Children In Saskatchewan Research Articles

R2 (Resident Advocacy Project) Reducing the Risk of ATV-related Harm in Saskatchewan Children

Abstract Rationale and Objectives All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are the second highest cause of transport-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and disabilities in Saskatchewan citizens of all ages. Saskatchewan law restricts the use of ATVs by children aged 12-16 and bans the use of ATVs by children under the age of 12 on public land. Previous CPS status reports had found this level of legislation inadequate. Clinically, we certainly see many children enter Saskatchewan hospitals for ATV-related injuries, and previous attempts at education campaigns and government lobbying have not been successful. There is limited Saskatchewan information on this issue, so we first sought to gather data to identify where social and legislative advocacy efforts should be directed. Project Description We partnered with the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, a non-profit organization working to prevent injuries in children, as they have worked on ATV safety over the years with community partners as well as government. We completed a retrospective chart review to describe the prevalence and outcomes of ATV accidents in children and youth (aged 20 and under) presenting to hospitals in Saskatoon from 2016 to 2021. Armed with this data, we will be able to improve education campaigns as well as share information with key stakeholders, and hopefully effect change. Outcomes During the study period, 354 children presented to hospital after an ATV accident (most aged 12-16 years). Over 90% of children using dirt-bikes were wearing a helmet compared to 48% of children using four-wheeled ATVs (quads, side-by-sides, and other ATVs). Accidents involving quads resulted in an average hospital stay of 10 days, compared to 2 days for cases involving dirt-bikes. Finally, the type of injury was significantly associated with the patient’s health region of residence. For example, children living in the North and Far North Saskatchewan accounted for the highest proportion of moderate/severe head injuries (76.19%) and polytraumas (50%). Discussion/Future Directions This data suggests that there is a potential knowledge gap in public knowledge regarding the risks of children using ATVs; that there may be barriers to helmet use; and, most strikingly, that there is a disproportionate number of severe injuries occurring in northern Saskatchewan. New public education initiatives are now in development based on these findings. There are many stakeholders to consider, and we are aiming to share our data so that evidence-based policy decisions can be made. We are currently drafting a letter to relevant ministries, and hope to have more progress to share in the near future.

Some Morphosyntactic Features of Russian as a Heritage Language in the Speech of Bi/Multilingual Children in Canada

Abstract This article addresses the development of some features of morphology and syntax in the speech of bi/multilingual children in Saskatchewan, Canada, who are heritage speakers of Russian. The article reports on the results of a descriptive study examining some morpho-syntactic characteristics of the Russian speech of 29 children between 5 and 6 years old from immigrant families. These results are compared with a sample of speech data produced by Russian monolingual children (ML). This comparison demonstrates that child RHL speakers produce more morpho-syntactic non-canonical forms than their ML peers, but that the development of noun cases and verbal forms overall is similar to what is observed among ML speakers.

Barriers and facilitators to meeting recommended physical activity levels among new immigrant and refugee children in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Newcomers are often healthy when they arrive in Canada, yet experience health declines shortly thereafter, possibly due to lifestyle changes. As part of the Healthy Immigrant Children study, this mixed-methods study aims to analyze possible predictors of physical activity among 300 newcomer children, and explore their lived experiences using a sub-sample of 19 parents and 24 service providers. Data collection involved questionnaires concerning socioeconomic status and physical activity, anthropometric measurements, and in-depth interviews. Participants aged 5 years and older largely met physical activity recommendations (82.9%), while none of the 3-4-year-olds did. Males were more active than females, especially among older ages. Many participants engaged in too much screen time (53.4-90.0%). Age and income predicted physical activity among males, while parents' education level was the only significant predictor among females. Barriers to physical activity included: recreational physical activity being an unfamiliar concept, gender limitations, financial resources, safety concerns, and children's preference for screen time. Schools played a central role in newcomer children's health by providing accessible opportunities for physical activity. Newcomer families preferred to have their children involved in culturally relevant physical activities. Given the growing newcomer population, it is important to support active lifestyle practices among them. Novelty: About 83% of newcomer children aged 5 years and older met physical activity recommendations, while none of the 3-4-year-olds did. Age and income predicted males' physical activity, while parents' education level predicted females' physical activity. Schools provide accessible opportunities for newcomer children to engage in physical activity.

