Sciences de la santé - Publications // Health Sciences - Publications

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Prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and roles of family/friend caregivers of older adults living at home in Canadian official language minority or majority communities—Supplementary data file
(2026-01-13) Savard, Jacinthe; Savard, Sébastien; Duong, Patrick; Hatungimana, Nelly Oriane; Benoît, Josée; de Moissac, Danielle; Dupuis-Blanchard, Suzanne; Robitaille, Annie
Résumé: Ce fichier de données supplémentaires a été créé pour compléter un article qui présente les résultats d'une étude qui examinait les impacts à long terme de la pandémie de COVID-19 chez 83 proches aidants de personnes âgées provenant de 4 provinces canadiennes. L'article principal sera publié dans la Revue canadienne du vieillissement. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980825100494 Abstract: This supplementary data file was produced to complement an article presenting the result of a study examining the longer-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among 83 unpaid caregivers of older adults from 4 Canadian provinces. The main article will be published in the Canadian Journal on Aging. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980825100494
Prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and roles of family/friend caregivers of older adults living at home in Canadian official language minority or majority communities — Preprint
(2026-01-13) Savard, Jacinthe; Savard, Sébastien; Duong, Patrick; Hatungimana, Nelly Oriane; Benoît, Josée; de Moissac, Danielle; Dupuis-Blanchard, Suzanne; Robitaille, Annie
Résumé: Des études menées pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 soulignent que le confinement a réduit l’accès aux services et accru les responsabilités et l’isolement des proches aidants. Cette étude en explore les répercussions à long terme chez 83 proches aidants de personnes âgées provenant de 4 provinces canadiennes. Les participants ont rempli un questionnaire en ligne entre octobre 2021 et février 2022, puis à nouveau 6 mois plus tard, concernant l’aide qu’ils offraient, le soutien qu’ils recevaient, la langue des services reçus et leur bien-être psychologique. De plus, 8 proches aidants ont participé à une entrevue qualitative. La majorité des services de soutien à domicile aux ainés ont été maintenus pendant la pandémie, certains avec un personnel réduit, à l’exception des services de répit et de transport. Les proches aidants rapportent avoir augmenté leur aide pendant les périodes de confinement, et cette assistance accrue s’est maintenu en 2022. Ils ont perçu un impact négatif de la pandémie sur leur santé et celle de la personne aidée. Les participants de langue officielle en situation minoritaire ont décrit des défis additionnels concernant l’accès à des services dans leur langue. Abstract: Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that confinement reduced access to services, and increased caregivers’ responsibilities and isolation. This study examines the longer-term impacts among 83 unpaid caregivers of older adults from 4 Canadian provinces. Participants completed an online questionnaire between October 2021 and February 2022, and again 6 months later, regarding the assistance they offered, the support they received, the language of the services received and their psychological well-being. Additionally, 8 caregivers participated in a qualitative interview. Most home support services for older adults were maintained during the pandemic—some with restricted staffing—except for respite and transportation services. Caregivers reported that they increased their assistance during the lockdowns, and this higher involvement persisted in 2022. They perceived a negative impact of the pandemic on their health and that of the care recipient. Participants from official language minority communities described additional challenges accessing services in their preferred language.
Principles of Management in Nutrition
(2025) De Geus, Gyselle; Fernandez, Melissa A.
Drawing from foundational open educational resources in foodservice and business management, this resource was developed to meet the specific learning needs of dietetic and foodscience students. The book covers key principles of management, leadership, human resources, marketing, and strategic planning—framed within the context of dietetic and foodservice practice. Designed to support active learning, it includes review questions, practical exercises, and Canadian examples to help students link theory to real-world practice. The resource empowers students to think critically about their roles as future foodservice managers, small business owners, and leaders in food and nutrition.
