Browsing by Author "Novik, Nuelle"

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Open Access
Access and Affordability: Saskatchewan Food Banks Explore the Cost of Healthy Eating
(Regina Food Bank, 2010-12-07) Bernard, Travis; Novik, Nuelle; Douglas, Fiona; Hansen, Yolanda; Dunsmore, Lorne; Compton, Steve; Folkerson, Dana
The Regina Food Bank serves food insecure clients on a daily basis and an increase in demand over the past year prompted the question "Why are so many people requiring assistance at our food bank?". This research compared the cost of healthy eating to income available to food bank clients and discovered a large gap in income that results in food insecurity.
Open Access
Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy as an Online or Hybrid Intervention for People Aging With HIV and Cognitive Concerns: Focus Group Protocol
(SAGE Publications, 2022) Eaton, Andrew D.; Hui, Jenny; Muchenje, Marvelous; Murzin, Kate; Carusone, Soo Chan; Ibañez-Carrasco, Francisco; Novik, Nuelle; McCullagh, John W; Nicolay, Susanne; Walmsley, Sharon L
Cognitive impairment is a significant health issue for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Cognitive challenges can include forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and increasing struggles to learn new skills, all of which contribute to poorer mental health and decreased quality of life. Although there is no specific drug therapy that can reverse the brain impairment, group therapies may help people aging with HIV and cognitive challenges to better cope with their symptoms when combined with their usual medical treatment and follow-up. This community-based study will involve peer-led focus groups to discuss cognitive remediation group therapy – a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities tested in a pilot randomized, controlled trial – as an in-person intervention for people aging with HIV in 2019. Via a brief demographic survey and technology-mediated focus groups (n = 40) in Ontario and Saskatchewan, we will determine how the intervention could be adapted in an online or hybrid format considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis will be employed whereby a team of independent coders will code the focus group transcripts in line with the co-design framework and “Double Diamond” model of developing interventions, including intervention structure, content, and mode of delivery. Given the aging of the HIV population in Canada, increasing support will be required in addition to medical care to improve quality of life, and proactively address concerns about cognition. This protocol provides a roadmap for adapting in-person psychosocial interventions using community-based and technology-mediated methods
Open Access
Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy Online: Focus Groups with People Aging with HIV
(SAGE Publications, 2024-01) Eaton, Andrew D.; Hui, Jenny; Muchenje, Marvelous; Kon, Taylor; Murzin, Kate; Carusone, Soo Chan; Novik, Nuelle; Quigley, Adria; Kokorelias, Kristina M.; Ibáñez-Carrasco, Francisco
Cognitive health is a significant concern for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Psychosocial group therapies may help people aging with HIV who experience cognitive challenges cope with their symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed in-person group therapies need adaptation for technology-mediated delivery. Peer-led focus groups discussed adapting cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) as an online intervention. CRGT combines mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities. Purposive sampling recruited people aging with HIV (40+) who self-identified cognitive concerns and resided in one of two Canadian provinces. Thematic content analysis was employed on transcripts by seven independent coders. Ten, 2-hour focus groups were conducted between August and November 2022. Participants (n=45) responded favorably to CRGT's modalities. Alongside support for its continued implementation in-person, participants requested online synchronous and online asynchronous formats. Preferred intervention facilitators were peers and mental health professionals. We also discuss how to adapt psychosocial HIV therapies for technology-mediated delivery.
Open Access
Aftercare for families transitioning from residential care
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Gerrand, Christal; Novik, Nuelle
The following research practicum was created to gather information on aftercare issues specific to Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Family Treatment Program (FTP). Although the FTP is based in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, it provides intensive family reunification services to families that reside in communities across Canada. The program has identified a gap in the aftercare component of their service continuum, and as such a qualitative, collective case study approach to research was conducted in order to gather data on aftercare experiences. Data was collected from two groupings of participant samples: the Discharged Client sample and the Family Therapist sample. Eight participants were interviewed from the Discharged Client sample and six participants from the Family Therapist sample responded to electronic questionnaires. The results of the data analysis produced four themes with varying responses found within each group. Ultimately, the findings of this project demonstrate that aftercare services are viewed as needed by both participant groups. Several implications are considered for the provision of aftercare services tailored for the Family Treatment Program. Five recommendations are presented to direct this process within the framework of an intensive family reunification services model that has been developed by the National Family Preservation Network.
