Research Findings

Edward Nason, RAND Europe's Health Research System Observatory, 2008

This report provides an overview of health and medical research in Canada. The report is part of a series of country-specific reports available from RAND Europe’s Observatory on Health Research Systems.  The report is available online.

The Lancet,  Volume 371, Number 9611, 9 February 2008

Jennifer Bryce, Denise Coitinho, Ian Darnton-Hill, David Pelletier, Per Pinstrup-Andersen, for the Maternal and Child Undernutrition Study Group

“…..80% of the world's undernourished children live in just 20 countries. Intensified nutrition action in these countries can lead to achievement of the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and greatly increase the chances of achieving goals for child and maternal mortality (MDGs 4 and 5). Despite isolated successes in specific countries or for interventions—eg, iodised salt and vitamin A supplementation—most countries with high rates of undernutrition are failing to reach undernourished mothers and children with effective interventions supported by appropriate policies.

This paper reports on an assessment of actions addressing undernutrition in the countries with the highest burden of undernutrition, drawing on systematic reviews and best-practice reports. Seven key challenges for addressing undernutrition at national level are defined and reported…….”  Read the complete article. 

PLoS Med 5(2)  Annemarie Jutel*, David B. Menkes

The nursing literature has yet to pay much attention to the expansive reach of the pharmaceutical industry into the nursing profession. In this article, we examine some of the key literature on the influence of drug companies upon nurses, consider the limitations of this literature, and define a strategy for heightening awareness and strengthening the skills of nurses to manage the impact of commercial interests. 

Research on Aging, Vol. 30, No. 2, 137-167 (2008)

Jason L. Cummings

Despite improvements in the status of Blacks and women over the past 30 years, racial and gender disparities in mortality and morbidity persist. Using General Social Survey (GSS) data from 1974 to 2004, the authors explore the extent to which race, gender, and socioeconomic status converge to produce differences in self-assessed health. Read the abstract.

Early Childhood Education and Care in Canada 2006 provides cross-Canada data and information on regulated child care and kindergarten by province/ territory, maternity and parental leave together with relevant demographic information. Provincial/territorial profiles on regulated child care include: varieties of ECEC services; number of spaces; standards and regulations; service monitoring and enforcement; funding; history; and recent developments. 

International Journal for Equity in Health 2008 

Perceived racial discrimination is one factor which may discourage ethnic minorities from using healthcare. However, existing research only partially explains why some persons do accept health promotion messages and use preventive care, while others do not. This analysis explores 1) the psychosocial characteristics of those, within disadvantaged groups, who identify their previous experiences as racially discriminatory, 2) the extent to which perceived racism is associated with broader perspectives on societal racism and powerlessness, and 3) how these views relate to disadvantaged groups' expectation of mistreatment in healthcare, feelings of mistrust, and motivation to use care.  Read the complete article. 

This paper investigates the evidence base for the use of statin therapy in women. Statins are a class of prescription drugs designed to lower cholesterol. The leading statin drugs are Lipitor (generic name atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravacol (pravastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) and Lescol (fluvastatin). The report examines the weak evidence base and the risks of statin use for women including exercise intolerance, breast cancer, miscarriage and birth defects as well the extraordinary burden of care for women looking after statin-impaired family embers. Read the complete document.

Indicators of Well-being in Canada gathers data from different sources and presents a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the well-being of Canadians and Canadian society. It also shows how this picture may be changing over time. Whether you are a student, a researcher, a community volunteer, a public servant, or someone who is simply interested in knowing about this country, there is information here for you.

The purpose of this report is to summarize the result of two environmental scans that were undertaken by the NCC to describe the relationship between the social determinants of health and health status, and to describe examples of initiatives that have been implemented to foster positive change in the social determinants of health and reduce health inequities. 

“This paper starts by defining terms. It turns out the word private health care can mean a lot of things. The word “private” can be applied to a large for profit firm like American hospital corporation Humana which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or a small community not for profit service for home bound seniors. Clear language is very important to the debate because too frequently people fight over words not ideas. Then the paper reviews the evidence on the private financing and for profit ownership for its impact on patient outcomes, health care costs, and other factors. Finally, the paper presents examples of non-profit solutions to our present problems with delays and access.”  Read the complete report.