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Objective: To synthesize peer-reviewed primary research exploring factors associated with perceived stress impacting post-secondary students' academic success. Methods: A systematic review identified research conducted in North America, Europe, and Australia in the last ten years across 12 databases. Results: Of the 6,214 references screened, 14 English articles published between 2011 and 2018 were deemed relevant. Subsequent analysis characterized articles by study design, location, population, factors with a statistically significant relationship with both perceived stress and academic success, and future research directions. Findings reveal a complex relationship among overlapping factors associated with perceived stress on academic success at both the intrapersonal (eg, academic, demographic, psychological, attitudinal, and behavioral characteristics) and interpersonal levels (eg, social capital). Conclusions: Further research should measure the association of the identified factors to inform areas where resources could be targeted within post-secondary institutions to prevent stress from unduly impacting students' educational outcomes.

This study measured the effect of various dimensions of social capital on the reporting of stress impacting the academic performance of Canadian undergraduate students. The American College Health Association collects information on undergraduate students' habits, behaviors, and perceptions of various health topics through the National College Health Assessment-II (NCHA-II) survey. This cross-sectional study utilized the Spring 2019 NCHA-II survey data from 55,284 respondents across 58 Canadian post-secondary institutions. Of this, 31,091 undergraduate students (56.2%) reported being stressed within the past year and were included in our analysis. Nine factors were selected from the questionnaire based on their relevance to social capital in the literature, and an additional seven socio-demographic factors were controlled for in subsequent analyses. The associations between these predictor variables and stress impacting students' academic performance were examined by fitting univariable and mixed-effects logistic regression models. Our study found having warm and trusting relationships with others, feeling a sense of belongingness, and feeling society is a good place for all individuals significantly decreased the odds of students reporting stress impacting their academic performance. Campuses that support student mental health, institutions that provide information regarding stress reduction, and feeling safe on campus also lowered the odds of students reporting stress adversely affecting their academics. These components of social capital should be targeted at higher education institutions to cultivate social capital, alleviate the implications of stress affecting academic success, and promote interpersonal resiliency skill-building among students., Author(s): Konrad T. Lisnyj [sup.1] , David L. Pearl [sup.1] , Jennifer E. McWhirter [sup.1] , Andrew Papadopoulos [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.34429.38, 0000 0004 1936 8198, Department of Population [...]

Purpose: We examined the influence of human and psychological capital variables on the reporting of stress affecting Canadian post-secondary students' academic performances. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Spring 2019 National College Health Assessment-II data collected across 58 Canadian post-secondary institutions from 55,284 respondents. Of this, 31,091 undergraduate students indicated being stressed in the past year and were included in this analysis. Ten variables were selected based on their relevance to human and psychological capital in the literature, and an additional seven socio-demographic variables were adjusted for in subsequent analyses. The associations between these explanatory variables and stress impacting students' academic performances were examined by fitting mixed univariable and mixed multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Students who had a high cumulative grade point average, received information on stress reduction, were aware of mental health resources on campus, felt experiences that challenged them to grow and become a better person, felt their life had a sense of direction or meaning to it, felt interested in life, felt confident, and felt they had something important to contribute to society reported significantly lower odds of experiencing stress that negatively impacted their academic performance. Students who previously utilized psychological or mental health services and who felt hopeless reported significantly higher odds of experiencing stress affecting their academic performance. Conclusion: Targeting these components within post-secondary institutions may cultivate human and psychological capital, mitigate the deleterious effects of stress affecting academic success, and promote intrapersonal resiliency skill-building among students.

Background: State-level legislation regulates the posting of health warning labels (HWLs) in indoor tanning (IT) salons in the United States. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the content and appearance of state-level legislation-mandated IT HWLs. Methods: We conducted a directed content analysis of IT HWLs, evaluating location, health and aesthetic risk information, health communication theory constructs, and visual components. Results: Thirty-three states require IT HWLs: 30 states require one and 3 states require two. Text for 36 labels was analyzed: 94.4% (n = 34) mentioned skin cancer and eye risks, 91.7% (n = 33) mentioned aesthetic risk, and none mentioned death. One label suggested an ultraviolet (UV)-tanning alternative and none addressed barriers to reducing IT. Seventeen electronic labels were available for visual analysis: 5.9% (n = 1) contained a symbol and 11.8% (n = 2) contained an image. Discussion: IT HWLs are widely used and present basic risk information, yet their content and design may not be robustly informed by health communication best practices, theory, or research in the comparable field of tobacco HWLs. Translation to Health Education Practice: By understanding the current content and appearance of IT HWLs, we can substantiate the need for improvements to maximize their effectiveness as educational tools for deterring IT and reducing skin cancer risk.

