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Objective: To compare the prevalence and trajectories of risky health behaviors in sexual minority (SM; lesbian/gay/bisexual/questioning/asexual) versus heterosexual undergraduates across their first year of post-secondary. Participants: First-year undergraduates (N = 704, M[subscript age] = 17.97 years, 24% SM) from a midsized Canadian university. Methods: Students completed monthly (September-April) online questionnaires assessing substance use (binge drinking, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drug use) and disordered eating (binge eating, fasting, purging). Results: At the outset of the academic year, SM students endorsed more frequent cannabis use, illicit drug use, fasting, and binge eating, but less frequent tobacco use, versus heterosexual students. Over the year, SM students' binge drinking frequency declined less than that of heterosexual students, but their illicit drug use decreased while that of their heterosexual peers increased, and all students reported declining disordered eating frequency. Conclusions: Campus wellness initiatives for SM students should offer prevention and harm-reduction strategies prior to or shortly after their arrival on campus.

Objective. To compare the prevalence and trajectories of risky health behaviors in sexual minority (SM; lesbian/gay/bisexual/questioning/asexual) versus heterosexual undergraduates across their first year of post-secondary. Participants. First-year undergraduates (N = 704, Mage=17.97 years, 24% SM) from a midsized Canadian university. Methods. Students completed monthly (September-April) online questionnaires assessing substance use (binge drinking, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drug use) and disordered eating (binge eating, fasting, purging). Results. At the outset of the academic year, SM students endorsed more frequent cannabis use, illicit drug use, fasting, and binge eating, but less frequent tobacco use, versus heterosexual students. Over the year, SM students' binge drinking frequency declined less than that of heterosexual students, but their illicit drug use decreased while that of their heterosexual peers increased, and all students reported declining disordered eating frequency. Conclusions. Campus wellness initiatives for SM students should offer prevention and harm-reduction strategies prior to or shortly after their arrival on campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine how food insecurity in childhood up to adolescence relates to eating habits and weight status in young adulthood. Design: A longitudinal study design was used to derive trajectories of household food insecurity from age 4·5 to 13 years. Multivariable linear and logistical regression analyses were performed to model associations between being at high risk of food insecurity from age 4·5 to 13 years and both dietary and weight outcomes at age 22 years. Setting: A birth cohort study conducted in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Participants: In total, 698 young adults participating in the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Results: After adjusting for sex, maternal education and immigrant status, household income and type of family, being at high risk (compared with low risk) of food insecurity in childhood up to adolescence was associated with consuming higher quantities of sugar-sweetened beverages (ß adj: 0·64; 95 % CI (0·27, 1·00)), non-whole-grain cereal products (ß adj: 0·32; 95 % CI (0·07, 0·56)) and processed meat (ß adj: 0·14; 95 % CI (0·02, 0·25)), with skipping breakfast (ORadj: 1·97; 95 % CI (1·08, 3·53)), with eating meals prepared out of home (ORadj: 3·38; 95 % CI (1·52, 9·02)), with experiencing food insecurity (ORadj: 3·03; 95 % CI (1·91, 4·76)) and with being obese (ORadj: 2·01; 95 % CI (1·12, 3·64)), once reaching young adulthood. Conclusion: Growing up in families experiencing food insecurity may negatively influence eating habits and weight status later in life. Our findings reinforce the importance of public health policies and programmes tackling poverty and food insecurity, particularly for families with young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research launched the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) in 2011. The strategy defines 'patient-oriented research' as a continuum of research that engages patients as partners, focuses on patient priorities, and leads to improved patient outcomes. The overarching term 'patient' is inclusive of individuals with personal experience of a health issue as well as informal caregivers including family and friends. The vision for the strategy is improved patient experiences and outcomes through the integration of patient-oriented research findings into practice, policy, and health system improvement. Building capacity in patient-oriented research among all relevant stakeholders, namely patients, practitioners, organizational leaders, policymakers, researchers, and research funders is a core element of the strategy. Main body: The objective of this paper is to describe capacity building initiatives in patient-oriented research led by the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit in Ontario, Canada over the period 2014–2020. Conclusion: The Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit Working Group in Training and Capacity Development has led numerous capacity building initiatives: developed a Capacity Building Compendium (accessed greater than 45,000 times); hosted Masterclasses that have trained hundreds of stakeholders (patients, practitioners, organizational leaders, policymakers, researchers, and trainees) in the conduct and use of patient-oriented research; funded the development of online curricula on patient-oriented research that have reached thousands of stakeholders; developed a patient engagement resource center that has been accessed by tens of thousands of