This dissertation combines the empowering methodology of photovoice with focus groups and in-depth interviews, to develop a contextual understanding of the meaning of breast cancer for Aboriginal women. Photovoice is a participatory action research method, as well as a process towards health promotion. The participants in this study took pictures to document their realities and engaged in critical reflection individually and in a group process, using images and stories to advocate community and policy changes. A combination of epidemiological, sociological, and anti-oppressive theoretical lenses were used to analyze the womens stories and data, which served to acknowledge heterogeneity, while integrating multiple social contexts.<p> The emerging framework revealed multi-faceted identities, commonalities of situation, and prominent social forces that affect identity and cancer experience. Interpretation of the womens stories and pictures resulted in four general themes: 1) adjusting to physical and psychological changes; 2) the need for culturally relevant sources of support; 3) shifting identities; and 4) personal and political advocacy/policy directions. Prominent social forces include: culturally derived meanings of identity and sexuality, cultural and historical experiences/traditions of Aboriginal peoples, racism and racial stigmas, and socio-economic inequalities. Breast cancer experiences are shown to be significantly linked to history and the impact of colonization and neo-colonialism. Findings also point to the importance of recognizing heterogeneity, which does not minimize the impact of colonial histories and oppression, but points to the importance of employing an anti-oppressive theoretical lens and research framework, able to handle complex intersecting social forces and multiple agencies. These findings provide support for using the photovoice methodology with Aboriginal women, especially for its ability to shift power from researchers to insiders, privilege Indigenous knowledges, and for providing opportunities for critical and multiple tellings. The dissertation concludes by introducing a governmentality lens, which questions whether photovoice methods can address the social and historical problems at the level of policy. This study directs our attention to the need for further research on: 1) the link between breast cancer experiences to historical, political, and social contexts of lives of Aboriginal peoples; and 2) the potential of photovoice methods to affect policy and social justice.

Thesis (M.A.), Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2000. / Bibliography: leaves 193-199.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Univ., 2002. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Few studies have measured the changes of postpartum weight retention (PWR), and none of them have assessed the effect of pregnancy on waist circumference (WC) in Taiwanese women. The primary aims of this longitudinal study were to explore the changes in body weight and WC during the first six months postpartum and to identify the explanatory factors of PWR and of WC. A theoretical framework that incorporated Bandura's social learning theory and the results of a literature review was used to guide this study. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Postpartum body weight and WC were measured. Data were collected from May 2011 to January 2013 and analyzed using the SPSS 19.0 and Mplus 6.12. A sample of 200 healthy postpartum women was recruited from three clinics in Tainan City, Taiwan. The mean age of the women was 31.19 years, and the majority of them were married (98.0%), primiparas (56%), had a bachelor's degree (52.5%), and planned to have this pregnancy (62.5%). The mean prepregnancy body weight was 55.84 kg, and the mean GWG was 13.76 kg. About one third of the sample gained weight exceeding the GWG recommendations of the IOM. The mean PWR decreased over time from 9.13 kg at hospitalization to 2.73 kg at 6 months postpartum. Approximately 24% of the participants still retained 5 kg or more at 6 months postpartum, and about 44% of the women had at least one kind of weight-related risk--substantial PWR, overweight, or central obesity. Age, prepregnancy BMI, parity, GWG, and place for doing the month significantly affected PWR. The final latent growth curve (LGC) model of PWR explained 91.5% and 33.9% of the variance in initial status and overall change rate in PWR. Age, prepregnancy BMI, parity, GWG, and cesarean delivery significantly affected WC, which explained 84.1% and 38.1% of the variance in initial status and change rate in WC. GWG was the most influential factor in the change rate of PWR and WC. Establishing tailored recommendations for GWG for Taiwanese women is warranted. / text

The conceptual orientation of this study was informed by social ecology theory coupled with the concept of rural place, to investigate social processes embedded within the physical, social and symbolic environment affecting the health of rural grandmothers raising grandchildren. A modified grounded theory methodology was used to generate a middle range theory explicating the basic social process of rural grandmother-mothering. The Rural Grandmother-Mothering as Cushioning model explains how the rural place experience of the physical, social and perceptual environmental context influences the health of rural grandmothers raising grandchildren.This research has significance for the scientific community by demonstrating how place is fused with human experiences. Results can inform nursing interventions tailored to the unique social processes in rural settings and designed to promote the health of the increasing numbers of women engaged in grandmother-mothering.

