In association with Simon Fraser University & Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Simon Fraser University
Great Northern Way Campus
555 Great Northern Way
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 1E2
tel: 1.604.268.7306
fax: 1.604.268.7309
email: act4hlth@sfu.ca
website: www.sfu.ca/act4hlth
The Impact of a Nurse Intermediary in e-Health Support for Rural Youth (Theme I)
Investigator: Roma Harris
Research Partners: Grey Bruce Huron Perth District Health Council
Background
A survey undertaken by public health officials in Huron County revealed that students and
educators view bullying, homophobia and eating disorders as significant health issues facing
young people in the community. Because these concerns may reflect symptoms related to power
and dominance, often maintained through violent control, it is important that youth are able to
make the links between violence and homophobia, bullying, racism, sexism and physical and
mental health issues. The school system can be one of the most significant socializing institutions
in a community and provides an environment to not only prevent violence but to support its
victims and create social change. Multiple strategies are most effective to deal with the complex
nature of problems that are rooted in violence.
Three strategies, two of which are operational, are proposed to address the problems of violence
that students encounter. A teen health clinic is planned with youth occurs biweekly in local high
schools. In addition, the Huron County Health Unit, in collaboration with multiple community
partners, has engaged the local youth in the creation of a video about bullying. This video will be
used as a teaching tool in local schools. Issues may emerge for individual students and it is
important that a mechanism for support be available. The collaboration that occurred in the
development of the clinic services and the video has established trust between public health staff
and the local youth. An opportunity exists to build on this trust to provide the third strategy:
confidential information and/or counselling service through the Spark Website.
This website, developed by the Avon-Maitland School Board, is designed to provide a voice for
youths. It is being expanded to include topics relevant to youths as identified by youths. There is
also interest to invite nurses to moderate the health-oriented online bulletin board and confidential
chat rooms to respond to health queries from youths. Currently, the Huron County Health Unit
provides health information to youths through links to this website.
Methods
Evaluation on the impact of nurses mediating online health information to youths through this
website is based on voluntary participation in an on-line survey.
Partner Benefits
The project design is developed with full participation of community partners, including problem
definition and selection of research questions from the outset of the project.