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    Linda Duffett-Leger

    Although nurses make up the largest group of professionals working in th healthcare field, they are often left out of the decisions that shape the restructuring of healthcare in Canada. A feminist philosophy guided this qualitative study,... more
    Although nurses make up the largest group of professionals working in th healthcare field, they are often left out of the decisions that shape the restructuring of healthcare in Canada. A feminist philosophy guided this qualitative study, conducted in New Brunswick, to gain an in-depth knowledge of the impact of restructuring on nurses working in all types of healthcare facilities across the province. Sixty-five nurses were interviewed, and a number of themes, including "having a voice," emerged from the data. While many of the nurses interviewed reported that they were not invited to participate in decisions related to healthcare restructuring, others noted that when they did have an opportunity to participate, they were frequently not heard. However, a number of nurses also reported that they believed they had some influence and could continue to make a positive difference when they were asked to be involved at the outset of a change process.
    ▪   Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the most widely studied constructs in the social sciences. Several ways of measuring SES have been proposed, but most include some quantification of family income, parental education, and... more
    ▪   Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the most widely studied constructs in the social sciences. Several ways of measuring SES have been proposed, but most include some quantification of family income, parental education, and occupational status. Research shows that SES is associated with a wide array of health, cognitive, and socioemotional outcomes in children, with effects beginning prior to birth and continuing into adulthood. A variety of mechanisms linking SES to child well-being have been proposed, with most involving differences in access to material and social resources or reactions to stress-inducing conditions by both the children themselves and their parents. For children, SES impacts well-being at multiple levels, including both family and neighborhood. Its effects are moderated by children's own characteristics, family characteristics, and external support systems.
    Background Supportive parenting programs can promote parent-child interactions and children's development. However, families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low socioeconomic status) report barriers (e.g., transportation, distrust... more
    Background Supportive parenting programs can promote parent-child interactions and children's development. However, families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low socioeconomic status) report barriers (e.g., transportation, distrust of researchers) to research participation, and attrition rates of 40% and higher have been reported in parenting research. In response, we conducted a longitudinal evaluation of a digital parenting program in a major metropolitan centre in western Canada and retained 99% of our sample. Aim Review recruitment and retention strategies employed in the First Pathways study and evaluate associations between sociodemographic (e.g., income) and psychosocial (e.g., parental depression) factors with recruitment and retention strategies. Methods and Findings In collaboration with community agencies, we commenced recruitment of 100 families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low-income) in June 2021. We utilized strategies to engage staff (e.g., presentations, gift cards, updates) and employed snowball sampling. Families recruited through community agencies were significantly more likely to experience vulnerability (e.g., low income and education, high adverse experiences) compared to families in the snowball sample. We incorporated strategies to minimize participant burden (e.g., choice of online or in-person meetings), promoted rapport (e.g., holiday texts, nonjudgmental environment), incorporated trauma-informed practices (e.g., sensitive inquiry), and demonstrated appreciation for participants’ contributions (i.e., honorarium). Family experiences of vulnerability (i.e., low income, depressive symptoms, adversity) were correlated with higher participant rescheduling. Conclusion Nurses need knowledge of strategies to promote equitable access to research for families experiencing vulnerability. Digital programs with protocols designed to establish rapport, include trauma-informed practices, and minimize participant burden will likely optimize participation and retention.
    Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) reduces maternal–infant interaction quality, stresses infants and mothers, and is linked to adverse child social–emotional and cognitive developmental outcomes. Objectives: A hypothesised mechanism... more
    Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) reduces maternal–infant interaction quality, stresses infants and mothers, and is linked to adverse child social–emotional and cognitive developmental outcomes. Objectives: A hypothesised mechanism for these observed relationships is the stress-related over-activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and resultant altered cortisol patterns. While cortisol levels of mothers and infants are strongly correlated, environmental, maternal, infant and maternal–infant
    Maternal depression, especially in the early years of child development, affects parenting behaviors that have been repeatedly linked to poor outcomes in children. However, recurrent maternal depression may be a more potent predictor of... more
    Maternal depression, especially in the early years of child development, affects parenting behaviors that have been repeatedly linked to poor outcomes in children. However, recurrent maternal depression may be a more potent predictor of parenting than depression that only occurs in the early years. Longitudinal population data were used to examine the influence of depression in the first 2 years postpartum alone or in combination with recurrent episodes of depression on self-reported parenting behaviors known to influence children’s development. Growth curve hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine the relationships among depression in the early years, recurrent depression, and parenting during children’s first 12 years of life. Findings revealed that 63% of the depressed mothers reported recurrent episodes of depression. Self-reported parenting behaviors characterized by positive forms of discipline, firmness, and consistency were related to recurrent episodes of depression, whereas warmth and nurturant parenting behaviors were unaffected by recurrent episodes.