Introduction: Osteoporotic fractures, a major public health problem in aging populations, can lead to increased disability and mortality. Though rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk for fractures than healthy populations, it is not known how hip structural geometry and body composition, two factors associated with bone strength, affect fracture risk in this population. The overall goal of this dissertation is to examine the association between RA, fracture, hip structural geometry, and body composition, in the participants of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).Methods: The association between probable RA and fracture risk was tested using the entire WHI cohort (n=161,808). The association between probable RA and hip structural geometry was tested, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, in a smaller sample (n=11,020) of participants from the WHI Bone Density Centers (WHI-BMD). The last study, testing the association between probable RA and body composition was also conducted in the WHI-BMD cohort.Results: In comparison to the non-arthritic group, the probable RA group had a significant 50%, 2-fold, and 3-fold increase in any, spine, and hip fracture, respectively. The association was not mot modified by age or ethnicity, but glucocorticoid use altered the association between RA and spine fractures. In terms of geometry, the probable RA had a significantly lower (p<0.05) mean hip BMD, outer diameter, cross-sectional area, and section modulus at the narrow neck region compared to control groups, indicating reduced bone strength. Body composition changes were present between the probable RA and the control group, with the probable RA group having statistically lower estimate of lean mass and statistically higher estimates of fat mass compared to the non-arthritic control group cross-sectionally and over the study.Conclusion: These studies confirm the increased risk for fracture among RA patients, while providing evidence that RA alters bone strength, especially at the hip, and negatively effects body composition by reducing lean mass and increasing fat mass. Additional research is needed link structural geometry and body composition to bone strength to lead to tailored interventions to minimize decreases in bone strength in this high fracture risk population.

Evidence suggests that employment for women can reduce poverty and inequality resulting in improved living standards. The garment industry is an important source of income for Indian women. This thesis tested the effects of garment work as an income source on women’s health-care utilization practices and decision-making in comparison to both agricultural labourers and general women in India. Cross-sectional data collected from India’s National Family Health Survey-3 was used to generate descriptive statistics. Statistical modeling was used to test the effect of garment work on a) barriers to health care services and b) decision-making abilities of Indian women. Results suggest garment workers are younger, more educated, urban, and wealthier, make more cash earnings, and have more access and control over their own money as compared to agricultural labourers. Results indicate female garment workers report facing fewer barriers to accessing health care services. As well, access to cash earnings increases their decision-making abilities.

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most common form of vulvodynia affecting 12% of pre-menopausal women in the general population. It is commonly described as a sharp or burning pain at the entrance of the vagina in response to contact or pressure to the vulvar vestibule. PVD has negative impacts on sexual functioning, relationship adjustment, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Studies suggest that increased muscle tension in the pelvic floor of women with PVD may play an important role in maintaining and exacerbating their pain. Despite this finding, no prospective studies of pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFP) for PVD have been carried out. The purpose of the current study was to prospectively examine the effectiveness of a comprehensive PFP intervention in treating the physical and psychosexual components of PVD. Thirteen women with PVD completed 8 sessions of PFP. Women were assessed at pre- and post-treatment via gynecological examinations, vestibular pain threshold testing, structured interviews and standardized questionnaires measuring pain variables (pain during intercourse, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Pain Disability Index), cognitive variables (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale-20, coping strategies), and sexual function (frequency of intercourse, Female Sexual Function Index). To-date, ten women have also completed a 3-month follow-up interview. Results indicated that vestibular pain thresholds significantly increased from pre- to post-treatment, indicating reduced pain sensitivity. As compared with pre-treatment, women reported significant reductions in pain intensity during the gynecological examination and during intercourse. Women also significantly improved on measures of negative pain cognitions and various components of sexual function. There were no changes with respect to mental health or quality of life. The treatment was considered to be successful for 10 (77%) of the 13 women and treatment satisfaction was rated very high. Predictors of successful treatment outcome at the follow-up period were a longer period of time in treatment and decreases in pain catastrophizing and pain-related anxiety. Results provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of PFP in treating the physical and psychosexual components of PVD. These findings indicate the need for large-scale, randomized studies of the effectiveness of PFP in comparison and in conjunction with other treatment options. / Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-12 11:04:06.501

In Canada, the growth and intensity of neo-liberal governance and philosophy, which includes idealizing a self-sufficient and independent citizenry continues to inform public policies at the federal and provincial levels. These policies, in turn, have implications for individuals’ health and well-being. Health implications are further visible and intensified along gender, class and ethnic lines. In this study, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with eight low income single mothers who had been affected by employment and assistance policies and regulations in British Columbia. The findings revealed the ways in which these women were affected by neo-liberal policy initiatives that held them individually accountable and responsible for managing their life circumstances in order to achieve the expectations bestowed upon them as citizens. It also revealed the inequalities that existed at the intersection of gender, class and ethnicity. The findings point to the need to address the policy barriers that confront lone mothers. / Graduate / 2015-02-12 / 0630 / 0628 / amyh@uvic.ca

In Canada, the growth and intensity of neo-liberal governance and philosophy, which includes idealizing a self-sufficient and independent citizenry continues to inform public policies at the federal and provincial levels. These policies, in turn, have implications for individuals’ health and well-being. Health implications are further visible and intensified along gender, class and ethnic lines. In this study, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with eight low income single mothers who had been affected by employment and assistance policies and regulations in British Columbia. The findings revealed the ways in which these women were affected by neo-liberal policy initiatives that held them individually accountable and responsible for managing their life circumstances in order to achieve the expectations bestowed upon them as citizens. It also revealed the inequalities that existed at the intersection of gender, class and ethnicity. The findings point to the need to address the policy barriers that confront lone mothers. / Graduate / 0630 / 0628 / amyh@uvic.ca