Although a large proportion of the Canadian population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, millions of eligible individuals remain unvaccinated. Trust in public health and government impacts the effectiveness of crisis communication and the public's willingness to follow health recommendations. This qualitative study involved semistructured interviews with 12 COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant adults in Canada. Using thematic analysis, four themes were generated, including (1) perceived low use of crisis communication guiding principles contributes to distrust in officials; (2) risk perception and decisions are influenced by a range of sources; (3) concerns regarding vaccine safety, the industry, and politicization of efforts are impacting trust; and (4) stigma around vaccine status further entrenches views and erodes trust. This study highlights the importance of trust and how vaccine hesitancy is fueled by perceived ineffective crisis communication by officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Skin cancer is a significant public health problem among Canadians. Knowledge and attitudes about health are informed by mass media. The aim of our study was to describe the volume and nature of coverage of skin cancer and recreational tanning in Canadian women's magazines. METHODS: Directed content analysis on article text and images in six popular Canadian women's magazines (Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Homemakers, Flare, FASHION, ELLE Canada) from 2000-2012 with attention to risk factors, ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure and protection behaviours, and early detection. Six popular American women's magazines were used for a between-country comparison. RESULTS: There were 154 articles (221 images) about skin cancer and tanning published over 13 years. Volume of coverage did not increase in a linear fashion over time. The most common risk factor reported on was UV exposure (39%), with other risk factors less frequently identified. Although 72% of articles promoted sunscreen use, little content encouraged other protection behaviours. Only 15% of articles and 1% of images discouraged indoor tanning, while 41% of articles and 53% of images promoted the tanned look as attractive. Few articles ( CONCLUSION: Skin cancer and tanning messages in Canadian women's magazines had a narrow focus and provided limited information on risk factors or screening. Conflicting messages about prevention (text vs. images) may contribute to harmful UV behaviours among Canadian women. KEY WORDS: Sunbathing; ultraviolet rays; suntan; melanoma; beauty; communications media OBJECTIF : Le cancer de la peau est un important probleme de sante publique chez les Canadiens. Les connaissances et les attitudes en sante sont formees par les medias de masse. L'objectif de notre etude etait de decrire le volume et la nature de la couverture du cancer de la peau et du bronzage de beaute dans les periodiques canadiens pour les femmes. METHODES : Analyse de contenu du texte et des images des articles de six periodiques canadiens pour les femmes (Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Homemakers, Flare, FASHION, ELLE Canada) de 2000 a 2012, axee sur les facteurs de risque, les comportements d'exposition aux rayons ultraviolets (UV) et de protection, et la detection precoce. On a utilise six periodiques americains populaires pour les femmes pour la comparaison entre les pays. RESULTATS : Cent cinquante-quatre (154) articles (221 images) sur le cancer de la peau et le bronzage ont ete publies sur 13 ans. Le volume de la couverture n'a pas augmente de facon lineaire au fil du temps. Le facteur de risque le plus traite etait l'exposition aux rayons UV (39 %) et d'autres facteurs etaient mentionnes moins frequemment. Peu de contenu encourageait d'autres comportements de protection meme si 72 % des articles faisaient la promotion des ecrans solaires. Seulement 15 % des articles et 1 % des images decourageaient le bronzage interieur tandis que 41 % des articles et 53 % des images faisaient la promotion de la beaute d'une peau bronzee. Peu d'articles ( CONCLUSION : Les messages sur le cancer de la peau et le bronzage dans les periodiques canadiens pour les femmes portent peu d'attention aux facteurs de risque et au depistage et offrent peu d'information sur ces sujets. Les messages contradictoires sur la prevention (texte c. images) peuvent contribuer aux comportements dommageables en matiere d'UV chez les femmes canadiennes. MOTS CLES : bain de soleil; rayons ultraviolets; bronzage; melanome; beaute; medias de communication Can J Public Health 2015;106(4):e236-e243 doi: 10.17269/CJPH.106.4795, Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadians. (1) It is such a significant and growing public health problem that the Canadian Cancer Society made skin cancer [...]

