Browsing by Author "Eaton, Andrew D."

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Open Access
Can social media participation enhance LGBTQ+ youth wellbeing? Development of the social media benefits scale
(SAGE Publications, 2021-01-23) Craig, Shelley L.; Eaton, Andrew D.; McInroy, Lauren B.; Leung, Vivian W. Y.; Krishnan, Sreedevi
Social media sites offer critical opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth to enhance well-being through exploring their identities, accessing resources, and connecting with peers. Yet extant measures of youth social media use disproportionately focus on the detrimental impacts of online participation, such as overuse and cyberbullying. This study developed a Social Media Benefits Scale (SMBS) through an online survey with a diverse sample (n = 6,178) of LGBTQ+ youth aged 14–29. Over three-quarters of the sample endorsed non-monosexual and/or and gender fluid identities (e.g., gender non-conforming, non-binary, pansexual, bisexual). Participants specified their five most used social media sites and then indicated whether they derived any of 17 beneficial items (e.g., feeling connected, gaining information) with the potential to enhance well-being from each site. An exploratory factor analysis determined the scale’s factor structure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe post hoc tests examined age group differences. A four-factor solution emerged that measures participants’ use of social media for: (1) emotional support and development, (2) general educational purposes, (3) entertainment, and (4) acquiring LGBTQ+-specific information. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 40,828, p < .0005) and the scale had an alpha of .889. There were age group differences for all four factors (F = 3.79–75.88, p < .05). Younger adolescents were generally more likely to use social media for beneficial factors than older youth. This article discusses the scale’s development, exploratory properties, and implications for research and professional practice.
Open Access
Co-Creating Socio-Culturally-Appropriate Virtual Geriatric Care for Older Adults Living With HIV: A Community-Based Participatory, Intersectional Protocol
(Sage, 2023-10-06) Kokorelias, Kristina M.; Wasilewski, Marina B.; Flanagan, Ashley; Zhabokritsky, Alice; Singh, Hardeep; Dove, Erica; Eaton, Andrew D.; Valentine, Dean; Sheppard, Christine; Abdelhalim, Reham; Parpia, Rabea; Zewude, Rahel; Jamieson, Laura; Grosse, Anna; Walmsley, Sharon; Brown, Paige; Sirisegaram, Luxey
The aging cohort of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Canada has reached a critical point, with nearly half now 50 years age or older. Older persons living with HIV have specific needs which can be effectively addressed by geriatric specialists. However, the recognition of HIV care as a domain of geriatrics is recent, resulting in a lack of clinical recommendations and modern care models for delivering geriatric care to this population. Virtual care has been demonstrated to reduce existing barriers to accessing HIV care in some populations but before it can be adapted to geriatric HIV care a critical first step is to acknowledge and understand disparities in socioeconomic circumstances, technology access and ability and cultural differences in experiences. This protocol marks the initial step in a comprehensive program of research aimed at co-designing, implementing, and evaluating culturally-appropriate virtual geriatric care for diverse older adults living with HIV. The study employs qualitative methods with older adults living with HIV to lay the groundwork, to inform the future development of a virtual model of geriatric care. We will explore the perspectives of diverse groups of older persons with HIV on (1) The value and necessity of culturally-tailored virtual interventions for geriatric HIV care; and (2) Recommendations on how best to engage older persons with HIV in the future co-design of a virtual model of geriatric HIV care. Ultimately, a more culturally-appropriate approach to care will foster a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system for all individuals affected by HIV including those who are aging. Researchers can utilize this research protocol to employ qualitative co-design and participatory methods with diverse older adults living with HIV.
Open Access
Cognitive remediation group therapy compared to mutual aid group therapy for people aging with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder: randomized, controlled trial
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2021-08-21) Eaton, Andrew D.; Craig, Shelley L.; Rouke, Sean B.; Sota, Teresa; McCullagh, John W.; Fallon, Barbara A.; Walmsley, Sharon L.