Open Access
Becoming more trauma-informed: an exploration of family service Regina’s trauma-informed practice
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-08) Andres, Christine; Novik, Nuelle; Kikulwe, Daniel
This paper is a reflection of my MSW field practicum placement at Family Service Regina (FSR), an accredited, non-profit community agency that offers a variety of supportive services including professional counselling, education, planning and advocacy for vulnerable individuals and families within the community of Regina, Saskatchewan. The objectives of this practicum were to: 1) develop an understanding of trauma-informed practice and identify options and strategies for Family Service Regina (FSR) to consider in adopting a trauma-informed practice as part of the Agency’s service delivery system; and, 2) develop skills in program development and evaluation. The bulk of this practicum placement was focused on generating an agency evaluation report including recommendations for FSR to consider as they move toward incorporating a trauma-informed approach. This final practicum report includes a literature review on trauma-informed organizations, data gathered from interviews of FSR partner organizations, a survey of staff and management to evaluate FSR’s current strengths and gaps, individual interviews of management staff, and focus groups.
Open Access
Building equitable, culturally safe & trauma-informed health care: mending a broken system
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-07) Anderson, Christina; Novik, Nuelle; Oba, Funke; Fletcher, Kara
This practicum report provides a description and critical analysis of my experience as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student during my field practicum placement with the Public Health Observatory (PHO), with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The purpose of this practicum was to gain graduate-level experience and knowledge about the integration of knowledge and skills relevant to macro social work practice in areas focused on health equity, cultural safety, and the promotion of trauma-informed principles in a healthcare setting. This report will explore the literature on macro social work practice, health equity, cultural safety, narrative (storytelling) approaches, and trauma-informed care. The literature review also examines what is required to move from reflection to reflexivity. Finally, this field practicum report describes my experience engaging with these overarching themes in an effort to understand how healthcare systems can be transformed — a transformation that must include a critical, self-reflexive, and revolutionary dialogue about the direction we envision for health care in Saskatchewan.
Open Access
Celebration Of Authorship Program 2022-2023
(University of Regina Library, 2023) Abrams, Kelly J.; Afolabi, Taiwo; Ashton, Emily; Battis, Jes; Bazzul, Jesse; Buchko, Denée M.; Coupal, Chelsea; Crivea, Jocelyn; Dupeyron, Bruno; Eaton, Emily; Fay, Holly; Farney, Jim; Farrell, Issac; French, Lindsey; Fuchs, Jesse; Garneau, David; Gerbeza, Tea; Germani, Ian; Gibb, Ryland; Grimard, Céleste; Harnish, Garett; Hoang Trung, Kien; Horowitz, Risa; Hurlbert, Margot; Jeffery, Bonnie; King, Anna-Leah; Knight, Lindsay; Knuttila, Murray; Kyabaggu, Ramona; Lavallie, Carrie; Lloyd, Kiegan; Lonie, Kelsey; Lundahl, Bev; Lylyk, Stephen; Marsh, Charity; McNeil, Barbara; Moat, Olivia; Moasun, Festus Yaw; Nestor, Jack J.; Novik, Nuelle; Owusu, Raymond Karikari; Panchuk, Kristie; Petry, Roger; Petry, Yvonne; Phipps, Heather; Ratt, Solomon; Ricketts, Kathryn; Riegel, Christian; Robinson, Katherine M.; Rocke, Cathy; Rollo, Mike; Safinuk, Corey; Saul, Gerald; Schroeter, Sara; Schultz, Christie; Wanda, Seidlikoski Yurach; Sirke, Kara; Sterzuk, Andrea; Stewart, Michelle; Szabados, Béla; Tremblay, Arjun; Whippler, Ryan; White, Judy; Wihak, Mark; Zimmer, Jonathon
Archer Library is proud to unveil the 2022-23 University of Regina Celebration of Authorship Program booklet. This downloadable publication highlights University of Regina authors/creators of books, edited proceedings, sound recordings, musical scores and film or video recordings published over the last year in any format (print or electronic). We encourage you to take a moment to view the program booklet and extend your congratulations to all of the University of Regina students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are being celebrated this year.