    Secondary analysis from two qualitative studies was used to explore the interactions of mothers exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) with the justice system. Results were categorized according to three key themes: (a) negative... more
    Secondary analysis from two qualitative studies was used to explore the interactions of mothers exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) with the justice system. Results were categorized according to three key themes: (a) negative interactions within the justice system, (b) positive interactions within the justice system, and (c) recommendations for an improved justice system response to domestic violence. Overall, findings suggested that mothers affected by domestic violence are confronted with negative attitudes and ineffectual practices within convoluted bureaucratic criminal justice systems, leaving many feeling revictimized. Despite the negative aspects of the legal system, women in both studies cited positive examples of feeling comforted, validated, and even empowered by the actions of the specific service providers. The findings of both studies underscore the need for greater efficiencies within the justice system and mandatory training for service providers, making it easier for women who have left their abusers to access appropriate support services, as well as the importance of affirmational support particularly when it can be provided by a peer with shared experiences. Future research is needed to guide the development of interventions that will limit the impacts of IPV exposure on child developmental outcomes.
    Background: With increases in the use of technological devices worldwide, parental technoference is a potential threat to quality of parent-child relationships and children’s health and development. Parental technoference refers to... more
    Background: With increases in the use of technological devices worldwide, parental technoference is a potential threat to quality of parent-child relationships and children’s health and development. Parental technoference refers to disrupted interactions between a parent and child due to a parent’s use of a technological device. The aim of this scoping review is to map, describe and summarize existing evidence from published research studies on the impacts of parental technoference on parent-child relationships and children’s health and development and to identify limitations in the studies and gaps in the literature. Methods: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A search for relevant research studies will be undertaken in APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Central, Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, JBI EBP and Embase (OVID). CINAHL (Ebsco) and Scopus will also be searched. Grey and popular literature will be excluded. T...
    Background Supportive parenting programs can promote parent-child interactions and children's development. However, families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low socioeconomic status) report barriers (e.g., transportation, distrust... more
    Background Supportive parenting programs can promote parent-child interactions and children's development. However, families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low socioeconomic status) report barriers (e.g., transportation, distrust of researchers) to research participation, and attrition rates of 40% and higher have been reported in parenting research. In response, we conducted a longitudinal evaluation of a digital parenting program in a major metropolitan centre in western Canada and retained 99% of our sample. Aim Review recruitment and retention strategies employed in the First Pathways study and evaluate associations between sociodemographic (e.g., income) and psychosocial (e.g., parental depression) factors with recruitment and retention strategies. Methods and Findings In collaboration with community agencies, we commenced recruitment of 100 families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low-income) in June 2021. We utilized strategies to engage staff (e.g., presentations, g...
    Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-cjn-10.1177_08445621211047055 for What Do We Know About Interventions to Prevent Low Back Injury and Pain Among Nurses and Nursing Students? A Scoping Review by Linda Duffett-Leger, Amy J. Beck, Anya... more
    Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-cjn-10.1177_08445621211047055 for What Do We Know About Interventions to Prevent Low Back Injury and Pain Among Nurses and Nursing Students? A Scoping Review by Linda Duffett-Leger, Amy J. Beck, Anya Siddons, Katherine S. Bright and K. Alix Hayden in Canadian Journal of Nursing Research
    Study background Back injuries are common among nurses worldwide with lifetime prevalence of lower back pain ranging from 35% to 80%, making nursing a profession at great risk for back injuries. Purpose This systematic scoping review... more
    Study background Back injuries are common among nurses worldwide with lifetime prevalence of lower back pain ranging from 35% to 80%, making nursing a profession at great risk for back injuries. Purpose This systematic scoping review explored and mapped existing evidence regarding the prevention of low back injury and pain among nurses and nursing students. Methods Using a scoping review methodology, six databases were searched initially in September 2017 and updated June 2020. Studies investigating interventions designed to reduce back injuries and pain among regulated nurses and student nurses, published in peer-review journals and written in English, were eligible for inclusion in this review. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies of regulated nurses, nursing students, and nursing aides were included. Two independent reviewers screened, critically analysed studies using a quality appraisal tool, extracted data, and performed quality appraisals. Results Two searches...
    Background/objective: Postpartum depression is linked to decreased quality mother-infant interactions and long-term negative impacts on children’s behavior and health. Infant care competence may be reduced by postpartum depression and... more
    Background/objective: Postpartum depression is linked to decreased quality mother-infant interactions and long-term negative impacts on children’s behavior and health. Infant care competence may be reduced by postpartum depression and other maternal or environmental variables. Thus, the objective of this study was to explain factors that contribute to perceived infant care competence among mothers with postpartum depression. Methods: Multiple regression analysis and correlational analysis were conducted to study associations between the predictors (depression severity, social support, child development, family functioning) and the outcome of perceived infant care competence among a peer support intervention study for mothers with postpartum depression (n = 55). Results: Child development, specifically communication ( P = .04), gross ( P = .00) and fine ( P = .00) motor skills, problem solving ( P = .00), and personal-social development ( P = .01), explained maternal perceptions of r...
