Minority Groups In Canada Research Articles

Travel behaviour differences among people with disabilities: A cluster analysis of accessible taxi users before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionPeople with disabilities (PWD) represent the largest minority group in Canada. Many municipalities have implemented paratransit services and subsidized accessible taxi services to provide affordable and equitable transport choices for PWD. However, few scholars have examined who is using these services and how they use them, making it challenging to assess the social impacts of paratransit projects. This study helps to address this knowledge gap through its examination of the differences in travel behaviour among PWD who use accessible taxi services in Toronto, Canada. Specifically, our study engages four research questions: (1) who are accessible taxi service users? (2) how are individuals using accessible taxi services? (3) are there different groups of users based on their travel behaviour? and, (4) how has travel behaviour changed in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic? MethodsThis article employs a cluster analysis to categorize users based on their travel habits and patterns and examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their travel behaviour. Study data includes approximately one million trips made by 40,000 users between June 2018 and June 2021. ResultsThe study identifies five distinct user profiles among accessible taxi users. During the pandemic, there was a significant decrease in the number of PWD using accessible taxi services, particularly for occasional users. Conversely, the percentage of users who made health-related trips increased. Additionally, the findings suggest that PWD who continued or started using accessible taxi services during the pandemic are more likely to be among the most socially disadvantaged groups. ConclusionsThis study can help transit service providers and policymakers better understand the different types of paratransit users and improve services. Additionally, the findings contribute to the existing literature on addressing transport-related social exclusion in Toronto, which is largely focused on population groups with low-income and affordability issues, and not disability.

Distance, access and equity: a cross-sectional geospatial analysis of disparities in access to primary care for French-only speakers in Ottawa, Ontario.

Although language concordance between patients and primary care physicians results in better quality of care and health outcomes, little research has explored inequities in travel burden to access primary care people of linguistic minority groups in Canada. We sought to investigate the travel burden of language-concordant primary care among people who speak French but not English (French-only speakers) and the general public in Ottawa, Ontario, and any inequities in access across language groups and neighbourhood ruralities. Using a novel computational method, we estimated travel burden to language-concordant primary care for the general population and French-only speakers in Ottawa. We used language and population data from Statistics Canada's 2016 Census, neighbourhood demographics from the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study, and collected the main practice location and language of primary care physicians from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. We measured travel burden using Valhalla, an open-source road-network analysis platform. We included data from 869 primary care physicians and 916 855 patients. Overall, French-only speakers faced greater travel burdens than the general population to access language-concordant primary care. Median differences in travel burden were statistically significant but small (median difference in drive time 0.61 min, p < 0.001, interquartile range 0.26-1.17 min), but inequities in travel burden between groups were larger among people living in rural neighbourhoods. French-only speakers in Ottawa face modest - but statistically significant - overall inequities in travel burden when accessing primary care, compared with the general population, and higher inequities in specific neighbourhoods. Our results are of interest to policy-makers and health system planners, and our methods can be replicated and used as comparative benchmarks to quantify access disparities for other services and regions across Canada.

The Social Construction of Muslim Minority Groups in Canada

The Social Construction of Muslim Minority Groups in Canada

Social and economic influences on disparities in the health of racial and ethnic group Canadian immigrants.

To examine social, economic, and migratory influences on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups in Canada, with a special focus on Caribbean immigrants. Combined annual cycles (2011-2016) of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) data totaling over 300,000 adult Canadian residents were aggregated. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the prevalence and associated factors of (1) cardiovascular disease diagnosed by a healthcare professional, and (2) self-rated general health among racial and ethnic groups. Caribbeans in general, Black and other non-White Canadians had significantly higher odds (adjusted for age/sex) of reporting any cardiovascular disease compared with White Canadians. Only non-Caribbean Blacks had higher odds of self-rated fair or poor general health compared with White Canadians. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that after controlling for social and demographic factors, immigration status and years since migration, Caribbean non-Blacks and Black Caribbeans were at higher odds of having a doctor-reported cardiovascular health condition compared with White Canadians. Caribbean non-Blacks also had higher odds of fair or poor self-rated health than White Canadians. The results of this study highlight the need for additional investigations of other potential influences on physical health statuses, especially among migrants and those of African ancestry who might be more prone to adverse health outcomes.