Open Access
Community-based program development: a support group manual for individuals who experienced psychological trauma
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-04) Bleau, Carmen; Novik, Nuelle; Jeffery, Bonnie
The purpose of this research practicum was to develop a psychoeducational trauma support group facilitation manual in an effort to fill a gap identified in a Cultural Audit Report completed by Independent Living Vernon Society in January 2019. A primary theme identified through the Audit was the prevalence of trauma for service users, as well as the impacts of mental illness and substance abuse. Individuals who are not provided with the knowledge and understanding of the impacts that psychological traumas have on their mind and body struggle throughout their lives with various mental, emotional, and physical complexities. An Appreciative Inquiry approach, utilizing Trauma Informed principles, guided the development of this support group format. Information to use in the development of the manual was collected through a literature review, email interviews with community service providers, and environmental scan. The support group manual outlines areas of focus specific to individuals who identified adverse childhood experiences, historical trauma and interpersonal traumas. Through the incorporation of mind and body interventions, the support group manual that was developed delivers strategies and techniques to provide trauma survivors with coping mechanisms that will sustain and alleviate symptoms through their process of recovery. Through a social work program and service delivery lens, the support group manual was designed to be used to deliver programming to severely traumatized individuals by Independent Living Vernon Society in the community of Vernon, British Columbia.
Open Access
Counselling at Family Service Regina: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-08-29) Kennedy, Kristie Laurell; Barss, Colleen; Novik, Nuelle; Kikulwe, Daniel
This report outlines my practicum experience at Family Service Regina in the Counselling Unit. I chose to focus on two counselling approaches: cognitive behavioral therapy with individuals and emotionally focused therapy with couples. Themes that have emerged in the practicum setting include mindfulness, anti-oppressive social work practice, bearing witness to client healing, and empathy and compassion in professional practice. I will also include a discussion of boundaries and vulnerability as effective tools for self-care and growth both personally and professionally. Implications for future social work practice, implications for Family Service Regina as an agency and my learning as an emerging counselling practitioner are highlighted and woven into the experience of working with clients and family systems on an interpersonal level.
Open Access
Counselling at Family Service Regina: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-11) Strinja, Meagan M.; Novik, Nuelle; Pino, Fritz
This document provides a narrative of my personal experience in a clinical counselling practicum with Family Service Regina. Within the report, you will find a literature review of the clinical frameworks I chose to study which included expressive therapy, no-talk therapy, solution-focused therapy, couples therapy, and motivational interviewing. This document will also highlight case studies and discussion of the goals achieved throughout my practicum experience. The themes which emerged from my learning during the practicum include the use of self, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the use of multiple frameworks within a counselling session. In addition, challenges and ethical considerations, such as boundaries and self-care, will be discussed. Within the entirety of this document, my personal and professional values will be reflected. To conclude, implications for my future social practice will be discussed, as well as final comments on the use of self and the therapeutic relationship in a clinical counselling setting.
Open Access
Counselling experiences at Prince Albert Mental Health Services: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-04) Georget, Sheila; Jeffery, Bonnie; Novik, Nuelle
The following is a report providing a reflection of my practicum experience at Prince Albert Parkland Mental Health Out-Patient Services. The purpose of the practicum was to gain practical social work knowledge and experience in clinical counselling with individuals, in group settings and through application of Internet Cognitive Behavior Therapy (ICBT). To achieve these goals, I worked with clients with diverse issues, such as: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, change of life, post-partum depression, sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and grief and loss. I enhanced my knowledge in various therapeutic approaches and utilised them to assist clients during counselling sessions. These approaches included a strengths-based perspective, cognitive behavior therapy, and solution focused therapy, within a client centered philosophy of practice. As part of my goals, I also worked with ICBT clients, providing support and encouragement throughout two eight-week sessions and co-facilitated dialectical behavior group therapy sessions with numerous participants. As a result, my counselling skills have improved and I gained insight into the role of mental health counsellor. I conclude with discussing challenges, values and ethical considerations that arose during my practicum placement.
