Base de données de recherche des TNO

Régions: North Slave Region

étiquettes: social sciences, satisfaction survey, elders, participatory research, lifestyle

Objectif(s): To provide a rich background and context for the study topic with input from key older adults in NWT; to engage older adults living in the NWT to identify the current actual and potential influences upon and threats to their Quality of Life (QOL); and to provide older adults with information that could influence policy decisions related to the QOL for older adults in the NWT.

Description du projet: The objectives of this study are to: 1. Provide a rich background and context for the study topic with input from key older adults in NWT, 2. engage older adults living in the NWT to identify the current actual and potential influences upon and threats to their Quality of Life (QOL), and 3. provide older adults with information that could influence policy decisions related to the QOL for older adults in the NWT. Study Design Community-based Participatory Action Research (PAR) is the approach to this study. The community is the NWT Seniors’ Society, and by extension, older adults in the NWT. Most often associated with the early work of theorist Kurt Lewin, action research is characterized as cyclical, dynamic, and collaborative (Stringer & Genat, 2004). Loiselle, Profetto-McGrath, Polit, and Tatano Beck (2011) refer to action research as a “collaboration between researchers and study participants in the definition of the problem, the selection of an approach and research methods, the analysis of data, and [the way the findings are used]” ( p. 184). In essence, “Action research seeks to empower those who are part of the process to act on their own behalf to solve real world problems” (Streubert Speziale & Rinaldi Carpetner, 2007, p. 327). Sample Purposive sampling will begin with older adults (approximately n= 20) at the NWT Seniors’ Society 30th Anniversary celebration meeting taking place at the Baker’s Centre, Yellowknife, February 28, 2013 from 1230-1400). Thereafter, snowball sampling will occur. Moreover, beyond the February 28 meeting, encouragement to participate in the study will be facilitated by Leon Peterson across various sub-groups of the NWT Seniors’ Society. Inclusion Criteria: Persons aged 50 years and older, living in the NWT. A demographic intake form will be completed by each participant. Data Collection 1. Focus groups led by the research team will occur on February 28, 2013 at the NWT Seniors’ Society 30th Anniversary celebration meeting. Barb Hood will indicate an opportunity to participate in this study as part of the event invitations. 2. There will be opportunity for older adults to contact the researcher after February 28 (i.e. phone 1:1 interview; in writing). Small index cards will be professionally printed to include the interview questions (see below) in addition to the telephone number and email address of the principal investigator; these will be provided to those attending the February 28 meeting, as well as Leon Peterson, both for the purpose of snowball-type distribution to older adults across the NWT. Interview Guide (adapted from Bryant et al., 2004 p. 302): ? As an older adult, what things make your life very good? ? As an older adult, what kinds of things affect your life in a bad way? ? Is there anything that you need right now in order make your life better? ? What is your most significant concern at this time as an older adult in the NWT? ? Are we asking the right questions to understand what kinds of things affect the lives of older adults in the NWT? Other prompts, based on the social determinants of health (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011), may be used. 3. Key informant older adults who are experts in the history of programming and services for seniors in this NWT will be contacted to provide information regarding Objective #1. Data Analysis Data will be recorded electronically and entered into NVivo® software program. Thematic Analysis will be the approach to this qualitative data analysis. This will involve reading and re-reading each transcript, line-by-line coding, categorizing and establishing themes. Data collection and analysis will be iterative. Member checking will occur. This study is designed as a community-based PAR. At the completion of the study, the research team will write a report. Discussion about the generation of tool(s)/approach (es) for dissemination of this knowledge (e.g. presentations, report card etc.) will occur between the research team and community partners. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from February 28, 2013 to December 1, 2013.