RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: This study explored experiences of waiting to access specialized health care among young women living in selected rural communities on the south shore of Nova Scotia. We asked women about the challenges they faced during wait times and how they perceived the impact of these experiences on their health. METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews with 10 women aged 21-37 years. We used thematic analysis to identify common experiences among participants. RESULTS: Some women expressed feelings of frustration about waiting, but others resigned themselves to the wait. Women reported challenges such as caregiving for ailing family members who waited for care. Some women took control of their situation by accessing private health care or what they called "the next best thing" (e.g., care from alternative health providers), although in some cases this was financially costly. A few women sought assistance through support networks. Many women reported that wait times affected their health. CONCLUSION: Our results support previous research indicating that young rural women's caregiving roles and support networks influence their experiences with wait times. Our research indicates that waiting to access specialized care can be financially costly for some women and may also affect their health.
Asunto(s)
Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud , Hospitales Privados/estadística & datos numéricos , Servicios de Salud Rural/organización & administración , Listas de Espera , Adulto , Cuidadores , Atención a la Salud/organización & administración , Femenino , Encuestas de Atención de la Salud , Humanos , Nueva Escocia , Aceptación de la Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Sector Privado , Población Rural , Apoyo Social , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To examine the simultaneous contribution of multiple factors associated with parents' use of booster seats. METHODS: Using the theory of planned behaviour framework, constructs of the theory were tested for usefulness in predicting self-reported intent and behaviour with respect to parents' use of booster seats. Through the use of structural equation modelling, the study demonstrated the most significant predictors of the intent to use a booster seat and reported use of booster seats in a Canadian sample (n=1480) of parents of school-aged children, 4-9 years. RESULTS: The strongest predictors of intent to use booster seats were attitudes (benefits of booster seat use) and second, subjective norms (perceived booster seat use in the community). Parent barriers were inversely associated with intent and use of booster seats and child barriers with use. Intent and norms had the greatest effect on use, both positive and equally influential. The final model explains 30% of the variance in booster seat use. CONCLUSION: Messages that address the benefit to the child in preventing injury could be beneficial if spread more diversely, establishing a social norm. Legislation, enforcement and local policy could positively influence the perceived culture that supports and expects booster seat use for school-aged children.
Asunto(s)
Sistemas de Retención Infantil/estadística & datos numéricos , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Padres/psicología , Adulto , Canadá/epidemiología , Niño , Preescolar , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Predicción , Humanos , Masculino , AutoinformeRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Patients' risk of having a second stroke can be substantially reduced by implementing best practice recommendations for secondary stroke prevention. However, evidence indicates that rural practitioners may face barriers to implementing these recommendations into their practices. This research project developed a workshop to increase practitioner awareness of the recommendations, and to identify barriers to the application of recommendations for secondary prevention of stroke in rural practices. METHODS: The workshop provided a venue for family physicians, specialists and health district representatives to discuss the recommendations. It was evaluated using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach using 3 methods of data collection: a questionnaire, documentation of comments made during discussion periods and post-workshop interviews. RESULTS: Participants at the workshop increased their awareness of the recommendations, and they gained an increased appreciation of how they might collaborate with other practitioners and the health district to implement the recommendations. The workshop identified barriers to implementing recommendations, such as miscommunications with the local health district, role conflict among physicians regarding health promotion and difficulties coordinating care with specialists. CONCLUSION: The workshop was an effective venue for improving communication between physicians and the health district and for reducing barriers to the implementation of recommendations.