A cultural and gender-based approach to understanding patient adjustment to chronic heart failure

BackgroundPersons identifying as Black, Chinese, or South Asian make up the largest minority groups in Canada. Individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) from these groups experience a greater rate of re-hospitalization and poorer quality of life. Although experts agree that culture can shape the experience of CHF, little is known about how patients from these minority populations define a good quality of life with CHF and what barriers they experience when carrying out self-care behaviours. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine cultural and gender-based influences on quality of life in patients with CHF.MethodsPurposive sampling included 30 patients (67% male), 18 to 75 years of age, who self-identified as Black (n = 8), Chinese (n = 9), or South Asian (n = 6). Caucasians (n = 7) were included as a comparison group. Semi-structured interviews (see the online appendix), lasting approximately 60 min, were conducted, which focused on personal understanding of CHF and living with the disease, including impact on lifestyle and quality of life. An inductive qualitative approach with thematic content analysis was used to develop key insights into individual experience of CHF, as well as cultural and gender-based influences on self-care and quality of life. Descriptive statistics were generated from questionnaire responses.ResultsFive key themes emerged from the narrative analysis of participant interviews: (i) CHF as an emergent reality, (ii) quality of life and disruption of lifecourse milestones, (iii) the challenge to accept CHF and re-evaluation of quality of life; (iv) impact on social activities essential to quality of life, and (v) life with CHF as a commitment to culturally tailored self-care. Participants described the unique impact of CHF on their quality of life, including life trajectory milestones such as dating, parenting, and retirement planning, as well as the importance of accepting their diagnosis, and the reframing goals for living well with heart failure. Positive and negative impacts on social relationships were noted, including sexual intimacy and interactions with spouses, other family members, and co-workers.ConclusionsStudy findings highlight important lifespan, cultural, and gender considerations that can inform the improvement of patient care and quality of life for patients and their families.

Early Childhood Education and Care in Minority Groups in Canada: Development of Young Aboriginal Children

Early Childhood Education and Care in Minority Groups in Canada: Development of Young Aboriginal Children

AWARENESS OF WARNING SYMPTOMS OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE: RESULTS OF A FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF THE CHINESE CANADIAN CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH PROJECT

Chinese is one of the largest visible minority groups in Canada, with a substantial portion being recent immigrants. In 2004, our group conducted a telephone survey among 1000 ethnic Chinese on the knowledge of stroke and heart disease. In that study, we demonstrated substantial lack of knowledge of cardiovascular diseases in this cohort. In the current study, we sought to update the status of the awareness of the warning signs and risk factors for heart disease and stroke among Chinese Canadians. A 35-question online survey was conducted among 1,001 ethnic Chinese (>=18 years old) in the Greater Toronto Area (N=501) and Vancouver (N=500) in the fall of 2017. Survey questions included knowledge of heart disease and stroke such as signs and symptoms for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, health habits, and initial response in case of a cardiovascular emergency. Among the respondents, 52.0% were female, 46.3% were under age 45. 40.1% spoke Cantonese at home and 23.7% spoke Mandarin. 92.5% were immigrants with 31% being in Canada for less than 10 years. 40% have college education or above. In 2004, 20% of those surveyed would call 911 in case of a cardiovascular emergency (heart attack or stroke) but this number increased to 85% in 2017. In 2017, 85% were able to name at least one heart attack symptom and 80% were able to name at least one stroke symptom. This is a substantial improvement compared with previous study. In this cohort, 62% of the respondents exercise at least 20 minutes a day three times a week. Many respondents believe Chinese Canadian are at higher risk in developing heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia (see Figure 1). Cardiovascular knowledge among Chinese Canadians has improved over the years between 2004 and 2017. There is better awareness of warning signs for common cardiovascular disorders and the need to call 911 in case of cardiovascular emergencies. These findings may owe in part to the efforts of the public education that have been taken place locally as well as from the countries of origin. Also in this cohort, it appears they have better health habits. Despite these findings, we can still improve on our health education efforts. Our findings have important implications in the development of future health promotion initiatives targeted towards this mainly immigrant population in order to address specific knowledge gaps and misconceptions in heart disease and stroke.

