Picture perfect? Gazing into girls’ health, physical activity, and nutrition through photovoice.

Citation

Spencer, R., Numer, M., Rehman, L., & Kirk, S.F.L. (2021). Picture perfect? Gazing into girls’ health, physical activity, and nutrition through photovoice. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Health and Well-being.16(1). DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1874771

Abstract

Background: Women face contradictions regarding their health: Pressure to be feminine, but also athletic; Criticism for being too sporty or muscular, but equally so for being perceived as lazy or overweight. These complexities are perpetuated through media and discourse.

Purpose: Using a feminist post-structural approach and photovoice, this study explored health, physical activity, and nutrition in adolescent girls and young women.

Methods: Photovoice enables reflection, promotes dialogue, and sparks change. The process involved conducting a workshop, collecting photos, and participatory analysis sessions, which engaged the participants (n = 7, ages 13–26) in photo selection, contextualization, and codifying.

Results: This resulted in three themes: First, (Breaking) Stereotypes, in which participants identified gender norms, conflicts, and contradictions; Second, Emotional Safety, or the contexts in which girls and young women feel confident and comfortable; Finally, Being Outside in Nature emerged as significant. Each theme is supported by quotations and photographs. This work suggests being outside in nature provides important context for girls and young women to feel emotionally safe, such that they may engage in the complex navigation of competing discourses surrounding health.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2021.1874771

It takes a community: An environmental scan exploring the effectiveness of teenage pregnancy prevention strategies in North America.

Citation

Johnson, S., & Numer, M. (2017). It takes a community: An environmental scan exploring the effectiveness of teenage pregnancy prevention strategies in North America. The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society, 7(3), 25-44. DOI:10.18848/2156-8960.

Abstract

Background: Employing successful strategies grounded in evidence-based literature is important in preventing teenage pregnancy and subsequent teen parenthood (Strunk 2008). From 2006-2010 the rate of teenage pregnancy rose in Canada after forty years of a steady downward trajectory (McKay 2012). Prevention strategies that do not consider local context and culture have had limited success in adapting to Canada’s society and youth (Strunk 2008). Evaluations are rare and have been unable to identify the impact that community factors have on prevention strategies. Purpose: This study explored how the literature (academic and grey) discuss the effectiveness of teenage pregnancy prevention strategies. Methods: A total of thirty-one sources were analyzed to identify effective approaches to teenage pregnancy prevention. CINAHL and Psychinfo were the consulted health-related databases. Grey literature sources include government policies and legislations and public blogs. The data was examined using a thematic analysis of secondary data. A colour coding approach was used to identify relevant themes and sub-themes. Results: The results of the study highlight successful teen pregnancy prevention strategies. Four main themes were identified throughout the literature: youth development, community engagement, program implementation, and sexual health focus. Conclusion: Focusing on effective approaches can inform recommendations for the development of future strategies.

https://doi.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v07i04/25-44

A phenomenological inquiry of social support in relation to health and wellbeing among rural queer female youth.

Citation

Cusak, E., & Numer, M. (2012). A phenomenological inquiry of social support in relation to health and wellbeing among rural queer female youth. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences: Annual Review, 6(4), 35-48. DOI: 10.18848/1833-1882/CGP/v06i04/52067.

Abstract

Introduction: This phenomenological study explores the intersection of social support, rural location and health and wellbeing among self-identified queer female youth. Social support networks can be a protective factor for queer youth by mitigating the effects of discrimination, and influencing health-related behaviors (Saewyc, 2009; Von Ah et al., 2004). Living rurally may present unique challenges for queer youth in fostering strong social connections (Poon & Saewyc, 2009). Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the experiences of social support in relation to overall health and wellbeing among queer female youth living in rural communities. Methods: Data were collected from in-depth interviews with self-identified queer female university students in Halifax, Nova Scotia with varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The participants’ experiences of social support were analyzed through the process of reduction for significance in relation to health and wellbeing. Findings: Emergent themes including hostile school environments, family conflict, supportive friendships and rural communities were associated with participants’ health and wellbeing. Discussion: The findings from this study identify unique social challenges to guide further investigation and to inform inclusive health promotion policy and program development to foster social support and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of queer female youth.

https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1882/CGP/v06i04/52067

The development and validation of sexual health indicators of Canadians youth aged 16 to 24 years.

Citation

Smylie, L., Clarke, B., Doherty, M., Gahagan, J., McKay, A., Numer, M., Otis, J., Smith, G., & Soon, C. (2013). The development and validation of sexual health indicators of Canadians youth aged 16 to 24 years. Public Health Reports: Supplement on Sexual Health, 128(2), 53-61. DOI: 10.1177/00333549131282S106. (Open Access)

Abstract

Objectives
We developed and validated a set of self-administered, multidimensional indicators of sexual health among Canadians aged 16–24 years.

Methods
This study used a mixed-method qualitative and quantitative approach to develop and validate indicators of sexual health We used the four-stage Dillman method to identify, focus-test, pilot-test, and validate key metrics to measure sexual health We collected quantitative data to validate the measures through a computer-assisted self-interviewing program among a purposive sample of 1,158 people aged 16–24 years recruited from four Canadian provinces.

Results
The survey contained 75 items measuring five dimensions of sexual health: (1) physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; (2) approach to sexuality; (3) sexual relationships; (4) sexual experiences; and (5) discrimination, coercion, and violence. Principal components analysis for composite measures found seven components with eigenvalues ≥1. The factor structure was stable across gender, age, size of area of residence, and language in which the survey was completed. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.79 to 0.90. Indicators of condom use at last vaginal sex, protection self-efficacy, sexually transmitted infection/HIV testing self-efficacy, and sexual orientation also showed good construct validity.

Conclusions
The indicators constituted a conceptually grounded survey that is easy for young adults to complete and contains valid, reliable, and psychometrically robust measures The survey instrument provides a tool for future research to collect population-level data to measure and monitor trends in the sexual health of young people in Canada.

https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549131282S106