stakeholders; identified core competencies for research teams and research environments to ensure authentic and meaningful patient partnerships in health research; and shared these resources and learnings with stakeholders across Canada, North America, and internationally. Plain English summary: In 2011, Canada developed a Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research. The aim of the strategy was to ensure that patients were included as equal partners in research, with the goal to improve the patient experience and enhance health outcomes using research findings to influence clinical care, policy, and health system improvement. Building capacity in patient-oriented research is a core element of the strategy. Since 2014, the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit has led numerous initiatives to build capacity in patient-oriented research. Successes include a Capacity Building Compendium (a catalogue of resources that has been accessed greater than 45,000 times); courses on how to do and how to use patient-oriented research that have trained hundreds of patients, practitioners, organizational leaders, policymakers, and researchers; created online patient-oriented research materials; developed a patient engagement resource center; identified what is required to ensure authentic and meaningful patient partnerships in research; and shared these resources and learnings widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study sought to evaluate the accuracy of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires 3rd Edition (ASQ-3) in identifying developmental delay (DD) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) born at term who underwent surgical repair. Methods: Participants had to complete ASQ-3 and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition (BSID-III) at 12 and 24 months. A child was considered at risk of DD for a ASQ-3 domain when he scored below the cutoff (≤-1SD or ≤-2SD). A child had a DD in a BSID-III domain when the score was ≤-1SD. The validity for each ASQ-3 domain and for overall ASQ-3 was measured. Results: At 12 months (n = 64), overall ASQ-3 (≤-2SD) sensitivity was 88%, specificity 74%. At 24 months (n = 82), overall ASQ-3 (≤-2SD) sensitivity was 74%, specificity 88%. Conclusion: The results support the utility of the ASQ-3 for screening the overall risk of DD in children with CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism is the property of Canadian Science Publishing 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.)

The objective of this brief report is to present an overview of the main benefits and key characteristics of an individualized physical activity program delivered by an assertive community treatment team in Ottawa, Canada. A mixed-method case study was conducted over a 9-month period. Findings revealed significant reductions in weight, BMI and waist circumference (p <.05) and improvements in self-esteem, autonomy, socialization and other health behaviors. Key characteristics of the program included building a relationship of trust with clients and deploying active efforts to eliminate barriers to PA engagement. Results offer preliminary evidence for integrating an individualized PA program into the ACT team model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately half of decedents in Ontario, Canada, receive some palliative care, but little is known about the influence of language on the nature of these services. Objective: To examine differences between English- and French-speaking residents of Ontario in end-of-life care and outcomes (e.g., health care costs and location of death). Design: A retrospective cohort study using multiple linked databases. Setting/Subjects: A population-based cohort of decedents in Ontario (2010–2013) who were living in long-term care institutions (i.e., nursing homes) or receiving home care before death (N = 25,759). Data from two regions with higher representations of Francophones were examined, with the final distribution by primary language being 75% Anglophone, 18% Francophone, and 7% other languages. Results: Compared with Anglophones, Francophones were more frequent users of long-term care (47.6% vs. 37.1%) and less frequent users of home care (71.3% vs. 76.3%). In adjusted models, the number of days spent in hospital in the last 90 days of life was similar between Anglophones and Francophones, although the odds of dying in hospital were significantly higher among the latter. The mean total health care cost in the last year of life was slightly lower among French ($62,085) compared with English ($63,814) speakers. Conclusions: There are statistically significant differences in end-of-life outcomes between linguistic groups in Ontario, namely more institutionalization in long-term care, less home care use and more deaths in-hospital among Francophones (adjusted). Future research is needed to examine the cause of these differences. Strategies to ensure equitable access to quality end-of-life care are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The menopause transition is characterized by significant hormonal changes that may predispose women to psychosocial maladjustment. Prospective studies to date have focused primarily on negative mood states and show equivocal findings. The primary goal of this study was to identify patterns of change with respect to positive and negative mood states (vigor, depression, tension, and stress) over a 5-year period in a cohort of women undergoing the transition to menopause. A secondary aim was to determine whether the identified trajectories were associated with menopause status as well as baseline health-related and psychological characteristics. This longitudinal study observed 102 healthy Canadian women who were premenopausal at baseline (age 47-55 years). Analyses consisted of latent class growth modeling. Mood states were predominantly normal and stable, raising doubts