Exploring newcomer women’s embodied selves: culturally responsible qualitative research

ABSTRACTIn recent years, several scholars have called for the construct of embodiment as a meaningful way to explore the ways in which women experience their bodies. However, limited research has explored embodiment specifically amongst newcomer women who are part of visible minority groups in Canada. Although embodiment theories acknowledge the central role of culture in shaping the ways individuals experience their bodies, it remains unclear if and how research can tap into newcomer women’s embodiment in a way that is culturally responsible. Thus, this article will explore how the construct of embodiment offers a meaningful vantage point from which to conduct qualitative research with newcomer women, offering suggestions for working through some of the ethical, methodological, and cultural considerations that may arise in doing so. More specifically, strategies and considerations will be discussed for developing meaningful research questions, engaging in responsible recruitment, building research relationships, attending to culturally responsible data collection, and partaking in embodied reflexivity. Implications for counselling practice and social justice will also be provided.

Racial Differences in Home Dialysis Utilization and Outcomes in Canada.

Data on racial disparities in home dialysis utilization and outcomes are lacking in Canada, where health care is universally available. We studied patients starting maintenance dialysis between 1996 and 2012 in the Canadian Organ Replacement Register, stratified by race: white, Asian, black, Aboriginal, Indian subcontinent, and other. The association between race and treatment with home dialysis was examined using generalized linear models. Secondary outcomes assessed racial differences in all-cause mortality and technique failure using a Fine and Gray competing risk model. 66,600 patients initiated chronic dialysis between 1996 and 2012. Compared with whites (n=46,092), treatment with home dialysis was lower among Aboriginals (n=3866; adjusted relative risk, RR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.66 to 0.76) and higher in Asians (n=4157; adjusted RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.35) and others (n=2170; adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.20) but similar in blacks (n=2143) and subcontinent Indians (n=2809). Black (adjusted hazard ratio, HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.48) and Aboriginal (adjusted HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.33) patients treated with peritoneal dialysis had a significantly higher adjusted risk of technique failure compared with whites, whereas Asians had a lower risk (adjusted HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.99). In patients on peritoneal dialysis, the risk of death was significantly lower in Asians (adjusted HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.92), blacks (adjusted HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.85), and others (adjusted HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.92) but higher in Aboriginals (adjusted HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.32) compared with whites. Among patients on home hemodialysis, no significant racial differences in patient and technique survival were observed, which may be limited by the low number of events among each subgroups. With the exception of Aboriginals, all racial minority groups in Canada were as likely to be treated with home dialysis compared with whites. However, significant racial differences exist in outcomes.

Understanding advance care planning within the South Asian community.

BackgroundAdvance care planning (ACP) is a process of reflection on and communication of a person's future health‐care preferences. Evidence suggests visible minorities engage less in ACP. The South Asian ethnic group is the largest visible minority group in Canada, and information is needed to understand how ACP is perceived and how best to approach ACP within this diverse community.ObjectiveTo explore perspectives of South Asian community members towards ACP.DesignPeer‐to‐peer inquiry. South Asian community members who graduated from the Patient and Community Engagement Research programme (PaCER) at the University of Calgary utilized the PaCER method (SET, COLLECT and REFLECT) to conduct a focus group, family interviews and a community forum.Setting and participantsFifty‐seven community‐dwelling men and women (22‐86 years) who self‐identified with the South Asian community in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.ResultsThe concept of ACP was mostly foreign to this community and was often associated with other end‐of‐life issues such as organ donation and estate planning. Cultural aspects (e.g. trust in shared family decision making and taboos related to discussing death), religious beliefs (e.g. fatalism) and immigration challenges (e.g. essential priorities) emerged as barriers to participation in ACP. However, participants were eager to learn about ACP and recommended several engagement strategies (e.g. disseminate information through religious institutions and community centres, include families in ACP discussions, encourage family physicians to initiate discussions and translate materials).ConclusionsUse of a patient engagement research model proved highly successful in understanding South Asian community members' participation in ACP.

Career Development of Chinese Canadian Professional Immigrants

Chinese professional immigrants make up the 2nd largest visible minority group in Canada. Their successful resettlement in the host country is inextricably tied to the prosperity and success of the general Canadian society that depends heavily on its immigration practice for the country's development and growth. However, there is a dearth of literature and research on this particular population, especially in the areas of career development and vocational psychology based on the unique cultural context of Canada. To address the pivotal career needs of Chinese professional immigrants, this article identifies and discusses 6 prominent career‐related barriers they face in the resettlement process: migration‐related stressors; language proficiency; cultural nuances and knowledge; discrimination and prejudice; foreign‐earned experiences, education, and credentials not recognized; and family separation and fragmentation. Strategies to tackle these career development barriers are proposed from a life‐career integrated perspective, alongside ideas and strategies for effective career interventions.