Code as Social Archaeology: Uncovering Generative Mechanisms Through Algorithmic Analysis
(2025-07-30) Martin-Schreiber, Vincent
This presentation examines how algorithmic systems shape social reality through the lens of Roy Bhaskar’s critical realist framework, using France’s Parcoursup university admission platform as a case study. Drawing on critical realism’s stratified ontology, the analysis positions source code and algorithms as genuine generative mechanisms operating in the domain of the real, while their execution constitutes events in the actual domain, producing observable social outcomes in the empirical domain. The 2018 transition from Admission Post-Bac to Parcoursup marks a significant shift in French higher education policy, replacing randomized selection with “merit-based” evaluation and introducing university-controlled candidate scoring systems. Through an archaeological analysis of these algorithmic mechanisms, the presentation demonstrates how Parcoursup reinforces existing educational stratification while creating new forms of social sorting that cannot be reduced to code alone. The critical realist perspective reveals the emergent properties arising from interactions between algorithmic and human decision-making, illustrating how code embodies policy choices and social values. This approach challenges purely technical understandings of algorithms by positioning them as causal powers embedded within broader social structures. The presentation concludes by discussing methodological implications for studying algorithmic systems, highlighting the importance of transparency and free and open-source software (FOSS) for effective social research into these increasingly influential mechanisms of social reproduction and stratification.
Research Network, Language Data and Resources for studying the health of Francophones in minority situation
(2023-06-23) Martin-Schreiber, Vincent
This project aligns with the Official Languages Health Program goal of ‘developing innovative projects to better address health needs. By producing a detailed directory of all health databases in Canada and the linguistic variables they contain, we are providing researchers in the minority-language space with a powerful, open-access tool to support further research that will benefit official-language minorities. Background and Objectives Language barriers in healthcare settings can impede patient access to healthcare services, increase risks to patient safety, and decrease quality of care. Patient-provider language concordance may therefore be an important sociodemographic factor impacting health outcomes, particularly among minority Francophones and Allophones in Canada. However, the collection of language variables and their availability in health administrative data is limited, hindering research assessing language concordance as a determinant of health. The objective of this study is to build and validate a reference tool on linguistic information in health-administrative databases, with the aim of fostering collaboration in research that will improve the health services offered to official language minority communities (OLMCs). Methods We are creating a Canadian network of researchers, collaborators and users interested in research on the linguistic component of health services. The network will work on three specific objectives: (1) Review and update information on the availability of language variables in databases; (2) Determine the linguistic representation captured by the various variables and assess their reliability in identifying OLMCs; (3) Produce recommendations and resources to facilitate access to language data and the use of linguistic concepts and variables that promote research on the health of OLMCs. Results The project started at the end of 2022. To date, it has brought together a network of researchers and users. The research team is currently investigating the best way to construct a database of linguistic variables with associated metadata. Conclusions/Implications This presentation will give an overview of the project plan and describe the key milestones and deliverables, including what the access to language variables and metadata should look like. It is worth noting that this work should also benefit other minority communities, including migrant populations, as it will help researchers identify where language data is captured, including non-official languages.
La révolution causale à l'ère de l'IA : Vers une approche hybride entre théorie scientifique et découverte automatisée
(2025-05-07) Martin-Schreiber, Vincent; Domingue, Jean-Laurent
La “révolution causale” en sciences des données promet de transformer notre capacité à comprendre les relations causales complexes dans divers domaines. Cette présentation examine les rôles complémentaires des humains et des machines dans la modélisation causale, en prenant pour exemple la recherche sur le trouble de la personnalité limite. Nous analysons d’abord les limites des approches purement automatisées de découverte causale, particulièrement en présence de données manquantes ou partielles. Nous montrons ensuite comment les modèles théoriques issus des sciences sociales et de la santé peuvent servir de “priors” informatifs pour guider la construction de modèles causaux. En particulier, nous explorons l’utilisation du modèle écosocial de Krieger comme cadre théorique initial. Nous proposons une approche hybride qui combine systématiquement trois éléments : les modèles théoriques existants, l’expertise clinique, et les méthodes de découverte automatisée. Cette approche permet d’exploiter les forces complémentaires des humains (connaissance du contexte, jugement clinique) et des machines (traitement de grandes quantités de données, identification de motifs). Cette réflexion s’inscrit dans une perspective plus large sur l’automatisation en santé mentale, où la complémentarité homme-machine apparaît comme une piste à approfondir.
