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<p>Using a critical, feminist anti-oppressive framework approach this research study investigated the effects of restructuring on South Asian social workers in mainstream and ethno-specific agencies. This exploratory study examined the experiences of South Asian social workers and how restructuring has played a role in their practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants. The results indicated that the participants were concerned with 1) increase in bureaucracy and decrease of the social aspect of their work; 2) influence of the Eurocentric foundations of social work and its racist undertones, as well as its implications regarding cultural sensitivity; 3) exercising resistance as a result of the negative impacts of restructuring. The findings demonstrated that the social work profession needs to consider how restructuring uniquely impacts South Asian social workers and their practice. Mainstream and ethno-specific agencies need to consider how increasing bureaucracy and integrating culturally sensitive approaches can be inter-laced with racist undertones. More importantly, these agencies must evaluate how this will impact workers’ practices. Implications for culturally sensitive social work practice and the impacts of restructuring on South Asian social workers and service users are discussed.</p> / Master of Social Work (MSW)

Background: South Asians are at an increased risk of developing dysglycemia during and after pregnancy. In pregnant women, dysglycemia often develops in the form of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which may predispose their newborns to adverse health outcomes through abnormal cord blood insulin levels. However, reasons for the elevated risk of dysglycemia in South Asians have not been extensively studied. Genetic factors may contribute to the heritability of GDM and abnormal cord blood insulin levels in South Asians. Objectives: The objectives of this thesis were to test the association of: 1) A type 2 diabetes polygenic risk score with GDM in South Asian pregnant women from the South Asian Birth Cohort (START); 2) maternal and newborn insulin-based polygenic risk scores with cord blood insulin and glucose/insulin ratio in South Asian newborns from START Methods: Three polygenic risk scores were created to test their association with participant data (N=1012) from START. GDM was defined using cut-offs established by the Born in Bradford cohort of South Asian women. The type 2 diabetes polygenic risk score was created in 832 START mothers and included 35,274 independent variants. The maternal and newborn insulin-based polygenic risk scores were created in 604 START newborns and included 1128017 independent variants. Univariate and multiple logistic and linear regression models were used to test the associations between the polygenic risk scores and dysglycemia outcomes. Results: The type 2 diabetes polygenic risk score was associated with GDM in both univariate (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.46-2.75, P<0.001), and multivariable models (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.30-2.53, P<0.001). The maternal insulin-based polygenic risk score was not associated with cord blood insulin or cord glucose/insulin ratio. However, the newborn insulin-based polygenic risk score was associated with cord blood insulin in a multivariable model adjusted for maternal insulin-based polygenic risk score (β = 0.036, 95% CI: 0.002 – 0.069; P=0.038 among other factors. Conclusion: A type 2 diabetes polygenic risk score and a newborn insulin-based polygenic risk score may be associated with maternal and newborn dysglycemia. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Background: South Asians are approximately two times more at risk for developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to white Caucasians. Genetic factors may contribute to this elevated risk. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs), which combine the effects of multiple disease loci and variants associated with the disease into one variable could be useful in further understanding how GDM develops in South Asians. Methods: Data from the South Asian Birth Cohort (START) was used to test the association of three PRSs with the outcomes of interest. Results: The type 2 diabetes PRS was independently associated with GDM. The insulin-based maternal PRS was not associated with cord blood insulin but the insulin-based newborn PRS was independently associated with cord blood insulin. However, neither the insulin-based maternal nor newborn PRS was associated with cord blood glucose/insulin ratio. Conclusion: The PRSs suggests a possible genetic component, which contributes to abnormal glycemic status development in South Asian mothers and their newborns.

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of eight non-Muslim Caucasian Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists working with South Asian and Middle Eastern Muslim clients. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine the challenges and strengths that resulted from ethnic/racial and religious differences with clients of this population, and how the challenges and strengths were managed in therapy. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the themes that emerged were organized based on the areas of inquiry, which included: challenges that come from ethnic/racial and religious differences, strategies and recommendations to address ethnic/racial and religious differences and the challenges created by them, strengths that come from ethnic/racial and religious differences, and what therapists needed. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed. / Master of Science

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No / Vitiligo is a visible condition that is more noticeable in darker-skinned people. Beliefs about illness have been linked to psychosocial adjustment. There is some evidence that such beliefs may be influenced by cultural factors. Surprisingly little is known about beliefs in relation to vitiligo. Objectives The study sought to explore in depth the ways in which British Asian women manage and adjust psychosocially to vitiligo, and the potential role of ethnicity and culture in this process. Methods In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with seven British women of South Asian decent and analysed using the qualitative method of template analysis. Results Participants described feeling visibly different and all had experienced stigmatization to some extent. Avoidance and concealment were commonplace. Experiences of stigmatization were often perceived to be associated with cultural values related to appearance, status, and myths linked to the cause of the condition. Conclusions The findings of this study present a unique in-depth analysis of British South Asians living with vitiligo and suggest there is a need for further research to explore cultural associations of disfigurement and of adjustment to chronic skin conditions. Furthermore, they suggest that in addition to individual therapeutic interventions there may be a need for community interventions aimed at dispelling myths and raising awareness of sources of support and treatment.

Background: NICU experiences pose significant challenges for parents, especially immigrants, necessitating comprehensive support. South Asian immigrants, comprising 25% of Canada's visible minority population, face unique adversities related to gender roles, hindering access to essential health services and integration. Coupled with unfavourable social determinants of health (SDoH), these challenges worsen issues like inadequate prenatal care, education, and nutrition, predictors of adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Existing studies lack insight into the specific experiences of South Asian immigrant mothers in the NICU. This study investigates these experiences. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we recruited four participants for semi-structured interviews, supplemented by a demographic questionnaire and participant observation. Qualitative content analysis was employed for data analysis. Findings: Four key themes were identified from the interviews: (1) Seeking Understanding, (2) Cultural Influence on NICU Experience, (3) Motherhood Journey, and (4) Circle of Care. Implications: This study fills a gap in NICU research for South Asian immigrant women, providing a foundation for future nursing research and practice. It underscores the importance of communication and preparation for discharge delays to ease parental concerns. Additionally, it emphasizes culturally sensitive care practices and encourages further exploration of cultural influences on hospital experiences. Insights from this study can benefit other ethno-racial immigrant groups. / Thesis / Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) / Existing research offers insights into the general challenges and distress often associated with mothers' experiences in the NICU. However, there is little evidence to understand the specific experiences of South Asian immigrant mothers within this context. The objective of this thesis is to describe and understand the experiences in the NICU reported by this population. Employing a qualitative description methodology, this study engaged four eligible participants. Data collection entailed semi-structured interviews alongside a demographic questionnaire. Employing qualitative content analysis, four overarching themes were identified: (1) Seeking to Understand, (2) The Impact of South Asian Culture on the NICU Experience, (3) Becoming a Mother One Step at a Time, and (4) Circle of Care.