario, Canada across all phases of the rollout. The flexibility and adaptability of PHC allowed teams to participate in both large-scale and small-scale vaccination efforts.
Supportive Interventions of Chinese Police in Domestic Violence: Do Officer Knowledge and Training Matter?
(SAGE Publications, 2024-02-22) Xue, Jia; Lin, Kai; Li, Luye; Wang, Hayden Huaixing; Sun, Ivan
Policing domestic violence (DV) poses significant challenges in China due to cultural, legal, and organizational complexities. Policing DV in China favors mediation over assertive interventions, complicating law enforcement's role. While previous research has focused on coercive interventions by Chinese police, there is limited information on non-coercive, supportive approaches. This study investigates the relationship between police officers' knowledge and training regarding the Anti-DV law and their willingness to provide supportive services to DV victims in China. It also considers various individual and organizational factors. The data used in this study are derived from the Policing DV in China project, with a sample of 1,353 respondents who had experience dealing with DV cases within the past 3 years. The study focuses on three dependent variables representing supportive approaches to DV cases: Referral, Counseling, and Protection orders. Independent variables include officers' knowledge of the Anti-DV law and agency training. Control variables include the use of body-worn cameras (BWC) and attitudes toward Violence Tolerance, Male Dominance, and Gender Equality. Additionally, demographic variables, working environment, length of service, and police rank are considered. The analytical approach involves a three-step strategy, incorporating descriptive, bivariate analyses, and regression analyses. The results are interpreted using odds ratios and average marginal effects, and statistical software such as SPSS by IBM and R by Open-Source Model is utilized for data analysis. Key findings indicate that more than half of the officers referred intimate partner violence survivors to shelters and assisted victims in filing protection orders. Counseling practices varied across provinces and between male and female officers. Agency training and the use of BWC were positively associated with non-coercive and supportive approaches, while knowledge of the DV Act, male dominance score, and gender equality score did not predict the use of such approaches. Demographic characteristics, including police rank, length of service, and province of employment, influenced the utilization of non-coercive and supportive approaches. This study examines the challenges faced by Chinese police officers when responding to DV cases and their willingness to provide supportive interventions. The study highlights the complexities surrounding the initiation of protection orders due to officers' legal knowledge and discretion. The study emphasizes the importance of police support in addressing DV in China and the role of agency training in promoting non-coercive responses. It highlights regional variations in police support and underscores the need for addressing disparities in service provision across different provinces.

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