SIDS Calgary Society

Background and aimsPrior investigations into the economic costs of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) among affected individuals have primarily been quantitative and focused only on direct costs. Given that SLE predominantly impacts patients during their prime working years and symptoms can be complex, this research employs a qualitative approach to explore and contextualise the direct as well as indirect costs incurred by Canadian patients with SLE.MethodsSemi structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 key informants (3 expert physicians, 5 representatives from patient advocacy groups) and 28 adult SLE patients. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded for recurring themes.ResultsFindings reveal that the early manifestations of the disease significantly rerouted the course of participants’ economic livelihoods, often to part-time precarious employment and in some cases forced them to leave the workforce all together. A lack of health insurance benefits and poor health coverage for complementary care created additional expenses. Openness about diagnosis within the workplace varied greatly amongst participants, though all noted the challenges created by a general lack of information and public awareness about SLE. The use of workplace accommodations was met with mixed success and greatly depended on the work setting.ConclusionsChanges within Canadian policy could improve access to resources for promoting healthy lifestyles and disease management for those with SLE which, in turn, would serve to enhance economic security. This research adds deeper understanding to the widespread and multifaceted costs associated with SLE, elucidating the long-term consequences of SLE and its implications for social policy.

Abstract Stable-isotope analysis of feathers has become a useful tool for examining migration patterns and annual connectivity of migratory songbird populations. We used this approach, combined with molecular sex-identification, to examine expected breeding destinations and migration ecology of Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) at a spring stopover site on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. The number of individuals passing through the site increased in late March and peaked in mid-April before declining toward late April. Plumage and expected feather-deuterium (δDf) values for North America indicated that most individuals had probably bred or fledged in west-central regions of the boreal forest and western mountains, rather than farther north in the Yukon and Alaska or in eastern regions of Canada and the United States. Average δDf values differed little between males and females, indicating similar breeding destinations, though females tended to show greater variability. The δDf values of second-year...