Browsing by Author "Hirani, Shela"

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Open Access
Baby-friendly initiatives to promote, protect and support breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers: A qualitative study in Saskatchewan, Canada
(Elsevier BV, 2023-03) Hirani, Shela
Immigrant mothers, who often experience separation from extended family and social disconnection in a new country, are at risk of experiencing reduced physical, mental and emotional well-being, especially during the perinatal phase of their lives. Saskatchewan has a noticeable increase in the immigrant population with young children, limited availability of healthcare settings with baby-friendly initiative (BFI) status, potential risks to the health of young immigrant children after breastfeeding discontinuation, and the limited number of empirical studies that intend to seek recommendations from immigrant mothers on need-based initiatives that can promote, protect and support their breastfeeding practices. This qualitative study intended to seek recommendations from immigrant mothers belonging to diverse ethnic groups on need-based initiatives to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada. Using a critical ethnographic study design, this study was undertaken in Saskatchewan, Canada. After receiving ethics approval, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 30 immigrant mothers with young children of age 1 day to 24 months. Immigrant mothers were recruited from different cities through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was also gathered through observations of breastfeeding services in Saskatchewan. Immigrant mothers recommended the need for support from people in their social network (healthcare provider, husband, community and government), baby-friendly initiatives in hospital and community-based settings (breastfeeding counselling facilities, breastfeeding education before and after childbirth, and follow-up care), culturally-sensitive care (interpretation services and culturally appropriate food in hospitals), breastfeeding helplines (offering services in multiple languages), breastfeeding acceptance in a variety of public places (workplace, airports, restaurants, parks and public transportation), and investment in immigrant programs (maternal and child programs) to promote the well-being of immigrant mothers with young children. Breastfeeding support in hospitals, public places, workplaces and society at large is essential to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada. The role of healthcare professionals, family members, workplace supervisors and colleagues, policymakers, and governmental/non-governmental organizations is crucial in supporting the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers.
Open Access
Breastfeeding Challenges of Immigrant Mothers during COVID-19
(Faculty of Nursing, 2022-05-21) Hirani, Shela
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the health and well-being of the population, especially immigrant women with young children. It is essential to explore the breastfeeding experiences of vulnerable immigrant women who often lack adequate breastfeeding support in a new country. This video presents the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada
Open Access
Breastfeeding Challenges of Immigrant Women in the Workforce
(Faculty of Nursing, 2022-08-28) Hirani, Shela
This video presents the breastfeeding challenges of immigrant mothers who combine breastfeeding with employment.
Open Access
Breastfeeding During Covid-19 An Information Guide
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2020-05-03) Hirani, Shela
Breastmilk is essential for the growth and development of young children. Considering its benefits, breastfeeding is recommended at all times for young children, especially during crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This animated video on "Breastfeeding during COVID-19" provides need-based information to breastfeeding mothers who may lack breastfeeding support and access to information during the current state of emergency and self-isolation. It will also clarify misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding during COVID-19 and raise public awareness on safe infant feeding practices during this pandemic.
Open Access
Breastfeeding Experiences and Recommendations of Immigrant Mothers in Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2022-01-26) Hirani, Shela
Immigrant mothers often lack adequate social support and access to health care services with breastfeeding supports that are affordable, accessible, need-based and culturally/gender-sensitive. This video presents breastfeeding challenges and recommendations of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada on ways to promote, protect and support their breastfeeding practices.
Open Access
Caring for breastfeeding mothers in disaster relief camps: A call to innovation in nursing curriculum
(Elsevier BV, 2022-12) Hirani, Shela
During natural disasters, people are forced to flee their homes and resettle in temporary disaster relief camps (such as huts, tents, and transitional shelters) that are often located on barren ground, far from cities. Disaster relief camps are one of the most vulnerable settings where women are at risk of discontinuing their breastfeeding practices. A critical ethnographic study undertaken with the internally displaced mothers residing in disaster relief camps in Pakistan re- vealed that the availability of formal support from healthcare professionals is one of the key determinants that shape the breastfeeding experiences of the displaced mothers. Hence suggested the need for innovative strategies in the nurs- ing curriculum to build the capacity of nurses to provide culturally sensitive care to breastfeeding mothers affected by disaster and displacement. Considering these findings, it is recommended that nursing educational settings must in- clude courses on “caring for the vulnerable population during a disaster” at the baccalaureate, graduate, and post- graduate levels. The inclusion of these courses will foster nurses to understand the needs of the displaced community, identify the importance of making a difference through collaborative work, and take part in designing innovative interventions (surrounding health, housing, economic upliftment, and well-being) for the displaced communities. Moreover, onsite clinical experience in disaster relief camps is recommended. This will enhance nurses' competence, hands-on skills, knowledge, and cultural sensitivity while providing care to displaced mothers with a variety of clinical presentations and breastfeeding concerns. Continuing education sessions and seminars must be organized for nurses to update their knowledge about breastfeeding and facilitate evidence-based practice in the setting of disaster relief camps.