Cognitive impairment is an important comorbidity for people aging with HIV, and group therapy may ameliorate the associated anxiety and stress. Combination psychosocial interventions may have better outcomes than single technique approaches. A pilot, parallel design, two-arm trial randomized people aging with HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) to Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy (Experimental; combination of brain training activities and mindfulness-based stress reduction) or Mutual Aid Group Therapy (Control). Outcomes were feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and exploratory measures of anxiety, stress, coping, and use of mindfulness and brain training activities. Amongst forty contacted participants, 15 replied, 12 recruited, and 10 completed. Assessors confirmed intervention delivery with satisfactory fidelity. The novel arm had statistically significant improvements in stress and mindfulness use compared to control, and brain training and mindfulness use sustained at 3-month follow-up. Requiring a HAND diagnosis made recruitment challenging. Further research should broaden eligibility to people aging with HIV and cognitive challenges.
Open Access
Connecting MSW students to community-based practicum: Feasibility and acceptability of panel presentations
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2019-09-03) Eaton, Andrew D.; Katz, Ellen; McKee, Eileen; Russell, Denise
Foundation-year MSW students in Canada often have their first practicum in community-based agencies. Orientation can be challenging as many students aim for hospital placements. Site visits are widely used for practicum orientation in Canada, however drawbacks include intensive resources and difficulty standardizing the experience. As a site visit alternative and to inspire students for community-based practicum, panel presentations were piloted to assess feasibility and acceptability. Thirty-seven panelists (primarily field instructors) presented to 135 MSW students in October 2017. Most students (90%, n=122) completed an evaluation form and 54% of panelists (n=20) completed a follow-up survey. Panels were feasible and acceptable to students and presenters. This paper details the orientation activity with considerations for research and practice.
Open Access
Filmed simulation to train peer researchers in community-based participatory research
(Oxford University Press, 2019-09) Eaton, Andrew D.
Peer researchers share identities and/or experiences with a study population. Their involvement is crucial to community-based participatory research (CBPR), however there is a lack of attention to training peer researchers. A blended learning (multimodal) training curriculum for peer researchers in CBPR has been developed; its key component is the use of filmed simulation. In two instances, HIV-positive peer researchers were filmed during simulation and then watched their simulation to reflect on their performance. Such an activity can accommodate multiple learning styles (e.g., learning best through practice, listening, or seeing) and help refine verbal and non-verbal interview skills. The activity can also benefit social work researchers, who can see interview guides in practice and refine accordingly prior to data collection. This article discusses the educational benefits of filmed simulation for peer researchers, the reciprocal benefits that academic researchers may gain from the activity, and practical considerations for implementation of this activity in community-based settings.
Open Access
Identity development, attraction, and behaviour of heterosexually identified men who have sex with men: scoping review protocol
(BMC, 2023-09-30) Eaton, Andrew D.; Scheadler, Travis R.; Bradley, Cara; McInroy, Lauren B.; Beer, Oliver W. J.; Beckwell, Erin; Busch, Adam; Shuper, Paul A.
Abstract Background Heterosexually identified men who have sex with men (H-MSM) are distinct from other hetero- sexual men and from gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. Specifically, H-MSM experience discordance between their sexual identity (i.e., heterosexual) and behaviours (i.e., sexual encounters with other men). This sexual identity-behaviour discordance can create barriers to obtaining healthcare and social support. Understanding and accepting H-MSM as they self-identify may be necessary to implement effective public health and psychosocial interventions. The aim of the present study is to provide an overview of research on H-MSM. Methods A scoping review will be conducted to identify and describe the identity development, attraction, and behaviour of H-MSM. This scoping review will also identify and describe current trends related to the recruitment of H-MSM and recommend directions for future research. Searches will be conducted in Academic Search Complete, APA PsychInfo, CINAHL Plus with full text, Education Research Complete, Gender Studies Database, GenderWatch, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, LGBTQ + Source, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collec- tion, SocINDEX with full text, Sociological Collection, Social Work Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and ResearchGate. Primary research studies published in peer-reviewed journals will be included. Dissertations and theses that include primary research on H-MSM will also be included. Reference lists, experts in the field, pre- print servers, and relevant conferences will also be consulted for extant and in-progress literature. Two reviewers will independently pilot the data extraction form and conduct the title and abstract screening, with consultation from a research librarian. Seven reviewers will then conduct the full-text article screening. Thematic content analysis will guide the review; through independent review and reviewer meetings, themes and subthemes will be identified and reported from the extracted literature. Discussion This is the first known knowledge synthesis on H-MSM, seeking to better understand sexual identity- behaviour discordance amongst cisgender men. We anticipate that a theoretical framework of H-MSM’s sexuality, internal processes, and behaviours will be constructed from this review. Alongside implications for further research with H-MSM, this review may be relevant to sexually transmitted infection public health and to clinicians working in the field of male sexuality.