Barriers and Facilitators of Active Living: Experiences of Recently Immigrated West African Children in Saskatchewan, Canada

Barriers and Facilitators of Active Living: Experiences of Recently Immigrated West African Children in Saskatchewan, Canada

Grandparents in Minority Language Maintenance: Mandarin Chinese in Canada

This article investigates the role of grandparents in Mandarin Chinese retention by children in Saskatchewan, Canada. The materials for the study come from interviews with 60 Mandarin Chinese/English bi-multilingual children between the ages of 6 and 13 in the families of immigrants from China residing in Saskatchewan, Canada. Additional materials describing bilingual children’s Mandarin language proficiency come from a picture description as well as Chinese characters reading and writing tasks. The interview responses and language proficiency parameters were analyzed with the help of correlation analysis, chi-square (for nonparametric data) and univariate ANOVAs (for parametric data). The results are highly controversial, as on the one hand, they demonstrate that the presence of grandparents residing in the same household as their grandchildren is associated with the grandchildren having fewer non-canonical forms (NCFs referred to in earlier research as errors) in their narratives and fewer phonological NCFs. On the other hand, children who have grandparents residing with them are more likely to have a lower ability to read Mandarin texts with PinYin, spend fewer hours reading in Mandarin, produce more incomplete sentences per utterance, and shorter narratives.

Food Insecurity and Nutritional Risk among Canadian Newcomer Children in Saskatchewan.

Food insecurity continues to persist among vulnerable groups in Canada, including newcomer families. This mixed-methods study uses an exploratory sequential design to characterize the food security status of newcomer families with children aged 3–13 years. Parents completed food security and 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires, and parents and service providers were interviewed to explore their food insecurity experiences. Fifty percent of participant households experienced food insecurity, while 41% of children were food insecure. More recent newcomer families, and families with parents that had completed high school or some years of postsecondary training, more commonly experienced household food insecurity, compared to families with parents without high school diplomas or those with university degrees. Food-insecure children aged 4–8 years were at higher risk of consuming a lower proportion of energy from protein, lower servings of milk products, and inadequate intakes of vitamin B12 and calcium. Participants identified changes in food buying habits due to low income, using food budgets to purchase prescription drugs and to repay transportation loans, while the school food environment impacted children’s food security. Food security initiatives targeting newcomers may benefit from building on the strengths of newcomers, including traditional dietary practices and willingness to engage in capacity-building programming.

Children’s language exposure and parental language attitudes in Russian-as-a-heritage-language acquisition by bilingual and multilingual children in Canada

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: The research study presented in this paper aims to describe some aspects of the maintenance of Russian as a heritage language among bilingual/multilingual children in Saskatchewan, Canada. The study focuses on the relationship between parents’ language attitudes and children’s language exposure on the one hand and child language proficiency on the other hand. The research questions are as follows. What are the language attitudes of Russian-speaking parents in minority settings? Is there a connection between parents’ language attitudes and children’s language proficiency? What is the scope of Russian language exposure of bilingual/multilingual children within and outside of the family? Is there a connection between this exposure and children’s language proficiency? Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted within a Variationist Sociolinguistics framework. The following methods were employed in the study: a questionnaire study of parents’ language attitudes and of language use within and outside the family; an assessment of children’s speech production based on narratives elicited from children with the help of pictures (language proficiency parameters). Data and Analysis: Thirty parents (aged 31–43) and children (aged 5–7) participated in the study. The questionnaire addressed to parents included 52 demographic and research questions. A statistical analysis of parents’ language attitudes and language use by parents and their children as measured against language proficiency parameters was conducted with the help of correlation analysis. Findings/Conclusions: Study results indicate that Russian-speaking parents in Saskatchewan are interested in passing Russian to their children. The study also suggests that language exposure parameters, as well as language attitudes held by parents, correlate with children’s heritage language fluency. Originality: The study indicates that even in environments unfavorable for heritage language maintenance, a child can still successfully acquire Russian as a heritage language. Significance/Implications: The study clarifies the set of parameters relevant for heritage language maintenance among bilingual/multilingual children. It also suggests the importance of bilingualism/multilingualism for some groups of the immigrant population in Canada.

