University of the Fraser Valley

Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer experience negative effects during and beyond treatment that span physical, psychosocial, and cognitive domains. Physical activity (PA) is a feasible, safe, and recommended strategy to mitigate many of the negative effects. As PA continues to gain attention as a positive health behaviour, systematic synthesis and integration of the accumulating body of qualitative research is necessary to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of this population’s experiences with PA and to support future intervention/program design and implementation efforts. The objectives of this meta-synthesis were to: (i) identify and describe findings from articles qualitatively exploring PA experiences among children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, (ii) integrate, compare, and contrast findings to clarify patterns and develop an overarching narrative, and (iii) identify knowledge gaps to inform recommendations for future research and practice. A meta-study methodology was adopted, and three electronic databases were searched (initial search on May 19, 2023, search update on April 7, 2025). Two researchers screened citations against pre-defined eligibility criteria and extracted data from included articles. Reporting completeness was assessed using a standard qualitative reporting checklist and data were analyzed using meta-method, meta-theory, and meta-data analyses. Database searching identified 5061 unique references, of which 27 met eligibility criteria and were included herein (n = 798 participants; range = 3-128 participants). Reporting completeness ranged from ‘poorly reported’ to ‘well-reported’. Most articles were experimental (n = 14), few specified the qualitative methodology used (n = 8), and fewer reported adopting a guiding theory/model (n = 7). Interviews were the most common data collection approach (n = 20). Across articles, six themes (with additional subthemes) were identified and organized into two overarching categories to highlight dominant ideas: (i) PA experiences and (ii) influencing factors. Summarized data collectively highlighted the varied influences that can shape motivation for and engagement in PA, the complex interplay between cancer and PA experiences, and the range of potential benefits–spanning physical, emotional, and social domains–that PA may confer. Future efforts should prioritize methodological rigor, theoretical integration, and co-designed approaches to ensure that PA opportunities are accessible, meaningful, and feasible for this population.

Background Little is understood on how intersectionality and social background of patients and families influence ethical and clinical decision-making, particularly in the critical care setting. This study aims to explore how family identity and socioeconomic features influence the perceived medical appropriateness and ethical permissibility of treatment options for NICU patients when controlling for patient diagnosis and prognosis. Methods We conducted focus groups (n = 7) with interdisciplinary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) health care professionals (N = 33) at a single Level IV NICU over an 8-month period. Participants reviewed and discussed a hypothetical case of a neonate with severe neurological impairment. Focus groups received the same medical information regarding the patient and prognosis but were provided 1 of 2 social scenarios where the family’s contextual information (parental education, first language, religion, medical literacy, access to care, family structure, and parental presence at the bedside) were intentionally varied. Comparative thematic analysis was performed. Results Critical differences were identified in the way participants: (1) responded to parental requests for continued intervention and (2) incorporated the family’s education, income, geography, medical literacy, and active presence on the unit in their medical recommendations. Specifically, we found that teams were more open to the idea of accommodating parental requests in the context of increased family resources, than they were in the context of lower family resources. Conclusion Interpretation of family social context by NICU care teams can produce disparities in which interventions are offered, and which parental preferences are accommodated, underscoring the impact of family and social characteristics on clinical care.

People who use crack cocaine (PWUCC) constitute a key population due to vulnerability and marginalization, especially in a socio-ecologically diverse, relatively isolated region with limited public health infrastructure. This study aimed to perform a genetic characterization of circulating HCV among PWUCC in the municipality of Bragança, situated on the Brazilian Amazon coast, identifying viral genotypes, subtypes, resistance-associated substitutions (RAS)—naturally occurring mutations in the viral genome that can reduce the efficacy of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents—and predictions of phenotypic resistance. Methods: Between 2016 and 2018, biological samples and epidemiological data were obtained from 165 PWUCC. Viral detection was performed using RT-PCR, while genotyping, subtyping, and RAS profiling were conducted through nucleotide sequencing and fragment analysis. Results: In 165 PWUCC, 22 (13.3%) tested positive for HCV RNA. Most of them had not had access to public health services (91.5%), and more than half (57.0%) reported living in unstable housing conditions. HCV subtypes 1a (27.3%), 1b (40.9%), and 3a (31.8%) were detected. Evidence of resistance associated with DAAs, such as daclatasvir and dasabuvir, was detected in five PWUCC with HCV (22.7%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of HCV infection, predominantly subtype 1b, and significant levels of resistance are very concerning. This demonstrates the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to expand access to testing, treatment, and effective antiviral therapy in this vulnerable population of the Brazilian Amazon.

This study presents the development of a fully integrated mobile module that enables indoor pathfinding functionality from the front end to the back end. The module is implemented using the A* algorithm for route optimization and a NestJS framework with PostgreSQL and PostGIS for spatial data management. Designed as part of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Campus App project, this cross-platform mobile application is built with React Native to ensure seamless usability across devices. Core functionalities include intelligent room search, interactive floor plan visualization, and real-time, turn-by-turn navigation powered by WebSocket communication. The system demonstrates the feasibility of combining spatial databases, efficient routing algorithms, and real-time communication technologies to enhance campus navigation and user experience.

Colonial legacies have left Indigenous older adults in remote communities vulnerable to health challenges that impede healthy ageing in place. Access to culturally safe health programming and support for using ageing technology remains a significant challenge for these older adults. Our previous research projects within the Star Blanket Cree Nation introduced older adults to new technologies, including blood glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors, smart scales, tablets, and Fitbits. The Community Knowledge Council, which directs this research, has identified a significant gap in further support and health programming around these technologies that must be addressed. Consequently, the Community Knowledge Council has recommended engaging older adults through culturally safe health programming focused on technology use. Using an Indigenist theoretical framework and a community-based participatory research approach, this research project aims to support Indigenous older adults in maximizing existing technologies through culturally safe health programming. Sharing circles involving ten older adults from the community are employed to gather knowledge and explore culturally appropriate health programs that facilitate technology usage among Indigenous older adults. Our findings underscore the importance of grounding Indigenous culture in designing ageing technology support programs for remote Indigenous communities. For instance, we found that intergenerational support, a critical component of Indigenous culture, plays a vital role in adopting ageing technology. Therefore, designing age-tech support programs without incorporating younger family members poses significant challenges within these communities.