A Mosque-Based Physical Activity Intervention for South Asian Muslim Women - a Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: South Asian’s (SA) are one of the largest visible minority groups in Canada. SA Muslim women living in Canada have higher mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes compared to the general population. For those living with or at risk for CVD and diabetes, physical activity reduces mortality and symptoms, improves disease control and quality of life. However, low levels of physical activity have been reported in people of SA origin, particularly in SA Muslim women. Practical barriers (e.g. lack of time, childcare) are often interwoven with cultural barriers (e.g. religious modesty, avoidance of mixed-sex activity) and inhibit participation. Health promotion programs in religious institutions have shown clinical and psychosocial benefit to women of various ethnic groups. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of a mosque-based physical activity program for SA Muslim women in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: SA Muslim women participated in a 24-week physical activity intervention in a mosque setting. Demographic information, attendance, participant experience, and self-efficacy related to exercise were collected. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were administered pre and post intervention. RESULTS: Sixty-two women participated from June to December 2014. Data was obtained from 28 participants who consented to participate (mean age 51.0 years (SD 12.0). On average, 13 women attended each session (range: 3-28) over the 67-session period. Each participant attended an average of 22 exercise sessions (range: 1-51). Fewer participants were classified “inactive” on the IPAQ at the end of the intervention (42% pre vs. 10% post; p=0.006). Pre-post DASI scores did not significantly change. Participants were highly satisfied with their exercise experience. The women stated they felt healthier and were able to participate in more activities, including prayer. CONCLUSIONS: Mosque-based physical activity programs may reduce CVD, diabetes and associated disease risk in SA Muslim women. Culturally relevant structured networks, such as places of worship, are important assets when designing lifestyle interventions for SA Muslim women.

Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Heavy Drinking and Anxiety and Mood Disorders Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Canadians.

To investigate the prevalence and co-occurrence of heavy drinking, anxiety, and mood disorders among Canadians who self-identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual. Pooled data from the 2007 to 2012 cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 222 548) were used to fit logistic regression models controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. In adjusted logistic regression models, gay or lesbian respondents had greater odds than heterosexual respondents of reporting anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety-mood disorders. Bisexual respondents had greater odds of reporting anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anxiety-mood disorders, and heavy drinking. Gay or lesbian and bisexual respondents had greater odds than heterosexuals of reporting co-occurring anxiety or mood disorders and heavy drinking. The highest rates of disorders were observed among bisexual respondents, with nearly quadruple the rates of anxiety, mood, and combined anxiety and mood disorders relative to heterosexuals and approximately twice the rates of gay or lesbian respondents. Members of sexual minority groups in Canada, in particular those self-identifying as bisexual, experience disproportionate rates of anxiety and mood disorders, heavy drinking, and co-occurring disorders.

What is the scope of improving immigrant and ethnic minority healthcare using community navigators: A systematic scoping review.

IntroductionImmigrants are among the most vulnerable population groups in North America; they face multidimensional hurdles to obtain proper healthcare. Such barriers result in increased risk of developing acute and chronic conditions. Subsequently a great deal of burden is placed on the healthcare system. Community navigator programs are designed to provide culturally sensitive guidance to vulnerable populations in order to overcome barriers to accessing healthcare. Navigators are healthcare workers who support patients to obtain appropriate healthcare. This scoping review systematically searches and summarizes the literature on community navigators to help immigrant and ethnic minority groups in Canada and the United States overcome barriers to healthcare.MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases for primary articles and grey literature. Study selection was performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Articles were selected based on four criteria: (1) the study population was comprised of immigrants or ethnic minorities living in Canada or the United States ; (2) study outcomes were related to chronic disease management or primary care access; (3) the study reported effects of community navigator intervention; (4) the study was published in English. Relevant information from the articles was extracted and reported in the review.ResultOnly one study was found in the literature that focused on navigators for immigrants in Canada. In contrast, 29 articles were found that reported navigator intervention programs for immigrant minorities in the United States. In these studies navigators trained and guided members of several ethnic communities for chronic disease prevention and management, to undertake cancer screening as well as accessing primary healthcare. The studies reported substantial improvement in the immigrant and ethnic minority health outcomes in the United States. The single Canadian study also reported positive outcome of navigators among immigrant women.ConclusionNavigator interventions have not been fully explored in Canada, where as, there have been many studies in the United States and these demonstrated significant improvements in immigrant health outcomes. With many immigrants arriving in Canada each year, community navigators may provide a solution to reduce the existing healthcare barriers and support better health outcomes for new comers.