Russian language proficiency of monolingual and Russian–English bi/multilingual children

This paper reports the results of a study investigating the Russian-language proficiency of bi/multilingual (Russian–English [+additional language]) children in Saskatchewan, Canada, as compared to monolingual children in Russia. Very few studies of Russo-English bilingual children’s language performance are available in the Canadian context, and no studies have ever been conducted in Saskatchewan, where input is severely restricted compared to other contexts due to demographic reasons. The major impetus for the study was therefore to determine if in these settings, bi/multilingual children can develop minority language proficiency comparable to that of their monolingual peers in Russia. The methodology employed in the study focuses on the linguistic analysis of audio recordings of a picture description task performed by participants. Oral language proficiency parameters (including vocabulary, fluency, and syntactical complexity) in the speech of the 5–6-year-old bi/multilingual children were compared with the ones produced by a control group (monolingual children) from Russia. The results demonstrate that the oral language proficiency in the bilingual group is on a par with that of the monolingual group. However, reading and writing skills of the bi/multilingual group are less developed than in the control group.

Model High School Athletic Transgender Policy: Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) Transgender Policy

Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) Transgender PolicyThis project was in response to the provincial government in Saskatchewan's request that the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) develop a policy for the inclusion of transgender student athletes in the programming of the association. The SHSAA governs athletics in the province from Grades 9 to 12. The executive that governs the association had 11 members, an executive director, and an assistant executive director. I held the role of past president during the Transgender Committee development and follow-up meetings. In developing the policy for our province, I was directed to explore the existing policies within North America and analyze them for possible use within the SHSAA framework.Initial PhilosophyThe committee developed guidelines for developing transgender inclusion policies in high school athletics including the following:1. Be proactive, avoid crisis mode. Develop a policy before a transgender student wants to try out for a team.2. Talk to athletic association leaders in the states and provinces that have adopted policies about how they have implemented their policies.3. Read about the high school policy recommendations of experts on transgender participation in sports (see Griffin & Carroll, 2010).4. Contact consultants who can assist in formulating an effective and fair policy: NCLR Sports Project (www.nclr.org), the Transgender Law Center (www.transgenderlawcenter. org), National Center for Transgender Equality (www. transequality.org).5. Always build in protections for student privacy into policy.6. Educate school athletic administrators, coaches, parents, and community about transgender students in athletics and policy.Development of a Transgender Policy CommitteeThe SHSAA developed a committee in September 2015 that included* SHSAA executive director;* SHSAA president;* SHSAA past president;* Counsellor, Sheldon Williams Collegiate, Regina; and* Counsellor, Walter Murray Collegiate, Saskatoon.Direction From Saskatchewan Provincial GovernmentIn accordance, the Government of Saskatchewan opposes all forms of prejudice, bullying, and discrimination on the basis of students' and/or teachers' actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.IntentThe Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring safe school environments in which all students feel included, protected, and respected. A student-first approach means providing support for and meeting the needs of each and every student. Meeting the needs of all Saskatchewan children and adolescents is a shared responsibility. The Ministry of Education provides curricula, policy frameworks, guidelines, and funding to support schools, and boards of education develop policies for school divisions.School divisions create policies that protect the rights, safety, and freedoms of students. It is important for school divisions to evalu- ate and update existing policies on a regular basis to reflect safety and acceptance for sexually and/or gender diverse students and their allies.School divisions are encouraged to develop clear safe-school policies that explicitly include alliances, groups, or clubs for students who want to work to support each other and to create safe, caring, and inclusive spaces for students who are gender and/or sexually diverse and their allies. These alliances also create welcoming and respectful environments in which to address heterosexism, homophobia, and other forms of related discrimination. Language used in policy development should specifically include the words Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Straight, Two-Spirit, and Questioning to be inclusive of all students. Students will not be expected to identify their orientation or gender while participating in an alliance. An alliance or club should be named by the students themselves. …

Saskatchewan's school-based dental program staffed by dental therapists: a retrospective case study.