Open Access
Challenges and Breastfeeding Experiences of Refugee Mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2021-11-02) Hirani, Shela
Refugee mothers are vulnerable to cultural stereotyping and socioeconomic hardships when they migrate to a new country. This vulnerability often has a negative impact on refugee mothers’ breastfeeding practices, related to social, emotional, psychological, and physical stressors. This video presents challenges and breastfeeding experiences of refugee mothers accessing and utilizing healthcare services in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Open Access
Challenges and Breastfeeding Experiences of Refugee Mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada - Arabic Version
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2021-11-05) Hirani, Shela
Refugee mothers are vulnerable to cultural stereotyping and socioeconomic hardships when they migrate to a new country. This vulnerability often has a negative impact on refugee mothers’ breastfeeding practices, related to social, emotional, psychological, and physical stressors. This video presents challenges and breastfeeding experiences of refugee mothers accessing and utilizing healthcare services in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Open Access
Challenges of Conducting a Critical Ethnographic Breastfeeding Study in the Post-Disaster Settings: Lessons Learned
(Bentham Science Publishers Ltd., 2023-01-09) Hirani, Shela
Post-disaster settings are the most vulnerable settings where researchers may face challenges specific to their safety, research logistics, and maintenance of ethical integrity in a high-stress context. This paper presents the researcher’s reflections on undertaking a critical ethnographic breastfeeding study in the post-disaster settings of rural Pakistan where displaced women with young children were under extreme stress due to recurrent natural disasters, displacement, disruption to life, and homelessness. This paper identifies encountered challenges by the researcher during fieldwork in that post-disaster settings, presents the strategies utilized by the researcher during the fieldwork, and shares recommendations for future researchers on ways to maintain research integrity in this challenging context.
Open Access
Editorial: Conflicts and humanitarian crises on displaced people's health.
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2023-07-11) Hossain, Ahmed; Bartolucci, Andrea; Hirani, Shela
Open Access
Effects of early life experiences on brain development of premature babies admitted in neonatal intensive care unit
(Savvy Science Publishers, 2013-04-04) Hirani, Shela
Infancy is the most crucial time period in children’s life during which babies require sensitive and responsive care-giving from their primary caregivers for their overall growth and development. Sick preterm babies, who require admission at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and experience physical separation from their parents during early days of their lives, are at high risk to encounter toxic stress that can be detrimental for their developing brains, overall development and stress regulatory mechanism in later life. This paper presents case study of a preterm baby who encountered toxic stress due to the effects of disease process, physical separation from primary caregivers, painful procedures at NICU, as well as bright and noisy environment of NICU. In the light of the presented case study and reviewed literature, modifications in the NICU environment are suggested to reduce the sources of toxic stress on the developing brains of premature babies. Role of lactation support for mothers of preterm babies, kangaroo mother care, and neurodevelopmental care in the NICU environment is highlighted to assure growth promotion, brain development, infant-mother bonding, and better cognitive functions among premature babies.
Open Access
Health & Well-being of Refugee Mothers during COVID-19
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2021-02-03) Hirani, Shela
This resource is designed for Refugee Mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada to promote their health and well-being during COVID-19. Dr Shela Hirani and her team acknowledge the support of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation that funded the Refugee Study in Saskatchewan.
Open Access
Health & Well-Being of Refugee Mothers During COVID-19 Arabic Version (Saskatchewan, Canada)
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2021-06-02) Hirani, Shela
The Arabic version of resource is designed for Refugee Mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada to promote their health and well-being during COVID-19. Dr. Shela Hirani and her team acknowledged the support of Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation that supported their breastfeeding refugee study in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Open Access
Healthcare Barriers Affecting Breastfeeding Immigrant Mothers
(Faculty of Nursing, 2022-10-30) Hirani, Shela
This video presents healthcare barriers experienced by breastfeeding immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Open Access
Housing Challenges of Refugee and Immigrant Families in Saskatchewan Canada
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2023-07-12) Hirani, Shela
Open Access
Impact of COVID-19 on Women Who Are Refugees and Mothering: A Critical Ethnographic Study
(SAGE Publications, 2022-01) Hirani, Shela; Wagner, Joan
Refugee women often experience trauma and social disconnection in a new country and are at risk of experiencing reduced physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Globally, COVID-19 has affected the health and well-being of the population at large. This critical ethnographic study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 on women who are refugees and mothering in Saskatchewan, Canada. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 27 women who are refugees and mothering young children aged 2 years and under. This study suggests that during COVID-19, refugee women are at high risk of experiencing add-on stressors due to isolation, difficulty in accessing health care, COVID-19-related restrictions in hospitals, limited follow-up care, limited social support, financial difficulties, and compromised nutrition. During COVID-19, collaborative efforts by nurses, other health-care professionals, and governmental and non-governmental organizations are essential to provide need-based mental health support, skills-building programs, nutritional counseling, and follow-up care to this vulnerable group.