Indoor tanning (IT) is an avoidable skin cancer risk. Although numerous communication interventions have been assessed for IT deterrence, less attention has been paid to the persuasive messages within these interventions. This scoping review summarizes the current peer-reviewed literature on persuasive messages for IT. Overall, 20 articles (21 studies) were included. Most were experimental or quasi-experimental and conducted in the US. Participants were mostly young women who had tanned indoors before. Few studies evaluated persuasive theme; in those that did, health and appearance themes were effective. Narrative and statistical evidence formats were also effective. The included studies also supported normative messages, loss-framed messages, and images. Improved reporting on message design and evaluation would be beneficial for future evidence synthesis. Our understanding of persuasive messages for IT has expanded in recent years, but more research is needed to optimize them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance to beta-lactam antimicrobials caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms is a global health concern. The objectives of this study were to (1) summarise the prevalence of potential ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) and Salmonella spp. (ESBL-SA) isolates from agrifood and human sources in Canada from 2012 to 2017, and (2) describe the distribution of ESBL genotypes among these isolates. All data were obtained from the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS). CIPARS analysed samples for the presence of ESBLs through phenotypic classification and identified beta-lactamase genes (bla TEM , bla SHV , bla CTX , bla OXA , bla CMY−2) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The prevalence of PCR-confirmed ESBL-EC in agrifood samples ranged from 0.5% to 3% across the surveillance years, and was detected most frequently in samples from broiler chicken farms. The overall prevalence of PCR-confirmed ESBL-SA varied between 1% and 4% between 2012 and 2017, and was most frequently detected in clinical isolates from domestic cattle. The TEM-CMY2 gene combination was the most frequently detected genotype for both ESBL-EC and ESBL-SA. The data suggest that the prevalence of ESBL-EC and ESBL-SA in Canada was low (i.e. <5%), but ongoing surveillance is needed to detect emerging or changing trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shade provides a variety of public health benefits; however, outdoor recreation sites often have limited shade. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 13) with shade stakeholders (i.e. individuals with a professional role involving shade design or provision) to gain in-depth understanding of the factors impacting shade provision at public parks. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged: (1) attitudes toward shade at parks; (2) designing shade at parks; (3) advantages and disadvantages of natural and built shade; (4) barriers to shade at parks; and, (5) approaches to reduce shade barriers. Shade stakeholders indicated shade is important and necessary and they strive to design shade in park spaces with park user patterns in mind. However, barriers including competing interests, budget, space constraints, and maintenance and operational concerns can limit their ability to do so. Future research should determine strategies to overcome these barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores female indoor tanners' perceptions of the current, text-only Canadian health warning label (HWL) for tanning equipment, as well as pictorial, evidence-based alternative HWLs. We created 10 test HWLs that depicted skin health effects, eye damage, premature aging, and death. Young women who had tanned indoors in the past year discussed these and the current federal HWL in focus groups. Although the current Canadian HWL was seen as informative, several participants did not recognize it, and many said that they would not read it due to the small text, wordiness, and lack of an image. Graphic images, particularly those depicting permanent conditions affecting the face, eyes, or appearance, were seen as effective. Common criticisms of the images were lack of believability, relatability, and comprehensibility. Although concise text was important for encouraging reading, many participants expressed a desire for more information in the test HWLs. Premature aging was of great concern to many participants, but the images selected for these HWLs were not perceived as effective. Although the text was seen as effective in the death HWLs, most participants dismissed the images. This research has implications for IT HWLs in Canada and globally. These results suggest that graphic images may be impactful in IT HWLs. Images must be supplemented with informative text that increases believability, relatability, and comprehensibility. These modifications would create HWLs that are engaging, informative, and that form part of a wider effort to spread awareness about the harmful effects of IT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The provision of shade at outdoor recreation sites such as playgrounds confers a variety of public health benefits. It can prevent overexposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, and, in turn, protect against skin cancer. Further, shade mitigates heat and may promote physical activity. In this study, we evaluate and describe the amount, type and use of shade at public playgrounds. Methods: Using a modified shade audit tool, shade audits were conducted to visually evaluate shade coverage at 85 city-operated playgrounds in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in summer 2019. Results: The main play area of most playgrounds (68%) had no shade available. Although the areas surrounding playgrounds had more shade coverage than the main play areas, we also found minimal shade coverage (> 0% to 30%) in this area for many playgrounds (48%). All shade over main play areas was provided by trees (i.e. natural shade). Permanent, built shade structures were observed in the surrounding area of 13% of playgrounds. Shade coverage in the areas surrounding playgrounds was positively correlated with the number of individuals (rs = 0.259; p = 0.017), children (rs = 0.270; p = 0.012), and active individuals (rs = 0.253; p = 0.020) using the surrounding area. This suggests that individuals seek shade at playgrounds and may be more active in shaded areas. Conclusion: Children have limited protective shade available to them at playgrounds. Future research is needed to determine how to best increase shade provision and to further explore the impact it has on playground usage, activity levels, temperature and UVR exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Canadian provincial and territorial governments have enacted legislation in response to health risks of artificial ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning. This legislation, which differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, regulates the operation of indoor tanning facilities. The content and comprehensiveness of such legislation--and its differences across jurisdictions--have not been analyzed. To address this research gap, we conducted a systematic, comprehensive scan and content analysis on provincial and territorial indoor tanning legislation, including regulations and supplementary information. Methods: Legislative information was collected from the Canadian Legal Information Institute database and an environmental scan was conducted to locate supplementary information. Through a process informed by the content of the legislation, previous research and health authority recommendations, we developed a 59-variable codebook. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: All provinces and one of three territories have legislation regulating indoor tanning. Areas of strength across jurisdictions are youth access restrictions (n = 11), posting of warning signs (n = 11), penalties (n = 11) and restrictions on advertising and marketing targeted to youth (n = 7). Few jurisdictions, however, cover areas such as protective eyewear (n = 4), unsupervised tanning (n = 4), provisions for inspection frequency (n = 4), misleading health claims in advertisements directed toward the general public (n = 2) and screening of high-risk clients (n = 0). Conclusion: All provinces and one territory have made progress in regulating the indoor tanning industry, particularly by prohibiting youth and using warning labels to communicate risk. Legislative gaps should be addressed in order to better protect Canadians from this avoidable skin cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]