Browsing by Author "McDonald, Sheila W."

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    All Our Babies Cohort Study: recruitment of a cohort to predict women at risk of preterm birth through the examination of gene expression profiles and the environment
    (BioMed Central, 2010-12-30) Gracie, Sara K.; Lyon, Andrew W.; Kehler, Heather L.; Pennell, Craig E.; Dolan, Siobhan M.; McNeil, Deborah A; Siever, Jodi E.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Bocking, Alan D.; Lye, Stephen J; Hegadoren, Kathy M.; Olson, David M; Tough, Suzanne C.
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    All Our Families: Five Year Follow-Up (Q7) Descriptive Report March 2020
    (2020-03) Tough, Suzanne C.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Wu, Muci
    The All Our Families cohort includes over 3,000 mothers and children who have been participants since the mothers were pregnant. This report is a summary of information collected when the children were 5 years of age. Recruitment into the All Our Families (formerly All Our Babies) cohort began in 2008 and concluded in 2011. Since then, we have collected information twice during pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum, as well as 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years post-birth. This report presents findings from All Our Families mothers and children at 5 years of age and integrates information from earlier time points. The history of this cohort is described and more details can be found at allourfamiliesstudy.com.
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    All Our Families: Three Year Follow-up (Q6) Descriptive Report December 2018
    (2018-12) Tough, Suzanne C.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Wu, Muci
    The All Our Families cohort includes over 3,000 mothers and children who have been participants since mothers were pregnant. This report is a summary of information collected when the children were 3 years of age. Recruitment into the All Our Families (formerly All Our Babies) cohort began in 2008 and concluded in 2011. Since then, we have collected information twice during pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum, as well as 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post-birth. This report presents findings from All Our Families mothers and children at 3 years of age and integrates information from earlier time points. The history of this cohort is described briefly below, more details can be found on allourfamiliesstudy.com.
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    Cohort Profile: The All Our Babies pregnancy cohort (AOB)
    (Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association, 2017-01) Tough, Suzanne C.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Collisson, Beverly Anne; Graham, Susan; Kehler, Heather L.; Kingston, Dawn E.; Benzies, Karen Marie
    Why was the cohort set up? All Our Babies (AOB) is a community-based, longitudinal pregnancy cohort developed to investigate the relationships between the prenatal and early life periods and outcomes for infants, children and mothers. The design of AOB follows a life course perspective, whereby the influence of early events on long-term health and development of both mothers and children are investigated through examining factors across life stages. AOB spans pregnancy, birth and early postpartum through childhood, and therefore provides the unique opportunity to describe the relations between prenatal events and early life development and to examine key factors that influence child and mother well-being over time. AOB was originally designed to measure maternal and infant outcomes during the perinatal period, with a particular emphasis on barriers and facilitators to accessing health care services in Calgary, Alberta. Approximately 1 year after recruitment had started, an additional objective,to examine biological and environmental determinants of adverse birth outcomes, specifically spontaneous pre-term birth, was added. Recognition of the opportunity to continue to collect relevant life course information on the AOB families, collaborations with content experts and securing additional funding has enabled ongoing follow-up of AOB mother-child dyads. The overall objective was to further investigate risk and protective factors for optimal child development, and to understand the trajectory and impact of poor maternal mental health over time. Mothers have completed questionnaires from pregnancy to 3 years postpartum, and consented to providing the research team with access to their obstetric medical records. Data collection for a 5-year follow-up questionnaire is ongoing. A subgroup within the cohort participated in the ‘prediction of preterm birth’ component and provided blood samples during pregnancy and an umbilical cord blood sample. The continuation of follow-up to 8 years is under way.
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    Cohort Profile: The All Our Babies pregnancy cohort (AOB)
    (Oxford University Press, 2017-01) Tough, Suzanne C.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Collisson, Beverly Anne; Graham, Susan A.; Kehler, Heather L.; Kingston, Dawn E.; Benzies, Karen Marie
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    Comparison of sample characteristics in two pregnancy cohorts: community-based versus population-based recruitment methods
    (BioMed Central, 2013-12-06) Leung, Brenda; McDonald, Sheila W.; Kaplan, Bonnie J.; Giesbrecht, Gerald F.; Tough, Suzanne C.
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    Connections First: Community perceptions of social connections
    (2020-04-14) Walsh, Jessica-Lynn Ann; Tough, Suzanne C.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Patten, Scott B.