Open Access
Counselling in child and youth mental health: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-01) Silzer, Colette; Chalmers, Darlene; Novik, Nuelle
This report discusses my clinical experience and integration of theory and practice while completing a Master of Social Work field practicum. The practicum was completed at Youth Community Counselling (YCC) with Mental Health and Addictions Services (MHAS) in Saskatoon within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The objective of my practicum placement was to gain graduate level practice experience with youth diagnosed with complex mental health issues via individual counselling and family therapy sessions. The therapeutic framework integrated into my practice with individuals and their caregivers included Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), from a Strengths-Based Perspective (SBP). The report begins with my learning objectives, practicum activities, and my direct practice learning experiences in my placement setting. I then present information on mental health and the process of assessment and diagnosis within my practicum placement, followed by a review of the literature on the theories integrated into my practice and a reflection on the theories. Lastly, I discuss values and ethics in relation to my practicum learning experience, and conclude the report with a final summary reflection.
Open Access
Dads need help too: understanding the unique needs of young fathers
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-06) Balkwill, Donna; Novik, Nuelle
The purpose of this research project was to gain an understanding of how young dads experience fatherhood; and learn about their unique needs and their experiences seeking and accessing community supports. The research project included the identification of recommendations for the development and enhancement of services provided by Family Service Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Research was completed using a transcendental phenomenological interpretive framework and methodology. Four themes emerged from the research data: (1) Dads need help too; (2) Fatherhood as identity; (3) Absent fathers of young dads; and (4) Father friendly support needs. Recommendations for the development of community supports includes the embodiment of client centered, anti-oppressive, and traumainformed social work. Therapeutic approaches that promote the use of client centered, antioppressive and trauma-informed social work include solution focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, and solution focused narrative therapy.
Open Access
Developing a social work community centre: an exploratory and feasibility study
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-04) Patrick, Gloria; Novik, Nuelle; Johner, Randy
This research project focused on exploring the feasibly of developing a University of Regina Faculty of Social Work Community Centre that would serve as a student learning setting, supply programs and resources to the community, and offer innovative networking and training opportunities with community partners. The identification of social barriers and gaps in services within Regina’s community based programs aided in the targeting of community based agencies for the Community Centre to potentially partner with. These agencies have expressed interest in developing and delivering programming within the Centre and would assist in helping to mentor Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students. An overview of the structure, procedures and accountability measures are explored, in addition to analyzing the risks and benefits of community partnerships and networking in the development of a Community Centre. By exploring what has been done, what is currently being done, and what isn’t being done, the Faculty of Social Work will have a clearer picture of how to create a Centre that will contribute in a meaningful way to their students, partners and community. This report will provide recommendations for consideration by the Faculty of Social Work as decisions are made in determining the feasibility of the development of the proposed Centre moving forward.