Immigration, barriers to healthcare and transnational ties: A case study of South Korean immigrants in Toronto, Canada

The paper analyzes the healthcare-seeking behavior of South Korean immigrants in Toronto, Canada, and how transnationalism shapes post-migration health and health-management strategies. Built upon largely separate research areas in ethnicity and health, health geography, and transnationalism, the paper conceptualizes immigrant health as influenced by individual characteristics, the migration and resettlement experience, and place effects at both a local and a transnational scale. A mixed-method approach is used to capture insights into health status and experiences in accessing local and transnational healthcare among South Korean immigrants – a fast growing visible minority group in Canada. Statistical analysis of data from the Canadian Community Health Survey discloses patterns and trends in health and healthcare use among the Korean Canadian, overall foreign-born, and native-born populations. Focus groups reveal in-depth information on the decline of Korean immigrants' health status and the array of sociocultural, economic and geographic barriers in accessing healthcare in Canada, which gave rise to their transnational use of health resources in the home country. The transnational strategies included traveling to South Korea for medical examinations or treatment, importing medications from South Korea to Canada, and consulting health resources in South Korea by phone or email. The results provide timely knowledge on how a recent immigrant group adapts to Canada in the domain of health and adds a transnational perspective to the literature on ethnicity and health.

South Asian populations in Canada: migration and mental health.

BackgroundSouth Asian populations are the largest visible minority group in Canada; however, there is very little information on the mental health of these populations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence rates and characteristics of mental health outcomes for South Asian first-generation immigrant and second-generation Canadian-born populations.MethodsThe Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2011 was used to calculate the estimated prevalence rates of the following mental health outcomes: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, fair-poor self-perceived mental health status, and extremely stressful life stress. The characteristics associated with these four mental health outcomes were determined through multivariate logistic regression analysis of merged CCHS 2007–2011 data.ResultsSouth Asian Canadian-born (3.5%, 95% CI 3.4-3.6%) and South Asian immigrant populations (3.5%, 95% CI 3.5-3.5%) did not vary significantly in estimated prevalence rates of mood disorders. However, South Asian immigrants experienced higher estimated prevalence rates of diagnosed anxiety disorders (3.4%, 95% CI 3.4-3.5 vs. 1.1%, 95% CI 1.1-1.1%) and self-reported extremely stressful life stress (2.6%, 95% CI 2.6-2.7% vs. 2.4%, 95% CI 2.3-2.4%) compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. Lastly, South Asian Canadian-born populations had a higher estimated prevalence rate of poor-fair self-perceived mental health status (4.4%, 95% CI 4.3-4.5%) compared to their immigrant counterparts (3.4%, 95% CI 3.3-3.4%). Different profiles of mental health determinants emerged for South Asian Canadian-born and immigrant populations. Female gender, having no children under the age of 12 in the household, food insecurity, poor-fair self-rated health status, being a current smoker, immigrating to Canada before adulthood, and taking the CCHS survey in either English or French was associated with greater risk of negative mental health outcomes for South Asian immigrant populations, while not being currently employed, having a regular medical doctor, and inactive physical activity level were associated with greater risk for South Asian Canadian-born populations.ConclusionsMental health outreach programs need to be cognizant of the differences in prevalence rates and characteristics of mental health outcomes for South Asian immigrant and Canadian-born populations to better tailor mental health services to be responsive to the unique mental health needs of South Asian populations in Canada.