The poor oral health of Saskatchewan's children, in concert with a significant shortage of dentists, prompted the province in the early 1970s to seek an alternative method of addressing the oral health care needs of children. The result was the Saskatchewan Health Dental Plan (SHDP), which trained and employed dental therapists in school-based clinics to provide basic dental care to all children. The program was initiated over the opposition of Saskatchewan's dentists. The purpose of this research was to provide information and data previously not documented in the refereed dental literature regarding the only school-based program staffed by dental therapists to ever exist in North America. This case study reviews the program's planning, opposition, implementation, and achievements based on a comprehensive review of published articles as well as a search of the grey literature. Additionally, Saskatchewan Health provided annual reports for each year of the program's existence. During its thirteen years of existence, the school-based program proved popular with parents and achieved significant success in providing necessary dental care for children. It was terminated in 1987 by the newly elected provincial Conservative government, which was not supportive of such social programs. The SHDP serves as a successful model of school-based dental care for children. However, the termination of the plan demonstrates the vulnerability of publicly funded dental health programs to conflicting political ideologies and special interest groups.

Risk Determinants of Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status in 3\u201315\xa0Year-Old Recent Immigrant and Refugee Children in Saskatchewan, Canada: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to identify the risk determinants of caries and record oral hygiene status in recent immigrant and refugee children residing in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Convenience samples of 133, 3–15 year-old recent immigrant and refugee children, and 86 adult guardians were recruited. Clinical examination of children and survey of their guardians explored the presence of at least one decayed tooth in the child’s mouth; and the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, among other aspects in adult participants. Refugee children had statistically significant higher decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) scores (mean dmft/DMFT score 5.80 ± 4.24) than immigrant children (mean dmft/DMFT score 3.52 ± 3.78 (p < 0.001). Adult immigrants had significantly higher proficiency in English language, knowledge about preventive components like fluoride and dental floss compared to refugee adults. The results of this study confirm the poorer state of oral health among refugee and immigrant children compared to Canadian children.

Indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Current knowledge regarding the association between indoor mold exposures and asthma is still limited. The objective of this case-control study was to investigate the relationship between objectively measured indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children. Parents completed a questionnaire survey of health history and home environmental conditions. Asthma cases had a history of doctor-diagnosed asthma or current wheeze without a cold in the past 12months. Controls were age- and sex-matched to cases. Vacuumed dust samples were collected from the child's indoor play area and mattress. Samples were assessed for mold levels and quantified in colony-forming units (CFU). Sensitization to mold allergens was also determined by skin testing. Being a case was associated with family history of asthma, pet ownership, and mold allergy. Mold levels (CFU/m2 ) in the dust samples of children's mattress and play area floors were moderately correlated (r=0.56; P<0.05). High mold levels (≥30000CFU/m2 ) in dust samples from play [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.6; 95% CI: 1.03-6.43] and mattress (aOR)=3.0; 95% CI: 1.11-8.00) areas were significantly associated with current asthma. In this study high levels of mold are a risk factor for asthma in children.

Vitamin D Insufficiency and Bone Mineral Status in a Population of Newcomer Children in Canada