    Introduction: Community-based social connections and natural supports promote well-being in children and youth, and their families. Natural supports are informal reciprocal connections that consist of close relationships with friends and family, and broader associations, including neighbours, organizations and local businesses. Similarly to social connections, natural supports aim to create supportive and healthy environments with an emphasis on locality. This study investigated how urban communities are working to promote natural supports to address vulnerability. Methods: Using classical grounded theory, community champions were interviewed regarding their knowledge and perceptions of natural supports strategies, and key facilitators and barriers. Categories, themes and sub-themes were identified, and a theory emerged. Results: The overarching theory that emerged to advance natural supports strategies in urban community settings was: Building a community’s ability to shift from disconnected to naturally supportive to empower residents and families: the need for action to accelerate connection and asset development. Community connectors and assets facilitate natural supports strategies and social connections within urban community settings. Limited access to space, and difficulties recruiting and retaining volunteers were identified barriers. Conclusion: The findings of this study enable knowledge users, such as planners and policy-makers, to optimally invest and develop community natural supports strategies to enhance social connections and remediate vulnerability for children and youth, and their families. Future directions of this study include implementation and evaluation of natural supports strategies within communities.
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    Development and validation of the Cannabis Exposure in Pregnancy Tool (CEPT): a mixed methods study
    (2024-04-16) Chaput, Kathleen H.; McMorris, Carly A.; Metcalfe, Amy; Ringham, Catherine; McNeil, Deborah; Konschuh, Shaelen; Sycuro, Laura J.; McDonald, Sheila W.
    Abstract Background Evidence of associations between prenatal cannabis use (PCU) and maternal and infant health outcomes remains conflicting amid broad legalization of cannabis across Canada and 40 American states. A critical limitation of existing evidence lies in the non-standardized and crude measurement of prenatal cannabis use (PCU), resulting in high risk of misclassification bias. We developed a standardized tool to comprehensively measure prenatal cannabis use in pregnant populations for research purposes. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods, patient-oriented tool development and validation study, using a bias-minimizing process. Following an environmental scan and critical appraisal of existing prenatal substance use tools, we recruited pregnant participants via targeted social media advertising and obstetric clinics in Alberta, Canada. We conducted individual in-depth interviews and cognitive interviewing in separate sub-samples, to develop and refine our tool. We assessed convergent and discriminant validity internal consistency and 3-month test–retest reliability, and validated the tool externally against urine-THC bioassays. Results Two hundred fifty four pregnant women participated. The 9-item Cannabis Exposure in Pregnancy Tool (CEPT) had excellent discriminant (Cohen’s kappa = -0.27–0.15) and convergent (Cohen’s kappa = 0.72–1.0) validity; as well as high internal consistency (Chronbach’s alpha = 0.92), and very good test–retest reliability (weighted Kappa = 0.92, 95% C.I. [0.86–0.97]). The CEPT is valid against urine THC bioassay (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 82%). Conclusion The CEPT is a novel, valid and reliable measure of frequency, timing, dose, and mode of PCU, in a contemporary sample of pregnant women. Using CEPT (compared to non-standardized tools) can improve measurement accuracy, and thus the quality of research examining PCU and maternal and child health outcomes.
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    Early childhood risk factors for later onset of pediatric chronic pain: a multi-method longitudinal study
    (2024-08-08) Pavlova, Maria; Noel, Melanie; Orr, Serena L.; Walker, Andrew; Madigan, Sheri; McDonald, Sheila W.; Tough, Suzanne C.; Birnie, Kathryn A.
    Abstract Background Pediatric chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting ≥ 3 months) is prevalent, disabling, and costly. It spikes in adolescence, interrupts psychosocial development and functioning, and often co-occurs with mental health problems. Chronic pain often begins spontaneously without prior injuries and/or other disorders. Prospective longitudinal cohort studies following children from early childhood, prior to chronic pain onset, are needed to examine contributing factors, such as early pain experiences and mental health. Using data from a longitudinal community pregnancy cohort (All Our Families; AOF), the present study examined the associations between early developmental risk factors, including early childhood pain experiences and mental health symptoms, and the onset of pediatric chronic pain at ages 8 and 11 years. Methods Available longitudinal AOF data from child age 4 months, as well as 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 11 years, were used. Mothers reported their child’s pain experiences (e.g., hospitalizations, vaccinations, gut problems) at each timepoint from 4 months to 8 years, child chronic pain at age 8, and child mental health symptoms at ages 5 and 8 years. Children reported their chronic pain frequency and interference at age 11. Adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regressions were used to select predictor variables. Complete case analyses were complemented by multiple imputation using chained equation (MICE) models. Results Gut problems, emergency room visits, frequent pain complaints, and headaches at age 5 or earlier, as well as female sex, were associated with increased risk of maternal reported child chronic pain at age 8. Maternal reported chronic pain at age 8 was associated with higher levels of child-reported pain frequency and pain interferences at age 11. Boys self-reported lower levels of pain interference at age 11. Conclusions Some, but not all, painful experiences (e.g., gut problems, ER visits, pain complaints) in early life contribute to pediatric chronic pain onset and should be considered for screening and early intervention.
