Ruth Grant Kalischuk

Problem Gambling and its Impact on Families: A Literature Review

This paper offers an overview of the existing literature concerning problem gambling and families and identifies gaps in current research knowledge on this topic. Relevant theoretical perspectives are outlined and the role of familial factors in the development of problem gambling is discussed. This is followed by a focused review of the effects of problem gambling on family members, specifically the spouse, children and parents. Available treatments and therapies for family members are also reviewed. The paper concludes by identifying the limitations of existing knowledge and some directions for future research on this topic.

Thinking Creatively: From Nursing Education to Practice

Creative thinking is a critical link in the teaching-learning process, one that enhances problem solving in nursing practice. This article describes a conceptualization of creativity based on focus groups with 12 post-RN students and two nurse educators. Inherent within the major theme, striving for balance, were three subthemes-enhancing self-esteem, working within structure, and making time for reflection (i.e., process). When participants achieved balance, both personally and professionally, they experienced increased creative energy that resulted in creative expression, subsequently displayed in educational endeavors and clinical practice (i.e., product). Strategies for fostering creativity and criteria for evaluating creativity are offered, and implications for nurse educators, managers, and practitioners are examined.

Do Water Contamination Reports Influence Water Use Practices on Feedlot Farms and Rural Households in Southern Alberta

This article explores the extent to which water contamination reports influence water use practices of feedlot operators and their households in southern Alberta. An in–person survey was conducted with 33 feedlot farm families living in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. The analyses reveal that there are variations in operators’ knowledge of local water contamination reports and the ways in which these reports influence water use practices. For example, while 88% of participants were aware of reports that the South Saskatchewan River Basin has a very high level of pesticide residues, only 24% said that this has always influenced the way they use their water for domestic use. While this study provides insight into understanding the relationship between water contamination reports and water use practices of feedlot farm families, it also serves as a starting point for a more extensive socioeconomic and health survey focused on this population.

Health impacts of the 2005 flood events on feedlot farm families in southern Alberta, Canada

In the summer of 2005, southern Alberta received heavy rainfall that led to extensive flooding. Four separate flooding events severely affected several rural communities, roads, bridges, and businesses within the region; specifically, the flooding affected farm families living on Canada’s largest feedlot operations in the area. This article explores the health-related impacts of the 2005 flood events on families who reside on feedlot farms in southern Alberta. Utilizing random sampling, an in-person survey was conducted between September and December 2005 with 33 affected feedlot farm families living in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District, home of the greatest number of large beef feedlot operations in Canada. Three percent of participants (and 12% of their family members) reported flood-related health problems. However, 63% of participants (and 58% of their family members) reported flood-related mental health problems, and 40% (and 24% of family members) indicated that they experienced isolation and helplessness. Only 9% of the participants accessed health services. Most participants reported that their communities were more helpful in dealing with their flood-related health problems than were public and service delivery sectors. A majority (91%) of participants reported that their family was helpful, followed by friends (64%), neighbors (42%), church (39%), and employees (36%). Among the affected feedlot farm families, a small percentage experienced physical health problems but a much larger percentage had mental health problems. However, only a few utilized health care services. This information will be important to health care leaders and policy makers as they plan and develop efficient and effective health care support for farm families exposed to flooding events.

Farmstead drinking water sources, concerns and safety practices of livestock farm families in southern Alberta, Canada

The province of Alberta, like other provinces in Canada, has made considerable progress in increasing supply of good quality water for domestic use and consumption. However, the quality of rural drinking water in southern Alberta has received considerable attention in recent years because of intensive agricultural activities, livestock density, floods and the highest incidence of E coli O157:H7 infection in the country. In fact relevant literature indicates that the region’s water sources have high concentration levels of nitrate and/or coliform bacteria that exceed drinking water guidelines thus threatening the health of local farmers and residents. Little information is available on the farmstead drinking water safety practices of livestock farm families in southern Alberta so an inperson survey of feedlot farm families was carried out in Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID), one of the 13 irrigation districts located in southern Alberta. All respondents strongly agreed that access to safe and clean drinking water is essential for human and animal health and performance and they indicated that they use multiple water sources to avoid health problems. Other drinking water safety practices included the use of bottled water and/or home water treatment technologies for human consumption and the use of LNID monitored irrigation water for feedlot operations and gardens. Regarding the type of home water treatment technology used, a majority (over 70%) used filtered water for cooking, drinking and washing. Only 9% used the city water supply for domestic purposes and 6% depended on the LNID water supply. It was interesting to note that 66% were concerned about their local water source and 67% were concerned about waterborne illnesses and 45% of respondents reported that they tested their water quality annually.

