Browsing by Author "Springett, Jane"

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    An action-oriented public health framework to reduce financial strain and promote financial wellbeing in high-income countries
    (2023-04-13) Nykiforuk, Candace I. J.; Belon, Ana P.; de Leeuw, Evelyne; Harris, Patrick; Allen-Scott, Lisa; Atkey, Kayla; Glenn, Nicole M.; Hyshka, Elaine; Jaques, Karla; Kongats, Krystyna; Montesanti, Stephanie; Nieuwendyk, Laura M.; Pabayo, Roman; Springett, Jane; Yashadhana, Aryati
    Abstract Background Perceived financial security impacts physical, mental, and social health and overall wellbeing at community and population levels. Public health action on this dynamic is even more critical now that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated financial strain and reduced financial wellbeing. Yet, public health literature on this topic is limited. Initiatives targeting financial strain and financial wellbeing and their deterministic effects on equity in health and living conditions are missing. Our research-practice collaborative project addresses this gap in knowledge and intervention through an action-oriented public health framework for initiatives targeting financial strain and wellbeing. Methods The Framework was developed using a multi-step methodology that involved review of theoretical and empirical evidence alongside input from a panel of experts from Australia and Canada. In an integrated knowledge translation approach, academics (n = 14) and a diverse group of experts from government and non-profit sectors (n = 22) were engaged throughout the project via workshops, one-on-one dialogues, and questionnaires. Results The validated Framework provides organizations and governments with guidance for the design, implementation, and assessment of diverse financial wellbeing- and financial strain-related initiatives. It presents 17 priority actionable areas (i.e., entry points for action) likely to have long-lasting, positive effects on people’s financial circumstances, contributing to improved financial wellbeing and health. The 17 entry points relate to five domains: Government (All Levels), Organizational & Political Culture, Socioeconomic & Political Context, Social & Cultural Circumstances, and Life Circumstances. Conclusions The Framework reveals the intersectionality of root causes and consequences of financial strain and poor financial wellbeing, while also reinforcing the need for tailored actions to promote socioeconomic and health equity for all people. The dynamic, systemic interplay of the entry points illustrated in the Framework suggest opportunities for multi-sectoral, collaborative action across government and organizations towards systems change and the prevention of unintended negative impacts of initiatives.
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    Impact of health system engagement on the health and well-being of people who use drugs: a realist review protocol
    (2022-04-13) Salvalaggio, Ginetta; Ferguson, Lawrence; Brooks, Hannah L.; Campbell, Sandra; Gladue, Vanessa; Hyshka, Elaine; Lam, Linda; Morris, Heather; Nixon, Lara; Springett, Jane
    Abstract Background Although community-level benefits of health system engagement (i.e., health service planning, delivery, and quality improvement, engaged research and evaluation, and collaborative advocacy) are well established, individual-level impacts on the health and well-being of community members are less explored, in particular for people who use or have used illegal drugs (PWUD). Capacity building, personal growth, reduced/safer drug use, and other positive outcomes may or may not be experienced by PWUD involved in engagement activities. Indeed, PWUD may also encounter stigma and harm when interacting with healthcare and academic structures. Our objective is to uncover why, how, and under what circumstances positive and negative health outcomes occur during health system engagement by PWUD. Methods We propose a realist review approach due to its explanatory lens. Through preliminary exploration of literature, lived experience input, and consideration of formal theories, an explanatory model was drafted. The model describes contexts, mechanisms, and health outcomes (e.g., mental health, stable/safer drug use) involved in health system engagement. The explanatory model will be tested against the literature and iteratively refined against formal theories. A participatory lens will also be used, wherein PWUD with lived experience of health system engagement will contribute throughout all stages of the review. Discussion We believe this is the first realist review to explore the contextual factors and underlying mechanisms of health outcomes for PWUD who participate in health system engagement. A thorough understanding of the relevant literature and theoretical underpinnings of this process will offer insights and recommendations to improve the engagement processes of PWUD.
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    Occupational health and safety among officers who enforce animal laws in the Province of Alberta (Canada): An examination of the risks and rewards
    (2019-01-23) Rault, Elfriede Dawn; Rock, Melanie; Adams, Cindy L.; Springett, Jane
    Worldwide, laws exist to protect animals and to stop them from becoming public threats or nuisances. The officers who enforce animal laws precariously straddle justice and health systems. Nonetheless, these officers rarely receive recognition as skilled professionals, neither in the realm of public health nor in justice. Furthermore, their work is poorly understood in society, and within the academy. My research examined how officers who enforce animal laws perceive the risks and rewards associated with their employment, with a focus on occupational health and safety. To help with mitigating risks to this workforce, I worked closely with two professional associations in the Province of Alberta, Canada. Two tragic events, the death of an officer in the line of duty in 2012 and an assault on an officer in 2014, informed my entire study. Designed as an action research project, this qualitative ethnographic case study included in-depth interviews with officers and managers; intensive participant-observation; first-hand observations in courts of law; and an analysis of legal texts and government policies. Over the course of this study, I engaged in robust knowledge translation and mobilization activities alongside officers to advocate for improvements to their working conditions. My findings suggest that the enforcement of animal laws can contribute to public safety and community well-being. Officers spoke about the societal benefits of their work with pride, yet they consistently felt unsafe and devalued. The main findings with respect to officers’ health and safety were resource inadequacies, insufficient information, poor patterns of communication and intelligence sharing, and a culture of normalized disrespect in the law enforcement hierarchy. Significant opportunities exist in Alberta, and beyond, to improve the working conditions for officers who enforce animal laws in particular, as well as municipal bylaws and provincial statues more generally. Operationally, there is a need for greater inter-agency collaboration within and outside the justice system, consistent intelligence-sharing with other law enforcement agencies, a robust operational safety training program, improved communication with dispatch, and consistent access to personal protective equipment and defensive tools. In the academy, greater attention should be given within criminology as well as in public health to animal laws and their enforcement.