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    Exclusive Breastfeeding and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Calgary Cohort
    (OMICS Group Corporation, 2012-04-25) O'Quinn, Candace; Metcalfe, Amy; McDonald, Sheila W.; Raguz, Nikolett; Tough, Suzanne C.
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    Influence of interpersonal violence on maternal anxiety, depression, stress and parenting morale in the early postpartum: a community based pregnancy cohort study
    (BioMed Central, 2012-12-15) Tough, Suzanne C.; Malta, Lise A.; Hegadoren, Kathy M.; Weller, Carol A.; McDonald, Sheila W.
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    Investigating associations between maternal stress, smoking and adverse birth outcomes: evidence from the All Our Families cohort
    (2023-10-04) Yamamoto, Shelby S.; Premji, Shahirose S.; Saini, Vineet; McDonald, Sheila W.; Jhangri, Gian S.
    Abstract Background Independently, active maternal and environmental tobacco smoke exposure and maternal stress have been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. An understudied relationship is the potential for interactive effects between these risk factors. Methods Data was obtained from the All Our Families cohort, a study of 3,388 pregnant women < 25 weeks gestation recruited from those receiving prenatal care in Calgary, Canada between May 2008 and December 2010. We investigated the joint effects of active maternal smoking, total smoke exposure (active maternal smoking plus environmental tobacco smoke) and prenatal stress (Perceived Stress Scale, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), measured at two time points (< 25 weeks and 34–36 weeks gestation), on preterm birth and low birth weight. Results A marginally significant association was observed with the interaction active maternal smoking and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores in relation to low birth weight, after imputation (aOR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 0.06). No significant joint effects of maternal stress and either active maternal smoking or total smoke exposure with preterm birth were observed. Active maternal smoking, total smoke exposure, Perceived Stress Scores, and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were independently associated with preterm birth and/or low birth weight. Conclusions Findings indicate the role of independent effects of smoking and stress in terms of preterm birth and low birthweight. However, the etiology of preterm birth and low birth weight is complex and multifactorial. Further investigations of potential interactive effects may be useful in helping to identify women experiencing vulnerability and inform the development of targeted interventions.
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    Risk and Protective Factors for Late Talking: An Epidemiologic Investigation
    (Elsevier, 2016-01) Collisson, Beverly Anne; Graham, Susan; Preston, Jonathan L.; Rose, Marianne Sarah; McDonald, Sheila W.; Tough, Suzanne C.
    To identify risk and protective factors for late talking in toddlers between 24 and 30 months of age in a large community-based cohort.
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    Social Support in a Pregnant and Postnatal Population
    (2019-04-24) Hetherington, Erin Louise; Tough, Suzanne C.; McDonald, Sheila W.; Patten, Scott B.; Williamson, Tyler S.
    Background: Social support, in the form of emotional, informational and tangible resources provided by friends and family is beneficial for health. Social support in pregnancy and the postpartum period is also thought to improve birth outcomes and maternal mental health. However, questions remain as to what type of support is important and for which outcomes. In addition, little is known about patterns of support over time. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to determine the association between low social support and preterm birth. Data from the All Our Families cohort (n=3200) was used for the second two projects This cohort recruited women in pregnancy and followed them to 1 year postpartum, measuring demographic, psychosocial and birth outcome information. Multivariable binomial regression was used to estimate the impact of social support during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period on subsequent mental health symptoms. Group based trajectory modeling was used to determine patterns of support from pregnancy to four months postpartum, followed by multinomial regression to determine characteristics associated with different patterns of support. Results: The systematic review found no direct association between social support and preterm birth, however low social support was associated with preterm birth among women experiencing high stress. The second analysis revealed elevated risk of subsequent depression and anxiety symptoms among women with low support, across various levels of previous mental health risk. Finally, the trajectories analysis showed stable support among 98% of women. Stable high support (60% of women) was associated with higher income. Conclusion: Social support can impact both birth outcomes and maternal mental health, and is relatively stable for most women during pregnancy and postpartum. Interventions to improve support will have a larger absolute benefit for women who may be vulnerable due to previous mental health challenges. More research is needed to understand how to influence conditions that will allow women to develop and maintain strong support networks.