regarding the notion that psychosocial distress is a common and natural occurrence during the transition to menopause. Neither time spent in perimenopause nor BMI had a significant influence on levels of mood indicators. However, higher scores on body image, self-esteem, and general health perceptions were predictive of more positive psychological outcomes over the 5-year period. Targeting improvements in self-perceptions may promote a healthier psychological adjustment during this natural transitional period in a women's lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study aims to describe and understand how and to what extent hotel managers adopt sustainable development (SD) practices in their establishment, given the presence of barriers to the adoption of such practices by hotel establishments, and the lack of knowledge as to the ways and means by which an SD orientation is developed and implemented.Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research strategy was chosen to answer the research questions, that is, a multi-site case study of five Canadian hotels.Findings The study shows why and how hotel managers proceeded to develop and implement an SD orientation, as well as the contextual factors that affected the extent to which SD practices were adopted.Research limitations/implications The initial elaboration and validation of a process model of SD adoption in hotel establishments constitute a conceptual building block upon which this complex phenomenon can be further studied.Practical implications This study demonstrates that in the hospitality industry, implementing an SD orientation is a strategy that can be enabled through the provision of required knowledge and expertise as well as appropriate tools and techniques to hotel managers.Originality/value In describing and understanding the dynamics of implementing a SD orientation in five Canadian hotels, this study has provided a conceptually and practically fruitful answer to the question of “how” and “to what extent” hotels adopt SD practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its risk factors, and the influence of socioeconomic status, in Canadian children and adolescents. Methods: Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1 (2007-2009) and cycle 2 (2009-2011) respondents aged 10 to 18 years who provided fasting blood samples were included (n = 1228). The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) consensus definition for children and adolescents (10-15 years) and worldwide adult definition (Z 16 years) were used to diagnose MetS. Prevalence of MetS and its risk factors were calculated and differences by socioeconomic status were examined using w2 tests. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 2.1%. One-third (37.7%) of participants had at least one risk factor, with the most prevalent being abdominal obesity (21.6%), low HDL-C (19.1%) and elevated triglyceride levels (7.9%). This combination of abdominal obesity, low HDL-C and elevated triglyceride levels accounted for 61.5% of MetS cases. Participants from households with the highest income adequacy and educational attainment levels had the lowest prevalence of one or more MetS risk factors, abdominal obesity and low HDL-C. Conclusion: The prevalence of MetS (2.1%) was lower than previously reported in Canada (3.5%) and the USA (4.2%-9.2%), potentially due to the strict application of the IDF criteria for studying MetS. One-third of Canadian children and adolescents have at least one risk factor for MetS. Given that the risk for MetS increases with age, these prevalence estimates, coupled with a national obesity prevalence of almost 10% among youth, point to a growing risk of MetS and other chronic diseases for Canadian youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effects of aerobic training, resistance training, or both on abdominal subcutaneous fat (subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)) (deep and superficial), visceral fat (visceral adipose tissue (VAT)), apolipoproteins A-1 and B (ApoA-1, ApoB), ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) in post-pubertal adolescents with obesity.Participants: After a 4-week supervised moderate-intensity exercise run-in period, 304 postpubertal adolescents with overweight (body mass index (BMI) ⩾85th percentile for age and sex+diabetes risk factor) or obesity (⩾95th BMI percentile) aged 14-18 years were randomized to four groups for 22 weeks (5 months): aerobic training, resistance training, combined training or a non-exercising control.Methods: This study used a randomized controlled design. All groups received dietary counseling designed to promote healthy eating with a maximum daily energy deficit of 250 kcal. Abdominal fat (SAT and VAT) at the level of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4-L5) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging and ApoA-1, ApoB and HSCRP were measured after a 12-h fast at baseline and after 6 months.Results: Changes in SAT at L4-L5 were -16.2 cm(2) in aerobic (P=0.04 vs control), -22.7 cm(2) in resistance (P=0.009 vs control) and -18.7 cm(2) in combined (P=0.02 vs control). Combined training reduced ApoB levels from 0.81±0.02 to 0.78±0.02 g l(-1) (P=0.04 vs control) and ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio from 0.67±0.02 to 0.64±0.02 (P=0.02 vs control and P=0.04 vs aerobic). There were no significant differences in VAT, ApoA-1 or HSCRP levels between groups.Conclusions: Aerobic and resistance training and their combination decreased abdominal SAT in adolescents with obesity. Combined training caused greater improvements in ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio compared with aerobic training alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to examine if certain board characteristics have an impact on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) score of corporations. Design/methodology/approach – The