SFU Health Sciences Undergraduate Journal

The Effects of Oral Contraceptives on the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

2022-12-15T21:59:27-08:00

Numerous studies have assessed potential prevention methods to reduce the risk of gynaecological cancers. The current study investigates how oral contraceptive use can decrease a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer. The relationship between oral contraceptive use and ovarian cancer, the effects of dose and duration of use, and the potentially greatly beneficial effects for high-risk individuals are thoroughly explored. The reviewed literature provided strong support that oral contraceptive use decreases a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer. Thus, the thesis that oral contraceptives protect against ovarian cancer was supported.

Addressing the Need for Safer Supply Programs in Canada

2023-04-16T17:01:13-07:00

COVID-19 Distancing Behaviors Among Non-Vaccinated and Illicit Drug Using Canadians: A Predictive Analysis

2023-03-07T11:40:49-08:00

Abstract

Introduction: Worries due to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased illicit drug use among Canadians. There are 5 commonly used illicit drugs in Canada: cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and meth. Given that substance use is related to worry management, the use of illicit drugs has also impacted the occurrence, or lack of occurrence, of social distancing.

Research significance: This study investigates the association between distancing and illicit drug use for unvaccinated Canadian adults. This insight will aim to close gaps in knowledge regarding the changes to the covid distancing variable as a result of different frequencies of use of common illicit substances. In doing so, future interventions can be better targeted to address covid distancing for different types of illicit drug users to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Methods: 2448 observations were obtained via the Canadian Social Connections Survey and vaccinated participants, missing/NA values, and participants below age of 19 were removed.

Results: In the multivariable model, use of cocaine at least once a week (OR = 7.55, 95% CI), use of hallucinogens at least once a month (OR = 0.0955, 95% CI), age cohort of Generation X (OR = 0.10, 95% CI) and Baby Boomers (OR = 0.245, 95% CI) were statistically significant predictors of covid distancing. Interaction between age cohorts and cocaine use was conducted and found to be statistically different and superior.

Conclusion: Substance use is not a strong predictor of COVID-19 distancing. Other confounders should be investigated in order to better predict the outcome of covid distancing across explanatory substance use variables. Then we can alter the interventions required to address confounding factors that may exist for unsafe covid-19 behaviors.

Reducing the Prevalence of Stroke in Nigeria by Addressing Hypertension and Alcohol Use as Risk Factors

2023-04-16T16:54:36-07:00

Due to Nigeria’s aging population, the prevalence of strokes remains a high threat for the country. Although Nigeria has focused on stroke treatment, these is a lack of preventative interventions. Management of hypertension and alcohol consumption are two modifiable risk factors that have been found to decrease the risk of strokes but are loosely regulated in Nigeria. The aim of this paper is to 1) review the measures currently in place for preventing strokes in Nigeria and, 2) propose that reduction of salt consumption and, 3) revision of alcohol consumption policies can reduce the risk of strokes in Nigeria.

Possible Causes and Solutions for Canada’s Physician Shortage

2023-06-22T19:33:49-07:00

Colonialism and the First HIV Epidemic

2023-05-19T11:16:51-07:00

Since the HIV-1 pandemic began, 79 million people have been infected, and 36 million have died. While the origins of the HIV-1 pandemic are not widely known, research suggests that HIV originated in Kinshasa, the capital city of the former Belgian-Congo colony (Faria et al., 2014; Pépin, 2013). HIV was circulating within Africa for decades before its global spread. How did a virus originating from Africa spread globally? Evidence points to colonialism (Faria et al., 2014; Giles-Vernick et al., 2013; Pépin, 2013). Colonial influences on urbanization, social dynamics, and healthcare created conditions that favoured the early spread of HIV. Addressing the impacts of colonialism and its influence on the spread of HIV is critical, given the rise of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Keywords: HIV epidemic, colonialism

Strategies and Counter-strategies for the Pharmaceutical and Fast-Food Industry

2023-04-16T16:58:29-07:00

Fast-food and pharmaceutical industries oversell the usefulness of their products and underplay the health consequences of overcomsumption through various corporate strategies. Unfortunately, there are many chronic disease epidemics that stem indirectly from corporate manipulation and deceit. For instance, older age demographics rely for pharmaceutical opioids for chronic pain relief management, and racialized demographics are unevenly exposed to marketing for fast foods.

Expansion of Secondary Education Programs to Increase Awareness of the Health Risks of Vaping in BC

2023-05-17T08:37:45-07:00

The rate of e-cigarette use among youth has accelerated dramatically in BC, which is particularly concerning given the devastating health consequences of e-cigarettes.
Lack of awareness of the health risks of vaping and misconceptions about vaping products contribute to the rise of e-cigarette use among youth. Hence, it is critical that efforts to increase awareness of the health risks of vaping are established.
Two interventions aimed at reducing vaping among BC youths are secondary school e-cigarette education programs through (1) the expansion of the physical and health education curriculum and (2) the addition of online learning modules.
Implementation of e-cigarette education programs through online learning modules is recommended as they can be established faster and are more cost-effective.

Prospective Direction of Palliative Care in Canada

2022-12-09T17:25:13-08:00

Analyzing the Mask Mandate in British Columbia through Kass’ Ethics Framework

2023-01-06T10:15:16-08:00