L'intelligence artificielle comme assistante dans les revues systématiques : repenser la collaboration humain-machine dans la synthèse des connaissances en santé
(2025-05-07) Martin-Schreiber, Vincent
Face à l’augmentation exponentielle des publications scientifiques en santé, la réalisation de revues systématiques devient un défi majeur qui nécessite de repenser la collaboration entre humain·e·s et machines. Cette présentation examine comment l’automatisation avancée, à travers les outils d’intelligence artificielle, peut transformer la synthèse des connaissances tout en préservant la rigueur scientifique. En s’appuyant sur la présentation d’un logiciel libre d’apprentissage actif, ASReview, cette présentation tente de redéfinir les rôles entre les chercheur·e·s et la machine dans le processus de revue systématique. La réflexion met en lumière comment l’IA peut agir comme assistante plutôt que comme substitut, permettant aux chercheur·e·s de se concentrer sur les aspects nécessitant expertise et jugement critique. Les enjeux de transparence, de reproductibilité et d’éthique sont abordés à travers le prisme du logiciel libre, soulignant l’importance d’une automatisation réfléchie et maîtrisée. Cette analyse s’inscrit dans une réflexion plus large sur l’évolution des pratiques de recherche en santé et sur la nécessité d’un développement technologique qui respecte et valorise l’expertise humaine tout en optimisant l’efficacité du processus de synthèse des connaissances.
Too Easy to Forget? Honouring our Hard-Earned Lessons Learned Comparative Framework Matrix for Pandemics Similarities between COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS
(2024-12-24) Jacob, Dr. Carl GA; Lagacé-Roy, Dr. Daniel; Lussier-Duynstee, Dr. Patricia
In this research paper, a comparative framework matrix for presenting similarities between two different pandemics is suggested to fill the void in this domain. It was generated using, primarily, COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS related taxonomies, reported in scientific literature published mostly by health and social science authorities and researchers. Second, using a literature review and a comparative methodology, and making use of, amongst others, several databases, scientific documents and grey literature mentioning similarities between COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS were identified, and their relevant content was displayed side by side in the comparative framework matrix. Thereafter, a comparative framework matrix in condensed format is presented to highlight the similarities between the two pandemics. Third, this research paper draws the readers’ attention to one theme purposefully chosen from the condensed comparative framework matrix for pandemics, i.e., alternative theories of the COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics’ origin. The results from this comparison show that similarities between the COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics exist, even at a granular level. Finally, some lessons learned from the comparison are suggested in the research paper’s discussion section. The results from this research paper may help stakeholders compare future pandemics against past ones in a more structured manner to better, for example, detect where further research is warranted and where interdependencies and interconnectedness exist.
Temporal snacking patterns among Canadian children and adolescents
(2024) Tugault-Lafleur, Claire; Polsky, Jane
Snacking is nearly universal among children but there is growing concern around snacking patterns and energy contribution. This study aimed to characterize temporal snacking patterns among Canadian children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis drew on data from 5209 respondents aged 4–18 years from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey Nutrition, using one 24 h dietary recall. Descriptive statistics estimated proportions of morning, afternoon, and evening snackers, the mean caloric contribution of each snacking period to total daily energy intake, and the top food categories consumed as snacks (kcal per capita). Snacking was nearly universal and accounted for one of every four calories consumed. Morning snacks were more popular among children vs. adolescents and contributed significantly less energy than afternoon or evening snacking periods for both age groups (P < 0.001). The top food groups consumed as snacks were the same for children and adolescents, although the ranking order varied. Fruits were the leading food group in terms of per capita energy for children and second for adolescents. Aside from fruits and milks, all other top per capita energy contributors were generally more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods such as cookies, biscuits and cereal bars, and other breads. Among children, morning snacks were higher in desirable nutrients compared with afternoon snacks. Not all snacking periods are equal in terms of energy and nutrients. A better understanding of how time of day may influence the quality of snack foods can inform meal-based guidance and help children achieve the recommended daily amounts of foods and nutrients.