authors’ paper analyzes the link between the ratings of CSR of the largest publicly traded Canadian firms (i.e. those included in the S&P/TSX 60 index) and the traits of their boards. Findings – The authors’ examination concludes that the CSR score is positively linked with the percentages of women and independent directors. The study did not find a link in the cases of board characteristics, namely, director’s remuneration, director’s tenure and director’s ownership. Research limitations/implications – The study focuses on the 60 largest public Canadian firms, which are strongly scrutinized. An analysis that includes smaller firms as well may show different results. Practical implications – To improve the ability of boards of directors to deal with CSR, the appointment of women and independent directors should be given greater emphasis. Data show that all boards in their sample are composed of at least 50 per cent of independent directors, with an average of 80 per cent. Thus, there is a more limited room to ameliorate CSR by adding independent directors. In contrast, women represented, on average, only 14.25 per cent of all directors. Companies wanting to improve their CSR should consider appointing more female participation in their boards. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the extant literature on corporate governance by presenting evidence of a link between CSR and certain board characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Canada, there is limited research examining the associations between objectively measured neighborhood environments and physical activity (PA) and obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between variables from built and social environments and PA and overweight/obesity across 86 Ottawa, Canada neighborhoods. Individual-level data including self-reported leisure-time PA (LTPA), height, and weight were examined in a sample of 4,727 adults from four combined cycles (years 2001/03/05/07) of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Data on neighborhood characteristics were obtained from the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study (ONS); a large study of neighborhoods and health in Ottawa, Canada. Binomial multivariate multilevel models were used to examine the relationships between environmental and individual variables with LTPA and overweight/obesity using survey weights in men and women separately. Within the sample, ~75% of the adults were inactive (<3.0 kcal/kg/day) while half were overweight/obese. Results of the multilevel models suggested that for females greater park area was associated with increased odds of LTPA and overweight/obesity. Greater neighborhood density of convenience stores and fast food outlets were associated with increased odds of females being overweight/obese. Higher crime rates were associated with greater odds of LTPA in males, and lower odds of male and female overweight/obesity. Season was significantly associated with PA in men and women; the odds of LTPA in winter months were half that of summer months. Findings revealed that park area, crime rates, and neighborhood food outlets may have different roles with LTPA and overweight/obesity in men and women and future prospective studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relationship between medical machines, technical skills, and healthcare technicians, giving primary focus to the ways in which this relationship can be applied to respiratory technicians and hearing prosthetists in the province of Quebec. Efforts undertaken by members of these two groups of technicians to professionalize their jobs are discussed by the author, as he is interested in the dichotomy between medical professionals and technicians. More broadly, the effect of machines on the division of work in the realm of hospitals and healthcare is investigated.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Economics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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 provides a descriptive analysis about Canada's experience in the area of its CPI expenditure weights and their construction. It starts by presenting the purpose, structure and scope of the Canadian CPI expenditure weights, a section that could very well extend to many other national CPIs. Also discussed are the various steps involved with updating the Canadian CPI basket as well as the information sources for the expenditure weights. In the end, I speculate as to possible future directions with regards to the treatment of weights in the CPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of Rational-Emotive Theory, this study was undertaken to determine the pattern of irrational beliefs underlying Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A total of 126 subjects (50 males. 76 females) volunteered to participate. Patients clinically diagnosed with MDD (univocal type) and a control group of non-depressed patients were solicited from the inpatient and outpatient facilities of several Ottawa and Montreal hospitals; the normal control group comprised students and civil servants. The subjects completed questionnaires to measure irrational belief endorsement (IBT, RBI) and symptom severity (STAI, BDI) and to verify the depression diagnosis (IDD). Multivariate statistics were used to determine the pattern of beliefs which best discriminates between the MDD group, the psychiatric control group, and the normal controls. Discriminate analysis of the IBT revealed a pattern of four irrational beliefs generally known as demand for approval, frustration reactivity, anxious overconcern, and helplessness over past. The implications of such findings for RET theory are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a case of carbon monoxide poisoning in Quebec City, Quebec. Investigation revealing the presence of a pocket of carbon monoxide under the patients' house; Solution of the problem.