Nursing Students Learn About Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practices

Informed by a philosophy that embraces wholeness and balance of body-mind-spirit, the authors each led a 13-week university course in which undergraduate students explored the history and practice of alternative and complementary healing modalities. Students submitted weekly journals chronicling their responses to and understanding of the course material. The journals were examined to gain an understanding of students’ experiences related to all aspects of the course content and process. Thematic analysis revealed a major concept (searching and re-searching) as well as five subconcepts (engaging, opening, hesitating, understanding, and knowing) that represented the iterative process of interacting with and reflecting on the learning of often unfamiliar approaches to healing. Of significant interest was the tremendous personal growth identified by students. Nursing students were also able to recognize the utility of their new awareness and knowledge within the context of nursing care delivery, acknowledging the role of alternative and complementary therapies and treatments in the choices made and care accepted by their clients. Implications of the findings for nursing education include the need to expose students to such information and experiences for improved professional nursing practice and health care in general.

Feedlot operation problems from floods in southern Alberta: a Canadian case study.

In the summer of 2005, southern Alberta received the heaviest precipitation in the region’s history. Heavy and persistent rains during June and September triggered heavy flooding in Oldman River basin, the principal source of water used in nine of thirteen irrigation districts of southern Alberta. In the fall of 2005, a flood impact survey of feedlot farm families was conducted in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID). The objectives of the survey were to determine the types of feedlot operation problems the farm families encountered during the flooding, their responses to the immediate problems, and their plans to reduce future risks. The analyses revealed that most experienced major flood-related problems on their farm operations. For instance, 97% reported problems associated with feedlot and flood runoff management, animal health and performance, and damages to feed and storage facilities. To reduce the effects of excess contaminated water, a vast majority (85%) of respondents reported that they sprayed contaminated floodwater onto their cropland. A majority (82%) of the respondents treated their sick animals themselves and 39% said that they have no future flood risk reduction plans for their farm operations. However, the majority of them do have plans for reducing the impacts of future floods, to protect the water quality, the health of their animals and their livelihood.

Student Nurses’ Perspectives On Complementary Therapies

2005, Vol. 9, No. 2 The Alberta Association of Registered Nurses’ Position Paper (1999) on Alternative and Complementary Therapy in Nursing Practice states that complementary therapies (CTs) are “those therapies that are used to complement conventional care” (p. 1). Some examples of CTs include massage, vitamins, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, visualization, herbal medicine, homeopathy, yoga, aromatherapy, hypnosis, meditation, and naturopathy. Increasingly, healthcare consumers are balancing conventional care with CTs. This could provide a sense of harmony to their well-being. Sometimes consumers share their knowledge and experiences with healthcare providers. As an important group of care providers, student nurses’ usage of and perceptions about CTs remain, to a great extent, unexplored. This study was undertaken to determine student nurses’ perspectives about complementary therapies. Goal: To examine nursing students’ perceptions about complementary therapies. Method: A survey was administered to 330 undergraduate nursing students in a collaborative nursing program in Canada. The survey consisted of five multiple-choice questions and six open-ended questions. Students were invited to share their perceptions regarding complementary therapies. Results: The majority of students indicated that they personally used CTs. The most commonly used therapy was massage. Other therapies included vitamins, chiropractic, and herbal medicine to mention a few. The majority of students were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their own use of CTs. No student indicated dissatisfaction with his/her use of CTs. However, a majority of students indicated that, within their own lives, CTs were only somewhat effective. The majority of students indicated that they were very comfortable or somewhat comfortable in caring for patients who used CTs. Student nurses perceived their main roles in providing care as learning more about CTs and passing on relevant information to healthcare consumers. Moreover, they rated their own knowledge about CTs as average. The most significant issue related to CT use identified by students was the potential for harm to healthcare consumers. Conclusion: As CT use among the general population continues to increase, it is important for healthcare providers to increase their knowledge base in this area. Student nurses continue to increase their use complementary therapies; they also indicate that they possess a basic knowledge base related to CTs. Importantly, they remain keen with regard to learning more about this consumer-driven healthcare phenomenon that contributes to the consumer’s perception of harmonious well-being. Student Nurses’ Perspectives On Complementary Therapies