Background: Low levels of circulating vitamin D are more likely to be found in those with darker skin pigmentation, who live in areas of high latitude, and who wear more clothing. We examined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy in newcomer immigrant and refugee children. Methods: We evaluated circulating vitamin D status of immigrant children at the national level. Subsequently, we investigated vitamin D intake, circulating vitamin D status, and total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) in newcomer children living in Saskatchewan. Results: In the sample of newcomer children in Saskatchewan, the prevalence of inadequacy in calcium and vitamin D intakes was 76% and 89.4%, respectively. Vitamin D intake from food/supplement was significantly higher in immigrants compared to refugees, which accords with the significant difference in serum status. Circulating vitamin D status indicated that 29% of participants were deficient and another 44% had inadequate levels of serum 25(OH)D for bone health. Dietary vitamin D intake, sex, region of origin, and length of stay in Canada were significant predictors of serum vitamin D status. Results for TBBMC revealed that 38.6% were found to have low TBBMC compared to estimated values for age, sex, and ethnicity. In the regression model, after controlling for possible confounders, children who were taller and had greater circulating vitamin D also had greater TBBMC. Nationally, immigrant children, particularly girls, have significantly lower plasma 25(OH)D than non-immigrant children. Interpretation: Newcomer immigrant and refugee children are at a high risk of vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy, which may have serious negative consequences for their health.

The Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus among First Nations and non-First Nations Children in Saskatchewan

ObjectiveTo study the epidemiology of diabetes among Saskatchewan First Nations and non-First Nations children. MethodsUsing administrative databases from years 1980 to 2005, this population based study compared diabetes incidence, prevalence and mortality by year, age and sex between First Nations and non-First Nations children aged 0 to 19. ResultsWe identified 320 First Nations and 2136 non-First Nations children with diabetes. The overall age-adjusted incidence of diabetes was similar for non-First Nations boys, non-First Nations girls and First Nations boys at approximately 30/100 000; however, it averaged 46.3/100 000 for First Nations girls and peaked at 68.7/100 000 for years 2001 to 2003. By 2003 to 2005, the age-adjusted diabetes prevalence/100 000 was 260 for First Nations girls, 205 for non-First Nations girls, 232 for First Nations boys and 256 for non-First Nations Boys. Prevalence more than tripled among First Nations children over the study period while less than doubling among non-First Nations children. First Nations girls aged 15 to 19 experienced the highest diabetes prevalence of 741/100 000 in 2000. ConclusionFirst Nations children are experiencing an epidemic of diabetes that affects female adolescents disproportionately. More effective primary and secondary prevention initiatives are urgently required, with particular attention to maternal health, to slow current trends, and to stem a looming increase in chronic diabetic complications.

Predictors of Overweight and Obesity in a Sample of Rural Saskatchewan Children

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: (1) estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of 262 rural Saskatchewan children and (2) to identify predictors of overweight and obesity. The data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and measurement of height and weight. When BMI values were compared to international standards the estimated prevalence was 25.5% for overweight and 7.1% for obesity. The significant predictors of overweight and obesity were gender, Aboriginal descent, parent’s/guardian’s perception of neighbourhood safety, and parent’s BMI. Nurses can use these results to develop health promotion programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural children and their families.

Weight status and health characteristics of rural Saskatchewan children

The present and future health of children is significantly threatened by physical inactivity, poor diet, and the obesity epidemic. Limited studies on the health of children living in rural settings suggest that rural children have a higher prevalence of overweight and may not be as active as their urban counterparts. The purpose of this study was to examine the health behaviors and weight status of children aged 8 to 13 years living in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. A cross-sectional health questionnaire assessed the health behaviors (eg physical activity, sedentary behaviors, dietary patterns) and perception of health status (eg very healthy, quite healthy, not very healthy) of 99 children attending a rural school. Heights and weights were measured and used to calculate BMI's (kg/m2). The BMIs were used to categorize children as healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Thirty-four percent of children were overweight (23.7%) or obese (10.3%) with a significantly higher prevalence of overweight/obesity in boys aged 6 to 8 years (<em>p </em><0.05). A significantly higher proportion of children living in town (vs living on a farm) watched two or more hours of television a day (<em>p </em><0.05). Many children (65%) used active transport (bus or car) to school or after-school activities. The majority of children reported they were very healthy. Most children reported eating fruit and vegetables more frequently, and sugared drinks and French fries less frequently. Prevalence of overweight/obesity in these rural children was high with gender differences evident at a very young age. Most children reported eating healthy diets but many participated in several hours of daily 'screen time' (eg watching television or using a computer). Despite their weight status or patterns of physical inactivity, children perceived themselves as being very healthy. Understanding the health behaviors and weight status of rural children may assist in the development of effective health promotion programs for rural children.