Open Access
The Efficacy of Online Vinyasa Yoga and Taijifit™ on Physical Health Outcome Measures and Quality of Live of Adult Informal Caregivers
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-03) Martin, Andi Céline; Candow, Darren; Bruno, Paul; Novik, Nuelle; Genoe, Rebecca; Culos-Reed, Nicole
Too often, informal caregivers suffer from physical pain, musculoskeletal injuries, aggravation of chronic illnesses, and other negative physical health consequences. Part of the negative impact on caregiver health may be a result of the reduced likelihood that informal caregivers engage in regular physical activity. Since nearly every Canadian will at some point in time be in the position of having to provide care for a loved one, reducing negative outcomes associated with informal caregiving represents a very large health concern. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the effects of online Vinyasa Yoga (VY) and TaijifitTM practice and cessation on muscle strength and endurance, balance, walking speed, flexibility, and quality of life (QOL) in adult informal caregivers (≥ 18 years of age). This thesis involved two studies. Study I investigated the physical changes and QOL effects from 12 consecutive weeks of VY and TaijifitTM practice (150 minutes/week) in adult informal caregivers. Study II investigated the physical changes and QOL effects after six weeks of cessation from VY and TaijifitTM in these caregivers. For Study I, participants were randomized to one of two groups: VY (n = 16, 11 females, 5 males) or TaijifitTM (n = 13, 7 females, 6 males). Twenty-six participants who completed Study I were part of for Study II (VY: n = 14, 9 females, 5 males; TaijifitTM: n = 12, 6 females, 6 males). Prior to and following the 12-week intervention (Study I) and six-week cessation period (Study II), assessments were made for muscle strength (1-RM leg press, chest press, hand-grip), muscle endurance (leg press and chest press; maximal number of repetitions performed to fatigue at 80 and 70% baseline 1-RM respectively), abdominal endurance (maximum number of consecutive curl-ups to fatigue), tasks of functionality (dynamic balance and walking speed), flexibility (sit and reach), and QOL. ii Results from Study I showed that 12 consecutive weeks of VY and TaijifitTM increased muscle strength and endurance, indices of functionality, and flexibility (p < 0.05), with greater gains in chest press endurance (p = 0.019) and abdominal curl-up performance (p = 0.034) in the VY group compared to TaijifitTM group. Furthermore, 12 consecutive weeks of VY and TaijifitTM increased all eight QOL health domains and overall physical and mental health (p < 0.05), with TaijifitTM leading to greater gains in three QOL health domains – bodily pain (p = 0.021), general health (p = 0.005), and vitality (p = 0.018) – and overall physical health (p = 0.026) compared to VY. Results from Study II showed that all but two physical outcome measures (1-RM chest press strength, p = 0.038; chest press endurance, p = 0.024) were maintained six consecutive weeks post-exercise, with no differences between groups. Furthermore, overall physical and mental health and all but one QOL health domain (physical functioning, p = 0.029) were maintained six consecutive weeks post-exercise, with no differences between groups. These studies provide evidence that VY and TaijifitTM are effective for improving muscle strength and endurance, functionality, flexibility, and QOL in adult informal caregivers. VY led to greater gains in chest press endurance and abdominal curl-ups compared to TaijifitTM, while TaijifitTM led to greater gains in overall physical health, bodily pain, and general health compared to VY. Further, the vast majority of physical and QOL improvements were maintained after six weeks of cessation from VY and TaijifitTM. Keywords: Yoga, Tai Chi, Informal Caregiving, Strength, Endurance, Functionality, Flexibility, Quality of Life
Open Access
An Efficacy Trial of Therapist-Assisted Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Older Adults with Generalized Anxiety
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-09) Jones, Shannon Leigh; Hadjistavropoulos, Heather; Hadjistavropoulos, Thomas; Wright, Kristi; Novik, Nuelle; Koerner, Naomi
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and subclinical anxiety symptoms are prevalent among adults aged 60 years and older. While cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is efficacious for treating GAD, under treatment of GAD remains a problem in this age group. Therapist-assisted Internet-delivered CBT (TAICBT) has been developed and tested to increase accessibility to psychological treatment. TAICBT presents psychoeducational materials and CBT techniques using structured, interactive web pages, and involves a therapist who provides support via e-mail and/or telephone. The purpose of the current study was to: (1) establish the efficacy of TAICBT for treating GAD in adults aged 60 years and older, (2) examine how client engagement factors, such as website use, are related to treatment outcomes, and; (3) obtain and analyze feedback on participants’ experiences in using TAICBT. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 46 community-dwelling older adults were randomized to receive seven modules of TAICBT (n = 24) or were placed on a 10-week waiting list (n = 22). All participants completed outcome measures on anxiety, worry, depression, and quality of life after randomization and again 10 weeks later. Data was also gathered on client engagement and at four-week follow-up. TAICBT participants responded to open-ended questions to obtain feedback regarding their experience with TAICBT. Data was analyzed using longitudinal mixed models analyses and repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) to establish efficacy. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between client engagement factors and treatment outcomes. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. As compared to the waiting list control group, TAICBT was efficacious at reducing general anxiety, worry, and depressive symptoms and for improving physical, psychological, and environmental quality of life over time. Large between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were observed on the primary outcome measures, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7: .85) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (1.17). About 86% of the TAICBT group reported GAD-7 scores ≤ 10 at post-treatment, a cut-off score suggesting a probable diagnosis of GAD. TAICBT participants in this study experienced continued symptom improvement at four-week follow-up on all outcome measures. Higher credibility of treatment ratings at pre-treatment predicted faster rates of decline in anxiety symptoms; however, expectancy of change, treatment satisfaction, and therapeutic alliance were not strong predictors of anxiety or depressive symptoms. Regarding website use, completing more treatment modules and writing more e-mails and lengthier Check-In responses to the therapist were associated with reduced anxiety, whereas taking longer to complete the program and writing lengthier e-mails to the therapist were linked to higher anxiety at follow-up. Thematic analysis revealed that older adults typically reported having positive experiences with TAICBT but also identified several challenges with TAICBT, including difficulties with the amount of content and the short timeframe to complete the program. Participants varied in their preferences for the program material versus contact with the online therapist. Overall, the results of this RCT provides evidence that TAICBT is a feasible and efficacious way of reaching and providing mental health services to adults aged 60 years and older, while also enriching our knowledge of how we may better address older adults’ needs in the design of future therapy programs for this age group.
Open Access
Engaging older adults in walk-in counselling: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-07) Rogers, Kathleen; Novik, Nuelle; Jeffery, Bonnie
This paper examines a unique MSW field practicum experience at CFS Saskatoon, a counselling agency that provides programs and services to residents of all ages in the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. One objective of this practicum was to strengthen program development skills by researching, designing, developing, and implementing a pilot project walk-in counselling clinic specifically for adults 55 and older. Another objective was to enhance clinical skill development by completing literature reviews and providing general walk-in counselling at the Saskatoon Foodbank for clients of all ages. This practicum took place from September 5, 2018 to December 13, 2018 on a full-time basis. The 55 and older walk-in counselling pilot project was offered to residents of Saskatoon, and general walk-in counselling was also provided at the Saskatoon Foodbank. An evaluation of the counselling services provided at the Saskatoon Foodbank for one year prior to this writer’s practicum was completed, and although no clients attended to the walk-in counselling clinic pilot (focused on adults aged 55 and older), important data was gathered for CFS Saskatoon. This information will be shared with CFS Saskatoon to use in their development and implementation of future programming. Recommendations are made for the agency to work more effectively with the older adult population. Such recommendations focus on building and maintaining partnerships within the community, ways to engage older adults in counselling services, as well as considerations for future research and training.
Open Access
Enhancing Social Inclusion for Older Adults Living with Dementia: A Community-Based Collective Impact Approach in Rural Saskatchewan
(2021-04-29) McIntosh, Tom; Mahani, Akram; Jeffery, Bonnie; Novik, Nuelle
The social isolation of older adults, especially those living with dementia, is a global challenge and Canada is no exception. Most factors that contribute to social isolation among older adults are systemic, such as the stigma of dementia, ageism, poverty, and inadequate access to resources and supports.