Background: Nurses play a significant role in healthcare systems. Their workplace experience can have an impact not only on nurses themselves, but also on patients and organizations, particularly in terms of quality of care and performance. Despite the importance of this experience, it remains an ambiguous concept with varying interpretations. Current studies do not fully capture its complexity, as its multiple dimensions are often considered in isolation. As such, developing a portrait of nurses' workplace experience that integrates its multiple dimensions can provide decision-makers with better indications regarding what levers can be mobilized to generate positive results for nurses, patients, and organizations.Aim: To identify profiles of nurses' workplace experience in Quebec, Canada.Design: Cross sectional.Methods: In April 2017, 891 nurses participated in this study by completing a self-administered questionnaire. Four dimensions of nurses' workplace experience were measured: resources available to them in their workplace, personal resources, demands (psychological and physical) placed on them, and outcomes associated with their work. Descriptive and factorial analyses were performed.Results: Three profiles of nurses' workplace experience emerged from the factorial analyses: nurses in distress, nurses in moderately positive situations, and nurses in positive situations.Conclusion: The study identified profiles of nurses' workplace experience that were differentiated based on nurses' access to workplace resources, the demands of their work, and outcomes. Healthcare managers can use the results to improve the quality of nurses' workplace experience by improving access to structural work resources and alleviating psychological demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the issue is presented in which the editor reflects on the history of medical care techniques in Canada, the role of technical changes in the mutation of hospitals, and the evolution of surgical history.

Abstract: In December 2001, Canada''s response to the international political climate was launched by the creation of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear Research & Technology Initiative (CRTI). The National Biological Dosimetry Response Plan (NBDRP), established through partnering the expertise of three federal departments and one university, was created in response to this initiative. The NBDRP objectives were to develop a network of laboratories with expertise to perform biological dosimetry by cytogenetics and to investigate new technologies that may be applicable in the development of the new biodosimetry program. Since the creation of the NBDRP, Canada has made significant progress in enhancing expertise and resources to be better prepared for radiological/nuclear events. Through participation in exercises, the existing capacities were tested and recommendations for improvements were made. This paper describes the results from two exercises. The first exercise was designed to test the culturing, analysis, and reporting procedures within a single laboratory, and the second exercise was intended to test the capacity of the NBDRP. Future exercises will further challenge the network resulting in an improved national response capability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. Healthcare reforms launched in the early 2000s in Québec, Canada, involved the implementation of new forms of primary healthcare (PHC) organizations: Family Medicine Groups (FMGs) and Network Clinics (NCs). The objective of this paper is to assess how the organizational changes associated with these reforms have impact on patients’ experience of care, use of services, and unmet needs. Methods. We conducted population and organization surveys in 2005 and 2010 in two regions of the province of Québec. The design was a before-and-after natural experiment. Changes over time between new models and other practices were assessed using difference-in-differences statistical procedures. Results. Accessibility decreased between 2003 and 2010, but less so in the treatment than in the comparison group. Continuity of care generally improved, but the increase was less for patients in the treatment group. Responsiveness also increased during the period and more so in the treatment group. There was no other significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion. PHC reform in Québec has brought about major organizational changes that have translated into slight improvements in accessibility of care and responsiveness. However, the reform does not seem to have had an impact on continuity, comprehensiveness, perceived care outcomes, use of services, and unmet needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]