    Maternal depression, especially in the early years of child development, affects parenting behaviors that have been repeatedly linked to poor outcomes in children. However, recurrent maternal depression may be a more potent predictor of... more
    Maternal depression, especially in the early years of child development, affects parenting behaviors that have been repeatedly linked to poor outcomes in children. However, recurrent maternal depression may be a more potent predictor of parenting than depression that only occurs in the early years. Longitudinal population data were used to examine the influence of depression in the first 2 years postpartum alone or in combination with recurrent episodes of depression on self-reported parenting behaviors known to influence children’s development. Growth curve hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine the relationships among depression in the early years, recurrent depression, and parenting during children’s first 12 years of life. Findings revealed that 63% of the depressed mothers reported recurrent episodes of depression. Self-reported parenting behaviors characterized by positive forms of discipline, firmness, and consistency were related to recurrent episodes of depression...
    Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) reduces maternal–infant interaction quality, stresses infants and mothers, and is linked to adverse child social–emotional and cognitive developmental outcomes. Objectives: A hypothesised mechanism... more
    Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) reduces maternal–infant interaction quality, stresses infants and mothers, and is linked to adverse child social–emotional and cognitive developmental outcomes. Objectives: A hypothesised mechanism for these observed relationships is the stress-related over-activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and resultant altered cortisol patterns. While cortisol levels of mothers and infants are strongly correlated, environmental, maternal, infant and maternal–infant
    Approximately 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, representing the most common source of maternal morbidity post-delivery. Postpartum depression may impair maternal-infant interactions, contributing to poor developmental... more
    Approximately 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, representing the most common source of maternal morbidity post-delivery. Postpartum depression may impair maternal-infant interactions, contributing to poor developmental outcomes in the offspring of mothers with depression. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of home-based peer support that included maternal-infant interaction teaching for mothers with symptoms of postpartum depression and their infants. Mothers with postpartum depression were randomly assigned to control (n = 33) or intervention groups (n = 27). Intervention group mothers received 12 weeks of home-based peer support that included maternal-infant interaction teaching; peers were mothers who had recovered from postpartum depression and were trained to provide support. Data were collected from all mothers at baseline, as well as 6 and 12 weeks' post-randomization. Contrary to the hypothesized direction of relationships, results favoured the control group. A significant difference between the groups was observed for one of the two measures of maternal-infant interactions. Several other measures favoured the control group, including mothers' depressive symptoms and social support scores. No significant treatment effects were observed in infant IQ scores or diurnal salivary cortisol levels in mothers or infants. The findings suggest that maternal-infant interaction teaching by peers is not well received by mothers with postpartum depression and might be more optimally delivered by professional nurses.
    Additional file 1: Table S1. Adjusted amenable cancer mortality rates (X100,000) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) among NHW and NHB by gender and education level. United States, 1989–2018. Table S2. Adjusted amenable colon and rectum*... more
    Additional file 1: Table S1. Adjusted amenable cancer mortality rates (X100,000) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) among NHW and NHB by gender and education level. United States, 1989–2018. Table S2. Adjusted amenable colon and rectum* mortality rates (X100,000) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) among NHW and NHB by gender and education level. United States, 1989–2018. Table S3. Adjusted amenable skin cancer* mortality rates (X100,000) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) among NHW and NHB by gender and education level. United States, 1989–2018. Table S4. Adjusted amenable lung and trachea cancer* mortality rates (X100,000) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) among NHW and NHB men by education level. United States, 1989–2018. Table S5. Adjusted amenable Hodgkin's disease* mortality rates (X100,000) and 95% Confidence intervals (CI) among NHW and NHB by gender and education level. United States, 1989–2018. Table S6. Adjusted amenable leukemia* mortality rates (X100,000 and 95% Confide...
    The Internet is becoming an increasingly important portal to health information and means for promoting health in user populations. As the most frequent users of online health information, young women are an important target population... more
    The Internet is becoming an increasingly important portal to health information and means for promoting health in user populations. As the most frequent users of online health information, young women are an important target population for e-health promotion interventions. Health-related websites have traditionally been generic in design, resulting in poor user engagement and affecting limited impacts on health behaviour change. Mounting evidence suggests that the most effective health promotion communication strategies are collaborative in nature, fully engaging target users throughout the development process. Participatory design approaches to interface development enable researchers to better identify the needs and expectations of users, thus increasing user engagement in, and promoting behaviour change via, online health interventions. This article introduces participatory design methods applicable to online health intervention design and presents an argument for the use of such...
    Background Cancer mortality in the U.S. has fallen in recent decades; however, individuals with lower levels of education experienced a smaller decline than more highly educated individuals. This analysis aimed to measure the influence of... more
    Background Cancer mortality in the U.S. has fallen in recent decades; however, individuals with lower levels of education experienced a smaller decline than more highly educated individuals. This analysis aimed to measure the influence of education lower than a high school diploma, on cancer amenable mortality among Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) and Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) in the U.S. from 1989 to 2018. Methods We analyzed data from 8.2 million death certificates of men and women who died from cancer between 1989 and 2018. We examined 5-year and calendar period intervals, as well as annual percent changes (APC). APC was adjusted for each combination of sex, educational level, and race categories (8 models) to separate the general trend from the effects of age. Results Our study demonstrated an increasing mortality gap between the least and the most educated NHW and NHB males and females who died from all cancers combined and for most other cancer types included in this study. The gap ...

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