Nutrition et vieillissement : Étude de cas
(2024) Beauregard, Noémie; Fernandez, Melissa A.
Nutrition et vieillissement : étude de cas explore les liens entre la nutrition et le vieillissement à travers une étude de cas pratique. Cette œuvre offre des perspectives précieuses sur l’impact de l’alimentation sur la santé des personnes âgées, en mettant en lumière le processus de soins nutritionnels et la révision des médicaments.
Prevalence and factors associated with HIV treatment non-adherence among people living with HIV in three regions of Cameroon: A cross-sectional study
(2023) Buh, Amos; Deonandan, Raywat; Gomes, James; Krentel, Alison; Oladimeji, Olanrewaju; Yaya, Sanni
In Cameroon, HIV care decentralization is enforced as a national policy, but follow-up of people living with HIV (PLWH) is provider-driven, with little patient education and limited patient participation in clinical surveillance. These types of services can result in low antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of ART non-adherence among PLWH in Cameroon.
Barriers and facilitators for interventions to improve ART adherence in Sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(2023) Buh, Amos; Deonandan, Raywat; Gomes, James; Krentel, Alison; Oladimeji, Olanrewaju; Yaya, Sanni
The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a significant public health issue, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at its epicentre. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been introduced to decrease new infections and deaths, SSA reports the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS, constituting two-thirds of the global new infections. This review aimed to elucidate the predominant barriers and facilitators influencing ART adherence and to identify effective strategies to enhance ART adherence across SSA.
Barriers and facilitators to ART adherence among ART non-adherence people living with HIV in Cameroon: A qualitative phenomenological study
(2023) Buh, Amos; Deonandan, Raywat; Gomes, James; Krentel, Alison; Oladimeji, Olanrewaju; Yaya, Sanni
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) needs to be taken for life with near perfect levels of adherence for it to be effective. Nonetheless, ART non-adherence is still observed in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries such as Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing non-adherence and or adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) who have experienced non-adherence to ART in Cameroon.
Reimagining Positive Youth Development and Life Skills in Sport Through a Social Justice Lens
(2022) Camiré, Martin; Newman, Tarkington J.; Bean, Corliss; Strachan, Leisha
Since the early 2000s, models of positive youth development (PYD), as well as the concept of life skills, have served as popular approaches by which to situate psychosocial development in youth sport research. However, critiques have been put forth in terms of how the PYD approach fails to address power, privilege, and oppression and how life skills do not fully encompass the wide range of learning outcomes that can arise from sport participation. In light of social justice issues (e.g., systemic racism, gender inequity) that have led citizens in many countries to mobilize for change, there is a need to explore how PYD and life skills can be reimagined in order for youth sport research to be better positioned to promote dialogue and action on social justice issues in youth sport. The purpose of the present paper is to reimagine PYD and life skills in sport through a social justice lens. Following reflections on how PYD and life skills can be framed to further promote social justice in youth sport, implications for practice and research are offered.
White Privilege in Canadian High School Sport: Investigating White Coaches’ Perspectives on Social Justice Issues
(2023) Bishop, Evan; Turgeon, Stéphanie; Tang, Wesley; Newman, Tarkington J.; Strachan, Leish; Bean, Corliss; Camiré, Martin
Sport constitutes an important setting in which to study whiteness given ongoing issues related to power, privilege, and oppression. The purpose of the study was to examine white privilege in Canadian high school sport by investigating white coaches’ perspectives on social justice issues. A total of 463 high school coaches who self-identified as white completed an online survey. Results showed how coaches who had a greater awareness of white privilege in society had more favourable attitudes toward social justice, higher importance attributed to climate change issues, greater awareness of prejudicial attitudes against the LGBT community, and a higher propensity to engage in antiracist behaviours. Moderating effects for gender identity were also found. Moving forward, white privilege should continue to be studied in coaching to better understand how it is entangled with social justice.