Open Access
Examining Health Anxiety and Anxiety About Fetal Health During Pregnancy
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2019-01) Reiser, Sarah Jane; Wright, Kristi; Carleton, R. Nicholas; Klest, Bridget; Novik, Nuelle; Green, Sheryl
Background: Health anxiety refers to excessive preoccupation or worry about one’s health. The experience of health anxiety during pregnancy is unclear. The limited existing research provides mixed results regarding the impact of pregnancy on health anxiety (e.g., Kowalyk, Hadjistavropoulos, & Jones, 2009; Savron et al., 1989). Purpose: The current investigation was designed to assess health anxiety in pregnant women, examine the relationship between health anxiety and fetal health anxiety, and examine the relationships between health anxiety, fetal health anxiety, associated constructs (i.e., general anxiety, depression, anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty), and core health cognitions. In addition, inductive content analysis of open-ended questions facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of women’s experiences of fetal health anxiety. Methods: Participants comprised a sample of pregnant women (n = 100) and a sample of similarly aged non-pregnant women (n = 111) who completed a battery of measures to assess health anxiety, fetal health anxiety (pregnant women only), and additional constructs of interest. Results: Overall levels of health anxiety did not differ between the pregnant and non-pregnant women; in fact, scores for related subscales measuring perceived likelihood of having an illness and perceived negative consequences of having an illness were significantly lower in the pregnant sample suggesting that pregnancy may serve a protective function against some components of health anxiety. Significant, positive correlations between maternal health anxiety and measures of fetal health anxiety were observed. Significant, positive associations were also observed between health anxiety and the associated constructs (i.e., general anxiety, depression, anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty) in both samples. General anxiety accounted for significant variance in health anxiety in the pregnant sample, and general anxiety and anxiety sensitive accounted for significant variance in health anxiety in the non-pregnant sample. The core health cognitions also accounted for significant variance in health anxiety, with differences observed between the samples. All four of the core health cognitions were uniquely related to health anxiety even when controlling for general anxiety and depression in both samples (with the exception of awfulness of illness in the non-pregnant sample). Significant, positive associations between fetal health anxiety and the associated constructs (with the exception of inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty and one measure of depression) were observed and general anxiety accounted for significant variance in fetal health anxiety. The core health cognitions accounted for significant variance in fetal health anxiety; however, only one of the four health cognitions (i.e., difficulty coping with illness) approached accounting for unique variance in fetal health anxiety when controlling for general anxiety and depression. Results from the inductive content analysis provided further information about pregnant women’s experiences of fetal health anxiety. Implications: The current investigation increases our knowledge of factors that may underlie elevated health anxiety during pregnancy. The results also extend our understanding of fetal health anxiety during pregnancy and the association between this construct and maternal health anxiety. The results support the cognitive-behavioural model of health anxiety and may have implications for assessment and treatment strategies for elevated health anxiety and fetal health anxiety during pregnancy.
Open Access
Examining Initial Perception of Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Through Lens of Attutinal Structural, and Computer Barriers
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2019-02) Moskalenko, Maryna Yevheniv; Katapally, Tarun; Hadjistavropoulos, Heather; Mou, Haizhen; Novik, Nuelle
Interned Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) for depressive and anxiety symptoms provides flexibility, decrease in labour intensity, and improved cost-effectiveness. Understanding barriers to interest in ICBT is beneficial to effectively inform policy with regards to expanding this innovative therapeutic approach. To our knowledge no research has been conducted to look at the relationship between barriers and interest in ICBT. The objective of this study was to understand associations between common attitudinal and structural barriers, and ICBT-specific barriers on interest in ICBT as well as to understand direct and mediating association of barriers with interest in ICBT. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among adult (>18 years) urban and rural residents (n=200) in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were collected through an online survey that contained 27 constructs measuring barriers and interest in ICBT. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted with interest in ICBT as the dependent variable and barriers as independent variables after controlling for age, gender, residency (urban/rural), and depression or generalized anxiety symptoms. Utilizing structural equation modeling, a path analysis framework was developed by incorporating previously established associations from multivariable regression analyses to model direct and indirect associations through path analysis. The path analysis framework showed that perceived access to care played a mediating role in mitigating the negative association of life chaos and financial concerns on interest in ICBT. Similarly, computer self-efficacy was a significant mediator in negative association of computer anxiety on interest in ICBT. In the context of the framework, significant direct effect on interest in ICBT held to be true for observed attitudinal barriers: self-stigma of seeking help and perceived need for help. The findings of this study pointed towards several policy implications, including aligning ICBT towards communities with lower access to care and higher need for intervention. To our knowledge, this study is the first to empirically show direct and indirect associations of barriers with interest in ICBT utilizing path analysis. In informing health care policy decisions, path analysis could be a useful technique in analyzing complex relationships and prioritize intervention factors, an approach which would not be possible to implement using traditional regressions analyses.