Social Ties and Generalized Trust, Online and in Person

Results of the present survey ( n = 888) suggest that having strong social ties (or bonding social capital) fosters generalized trust, in support of conflict theory. There was no link between bridging social capital, or one’s more diverse ties, and trust. Facebook use was found to have an indirect but positive influence on trust through levels of bonding social capital. Civic engagement was also positively related to trust through the same measure of bonding social capital, allowing like-minded members of civic groups to connect, which spilled over to trust. Neither Facebook use nor civic engagement directly influenced generalized trust. This study suggests the viability of both physical (civic) and digital (Facebook) modes of reengaging trust in an ever-diversifying society. The “virtuous circle,” in which social trust and civic engagement prop one another up in a reciprocal fashion, instead looks like a figure eight here. Each measure indirectly boosted the other by first growing bonding social capital. When considered alongside divergent findings from Canada, this appears to be an American response to the increasing size of racial minority groups. Hispanic citizens make up the same portion of the American population as do all minority groups in Canada combined. These findings then represent a White reaction to an increasing Hispanic presence in America. Bounded solidarity in the form of strong, homogenous ties is shown as the path to trust in this setting.

A comparison of Chinese and non-Chinese Canadian patients hospitalized with heart failure

BackgroundCanadians of Chinese descent, represent one of the fastest growing visible minority groups in Canada, (as well as the second largest), but relatively little is known about the clinical features of heart failure (HF) in Chinese-Canadian versus non-Chinese Canadian patients.MethodsWe conducted a population-based analysis of urban patients hospitalized in Ontario, Canada for the first time with a most responsible diagnosis of HF between April 1, 1995 and March 31, 2008. Among the 99,278 patients, 1,339 (1.3%) were classified as Chinese using a previously validated list of Chinese surnames. Through linkage to other administrative databases, we compared the clinical characteristics, pharmacological management, and outcomes of Chinese versus non-Chinese HF patients.ResultsIschemic heart disease was identified as the possible etiology of HF in a greater proportion of non-Chinese patients (47.7% vs. 35.3%; p < 0.001) whereas hypertension (26.1% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001) and valvular heart disease (11.6% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001) were relatively more common in Chinese patients. Chinese patients were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors less frequently (57.5% vs. 66.4%, p < 0.001) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) more frequently (17.4% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001) compared to non-Chinese patients. They were also less likely to be adherent to ACE inhibitors over a 1-year follow up period. However, the 1-year case-fatality rates were comparable between the Chinese (31.7%) and non-Chinese (30.2%) subjects (p = 0.24).ConclusionThere are important differences in the causes and medical management of HF in Chinese and non-Chinese patients residing in Canada. Despite these differences, the long-term outcomes of HF patients were similar.

Technology-Mediated Collaborative Learning Environments for Young Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children: Vygotsky Revisited

Given the instructional challenges posed by the influx of minority-language children in North America, this article attempts to examine early childhood bi- or multilingualism in one of the fastest growing ethnic minority groups in Canada, Korean-Canadians. By drawing on a Vygotskian perspective, the article focuses on the affective and social aspects of learning for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and their families. With an emphasis on the integration of language and thought, this article first identifies the instructional applications of Vygotskian perspectives and then describes iterative phases of design-based research aimed at developing technology-mediated collaborative learning environments for trilingual Korean-Canadian children. The technology-mediated collaborative learning environment supported young CLD children's affective, social and cognitive needs and created meaning-centered collaborative learning environments. The paper concludes with a consideration of implications of this technology-mediated collaborative learning environment so as to assist teachers who might be confronted with the educational needs of the growing population of CLD children.

‘Am I a South Asian, really?’ Constructing ‘South Asians’ in Canada and being South Asian in Toronto

In 2006, ‘South Asians’ emerged as the single largest visible minority group in Canada. Studies on their settlement experiences have concluded that ‘South Asians’ are a spatially segregated and economically struggling immigrant group. Juxtaposed to these findings however, there exists another image about ‘South Asians’, particularly in Toronto, where a majority of the newcomers have settled. This image is that of a mass culture, imbued with splashed of color, spice, music, dance, and cinema. The over arching aim of this paper is to unravel the construction of ‘South Asian’ identity in Canada both conceptually and empirically. Conceptually, I investigate the historical and relational processes of racialisation of a space (South Asia), to argue that ‘South Asian’ is a racialised and externally imposed identity, and empirically, I attempt to understand how ‘South Asians’ in Toronto may variously internalise and use this identity in their everyday life situations.