Open Access
Let's Normalize Breastfeeding in Public
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2024-03-29) Hirani, Shela
Breastfeeding is vital for infant's brain development. Breastmilk is clean, safe and prevents infants from a variety of illnesses. Breastfeeding in public is often stigmatized in public that leads to discontinuation of breastfeeding. Let's normalize breastfeeding in public to provide a healthy start to young children.
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Parenting Challenges of Refugee Families in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, 2024-03-08) Hirani, Shela
This video shares the parenting challenges of refugee families in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and presents their recommendations on need-based support for refugee parents during this vulnerable time. This study was undertaken in Saskatchewan, Canada which has a noticeable increase in refugee families with children. Dr Shela Hirani and her team acknowledge the support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the University of Regina that funded this project.
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Policy Implications of Smartphone Usage and Holistic Wellbeing Among Youth in Urban Saskatchewan: A Smart Platform Study
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2021-12) Brodersen, Kayla Dawn; Katapally, Tarun; Hammami, Nour; Zarzeczny, Amy; Hirani, Shela
Background: Screen time on multiple digital devices has become an integral part of population behavior. Globally, populations have access to a variety of digital devices and engage in high levels of screen time activities starting in early childhood. It is well established that increased levels of screen time-based sedentary behaviours have significant negative impacts on health, however, the relationship between screen time behaviours, types of devices, and holistic wellbeing remains complicated and not well understood. In particular, smartphone technology has become increasingly popular and almost all age cohorts engage in smartphone usage for a wide variety of activities. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between screen time accumulated on smartphones and holistic wellbeing among youth and young adults (13 to 21 years) in Saskatchewan urban centres. This thesis will address the following questions: 1) Is there an association between smartphone usage (internet surfing, video gaming, texting, etc.) and mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression?; 2) Is there an association between smartphone usage and physical health outcomes such as weight status?; and 3) Is there an association between smartphone usage and perceived health such as self-rated health and self-rated mental health? Methods: This study is part of the Smart Platform, a digital epidemiological and citizen science initiative for ethical population health surveillance, integrated knowledge translation, and policy interventions. Citizen science engages all participants throughout the research process either for contribution, collaboration, or co-creation of knowledge. Citizen scientists provided all data via their smartphones using a custom-built smartphone application, including a baseline questionnaire that combines validated self-report surveys to record physical activity, sedentary behaviours, screen time behaviours, demographic characteristics, and health outcomes such as mental wellbeing, weight status, and self-rated health. Results: 808 youth and young adult citizen scientists (aged 13 to 21) were recruited through Regina Public and Catholic School engagement sessions held in various high schools throughout Regina, Saskatchewan in 2018. Binomial Regression analyses were conducted to determine how quantitative measures inform the relationship between smartphone usage and holistic wellbeing in youth populations in Saskatchewan. Policy Implications: To our knowledge, this is the first digital epidemiological study to understand the association of smartphone usage with holistic health outcomes across youth and young adult populations. The findings of this study will have several policy implications, including: 1) Development of age-appropriate policy interventions to address smartphone usage; 2) Inform and influence ethical population health surveillance; 3) Advance recommendations for smartphone usage to deploy mHealth interventions to monitor, mitigate, and manage communicable and non-communicable diseases.
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Sociocultural Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Practices of Mothers During Natural Disasters: A Critical Ethnography in Rural Pakistan
(SAGE Publications, 2023-01) Hirani, Shela; Richter, Solina; Salami, Bukola; Vallianatos, Helen
Natural disasters affect the health and well-being of mothers with young children. During natural disasters, this population is at risk of discontinuation of their breastfeeding practices. Pakistan is a middle-income country that is susceptible to natural disasters. This study intended to examine sociocultural factors that shape the breastfeeding experiences and practices of internally displaced mothers in Pakistan. This critical ethnographic study was undertaken in disaster-affected villages of Chitral, Pakistan. Data were collected utilizing multiple methods, including in-depth interviews with 18 internally displaced mothers and field observations. Multiple sociocultural factors were identified as either barriers or facilitators to these mothers’ capacities to breastfeed their children. Informal support, formal support, breastfeeding culture, and spiritual practices facilitated displaced mothers to sustain their breastfeeding practices. On the other hand, lack of privacy, cultural beliefs, practices and expectations, covert oppression, and lack of healthcare support served as barriers to the breastfeeding practices of displaced mothers.