Structured Interview Matrix (SIM) Facilitators’ Guide
(2022) O'Sullivan, Tracey; Tracey, Shannon; Corneil, Wayne
The Structured Interview Matrix (SIM) is a participatory method for consulting stakeholders and creating opportunities for networking. This guide provides an overview of how to plan and conduct an in-person SIM session, as well as a protocol for using the method virtually.
Radon, an invisible killer in Canadian homes: perceptions of Ottawa-Gatineau residents
(2018) Khan, Selim; Krewski, Daniel; James, Gomes; Deonandan, Raywat
Objectives Canadians have reason to care about indoor air quality as they spend over 90% of the time indoors. Although indoor radon causes more deaths than any other environmental hazard, only 55% of Canadians have heard of it, and of these, 6% have taken action. The gap between residents’ risk awareness and adoption of actual protective behaviour presents a challenge to public health practitioners. Residents’ perception of the risk should inform health communication that targets motivation for action. In Canada, research about the public perception of radon health risk is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe residents’ perceptions of radon health risks and, applying a theoretical lens, evaluate how perceptions correlate with protection behaviours. Methods We conducted a mixed online and face-to-face survey (N = 557)with both homeowners and tenants inOttawa-Gatineau census metropolitan area. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses addressed the research questions. Results Compared to the gravity of the risk, public perception remained low. While 32% of residents expressed some concern about radon health risk, 12% of them tested and only 3% mitigated their homes for radon. Residents’ perceptions of the probability and severity of the risk, social influence, care for children, and smoking in home correlated significantly with their intention to test; these factors also predicted their behaviours for testing and mitigation. Conclusion Health risk communication programs need to consider the affective aspects of risk perception in addition to rational cognition to improve protection behaviours. A qualitative study can explore the reasons behind the gap between testing and mitigation.
Mixed Methods Population Health Approach to the Radon Health Risk: Perception of Ottawa-Gatineau Residents
(2021) Khan, Selim M.; Gomes, James; Chreim, Samia
Mixed Methods Population Health Approach to the Radon Health Risk: Perception of Ottawa-Gatineau Residents
Residents' perception and worldview about radon control policy in Canada: A pro-equity social justice lens
(2022) Khan, Selim M.; Gomes, James; Nicol, Anne-Marie
Radon is a potent indoor air pollutant, especially in radon prone areas and in countries with long winters. As the second top lung carcinogen, radon is disproportionately affecting certain population subgroups. While many provinces have taken sporadic actions, the equity issue has remained unaddressed across all policy measures. Attempts to enforce radon guidelines and enact building regulations without considering residents' views have proved ineffective. Research linking residents' radon risk perception and worldviews regarding radon control policy is lacking in Canada. We applied mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods in a pro-equity social justice lens to examine the variations in residents' risk perception, access to risk communication messages, and worldviews about risk management across the sociodemographic strata. Triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative findings strengthened the evidence base to identify challenges and potential solutions in addressing the health risk through upstream policy actions. Enacting radon control policy requires actions from all levels of governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure equal opportunities for all residents to take the preventive and adaptive measures. Small sample size limited the scope of findings for generalization. Future studies can examine the differential impacts of radon health risk as are determined by various sociodemographic variables in a representative national cohort.
Understanding rural-living young adult cancer survivors' motivation during a telehealth behavior change intervention: a single-arm feasibility trial
(2022) Price, Jenson; Brunet, Jennifer
A single-arm feasibility trial was conducted to explore rural-living young adult cancer survivors' physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and motivational processes underlying any behavior changes during a telehealth behavior change intervention grounded in self-determination theory. Participants (n = 7; 85.7% female; Mage = 33.9, range = 28-37) met with a health coach once a week for 60 min for 12 weeks. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys that assessed their behaviors, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and behavioral regulations. Participants also completed a semi-structured interview post-intervention. Quantitative results indicate behavioral outcomes, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and behavioral regulations increased from pre- to post-intervention. Five themes provide context for the observed increases. Results provide preliminary evidence that motivation for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption may be facilitated by a one-on-one telehealth intervention among rural-living young adult cancer survivors. Large scale studies are needed to determine effectiveness of the intervention and identify mechanisms underpinning behavioral outcomes.

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