The Meaning of Health in Rural Children: A Mixed Methods Approach

Gaining an understanding of the meaning of health in children may provide insight into factors that contribute to effective programs aimed at preventing diseases such as childhood obesity. A mixed methods design was used to explore the meaning of health of rural Saskatchewan children. A health questionnaire and Body Mass Index scores were collected from 99 children (Grades 1 to 7). A focused ethnographic approach was used to explore the meaning of health in a subset of 20 children (9 to 12 years old). Regardless of weight status, children described their meaning of health as Knowing Stuff, Having a Working Body, and Feeling Happy and suggested that Feeling Happy was most meaningful. The rural environment appeared to provide a sense of safety, security, and freedom. The researcher discovered the value children placed on the psychosocial dimension of health and provided insights into aspects that may foster healthy behaviors in this population.

Vitamin D and Acute Lower Respiratory Infection in Saskatchewan Children

Vitamin D and Acute Lower Respiratory Infection in Saskatchewan Children

Understanding Physical Activity Patterns of Rural Canadian Children

The purpose of this cross sectional study was to explore the physical activity patterns of a group of rural children living in Saskatchewan, Canada. Of the 103 participants (aged 8-13 years), 53.7% met the national guideline for the amount of physical activity required to achieve optimal health benefits. Children’s involvement in out of school organized physical activities, (e.g. baseball, soccer, dance) was associated with whether or not they met the guideline. There was no statistically significant association between the children’s physical activity and their participation in physical activities in school, television watching behavior, or their parents’ educational levels. Results suggest that many rural children in Saskatchewan are not physically active enough for health benefits and several factors can potentially influence the physical activity of this group of children. Further exploration of such factors may assist families, communities, schools, and health professionals in promoting physical activity in this population.

Air Pollution and Childhood Respiratory Health: Exposure to Sulfate and Ozone in 10 Canadian Rural Communities

This study was designed to examine differences in the respiratory health status of preadolescent school children, aged 7-11 years, who resided in 10 rural Canadian communities in areas of moderate and low exposure to regional sulfate and ozone pollution. Five of the communities were located in central Saskatchewan, a low-exposure region, and five were located in southwestern Ontario, an area with moderately elevated exposures resulting from long-range atmospheric transport of polluted air masses. In this cross-sectional study, the child′s respiratory symptoms and illness history were evaluated using a parent-completed questionnaire, administered in September 1985. Respiratory function was assessed once for each child in the schools between October 1985 and March 1986, by the measurement of pulmonary function for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV 1.0), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), mean forced expiratory flow rate during the middle half of the FVC curve (FEF 25-75), and maximal expiratory flow at 50% of the expired vital capacity (V 50max). The 1986 annual mean of the l-hr daily maxima of ozone was higher in Ontario (46.3 ppb) than in Saskatchewan (34.1 ppb), with 90th percentile concentrations of 80 ppb in Ontario and 47 ppb in Saskatchewan. Summertime 1-hr daily maxima means were 69.0 ppb in Ontario and 36.1 ppb in Saskatchewan. Annual mean and 90th percentile concentrations of inhalable sulfates were three times higher in Ontario than in Saskatchewan; there were no significant differences in levels of inhalable particles (PM 10) or particulate nitrates. Levels of sulfur dioxide (SO 2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) were low in both regions. After controlling for the effects of age, sex, parental smoking, parental education, and gas cooking, no significant regional differences were observed in rates of chronic cough or phlegm, persistent wheeze, current asthma, bronchitis in the past year, or any chest illness that kept the child at home for 3 or more consecutive days during the previous year. Children living in southwestern Ontario had statistically significant (P < 0.01) mean decrements of 1.7% in FVC and 1.3% in FEV 1.0 compared with Saskatchewan children, after adjusting for age, sex, weight, standing height, parental smoking, and gas cooking. There were no statistically significant regional differences in the pulmonary flow parameters (P > 0.05).