Open Access
The state of doctoral social work education in Canada
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2022-06-30) Fang, Lin; Pang, Nelson; Eaton, Andrew D.
Doctoral education in social work is critical in nurturing the stewards of the discipline. Universities across Canada, and elsewhere, are increasing admissions for bachelor and master of social work programs. Consequently, doctoral social work programs are expanding to educate and train new social work faculty. Extant literature on doctoral social work education is predominantly American. There are fourteen Canadian doctoral social work programs, yet no study has observed the state of these programs. Using two data sources, this article provides a snapshot of PhD social work student experiences in 2019-2020. The analysis of all doctoral social work students (n=157) from the 2019 Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS) found that: a) the overall quality of social work PhD programs in Canada was rated by students as moderate; and b) financial obstacles may be an undue barrier to academic success. Furthermore, the analysis of an online survey of Canadian social work PhD students (n=69) regarding their experience applying for doctoral fellowships and scholarships found that workshops significantly facilitated scholarship success, and that other institutional preparation activities were identified as valuable. These findings illuminate the current state of doctoral social work education in Canada with implications for research and education.
Open Access
Training peers to ease hospital discharge: A community-clinical partnership in complex HIV care
(Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020-08-26) Eaton, Andrew D.; Chan Carusone, Soo; Ceranto, Andre; Craig, Shelley L.; Busch, Adam; McCullagh, John W.
As many people now live with HIV as a complex, chronic health condition that may require frequent medical and psychosocial services, a potential new role for HIV-positive peers involves support during an inpatient admission that extends past discharge to improve the transition home from hospital.
Open Access
Understanding the use of co-design methods for research involving older adults living with HIV: A scoping review protocol
(PLOS, 2024-05-30) Brown, Paige; Singh, Hardeep; Su, Esther; Sirisegaram, Luxey; Munce, Sarah E. P.; Eaton, Andrew D.; Zhabokritsky, Alice; McKinlay, Stuart; Kokorelias, Kristina M.
There is a growing population of adults aged 50 years or older living with HIV, facing unique challenges in care due to age, minority status, and stigma. Co-design methodologies, aligning with patient-centered care, have potential for informing interventions addressing the complex needs of older adults with HIV. Despite challenges, co-design has shown promise in empowering older individuals to actively participate in shaping their care experiences. The scoping review outlined here aims to identify gaps in existing co-design work with this population, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity based on PROGRESS-Plus characteristics for future patient-oriented research. This scoping review protocol is informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual to explore co-design methods in geriatric HIV care literature. The methodology encompasses six stages: 1) developing research questions, 2) creating a search strategy, 3) screening and selecting evidence, 4) data extraction, 5) data analysis using content analysis, and 6) consultation with key stakeholders, including community partners and individuals with lived experience. The review will involve a comprehensive literature search, including peer-reviewed databases and gray literature, to identify relevant studies conducted in the past 20 years. The inclusive criteria focus on empirical data related to co-design methods in HIV care for individuals aged 50 or older, aiming to inform future research and co-design studies in geriatric HIV care. The study will be limited by the exclusion of papers not published or translated to English. Additionally, the varied terminology used to describe co-design across different research may result in the exclusion of articles using alternative terms. The consultation with key stakeholders will be crucial for translating insights into meaningful co-design solutions for virtual HIV care, aiming to provide a comprehensive synthesis that informs evidence-based strategies and addresses disparities in geriatric HIV care.