Healthcare Service Utilization and Perceived Gaps: The Experience of French-Speaking 2S/LGBTQI+ People in Manitoba.

Ethnolinguistically diverse 2S/LGBTQI+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) populations have unique healthcare needs and experience health inequities compared to their cisgender or heterosexual peers. This community-based participatory study sought to describe the profile and healthcare needs and experiences of official language minority French-speaking 2S/LGBTQI+ adults in Manitoba. Participants (N = 80) reported that gender and sexual identity were often concealed from service providers; many respondents faced discrimination based on their ethnolinguistic and sexual identities. Service gaps are identified pertaining to mental and sexual health; locating 2S/LGBTQI+-friendly, patient-centred care in French is difficult. Policy and practice should address systemic inequity and discrimination experienced by this equity-seeking population.

Living in a liminal space: Experiences of 2SLGBTQ + official language minority Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The intersecting identities of those identifying with multiple minorities, such as 2SLGBTQ + and ethnolinguistic minorities, bring individuals to have unique experiences, especially concerning health and wellness. This topic is particularly poorly understood among French-speaking official language minority 2SLGBTQ + populations in Canada. Hence, this study was conducted to generate insights into their needs and experiences, through the lens of intersectionality. This quantitative community-based study, a first of its kind in Western Canada, describes the sociodemographic profile, experiences of discrimination and stigmatisation, and needs and challenges pertaining to mental health and social supports of this double minority group. Data were obtained by an online survey conducted in the Canadian province of Manitoba in June 2020. The participant sample was largely homogenous: most were under the age of 55 years, white, educated, and from urban areas. Many reported experiencing dual marginalisation, feeling unaccepted by both of their minority communities (Francophone and 2SLGBTQ+). A sense of isolation, as well as a lack of social connectedness and psychological support, were often reported. Social initiatives and mental health support within environments proactively affirming of the official language of the minority and inclusive of diverse 2SLGBTQ + identities are needed.

Substance use and impaired driving prevalence among Francophone and Anglophone postsecondary students in Western Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Substance use and impaired driving increase risk of motor vehicle crashes and deaths. Individual, socio-economic and -cultural factors are associated with these at-risk behaviors; however, little is known if differences exist between the Anglophone majority and minority Francophone populations in Canada. This article describes prevalence of substance use, impaired driving and driving practices by postsecondary student and compares Francophones and Anglophones with respect to these behaviors. METHODS: Postsecondary students between 18 and 24 years attending a Francophone university in Western Canada completed a paper-based survey during class-time. RESULTS: Prevalence of alcohol consumption, binge drinking and marijuana use in the past month were 88.6%, 64.2% and 22.7% respectively. Francophone participants were more likely to consume more alcohol, participate in drinking games, and consume marijuana during the past month than Anglophones. They were also more likely to report impaired-driving, speeding, distracted driving and being passenger in a motor vehicle driven by an impaired driver. CONCLUSION: Awareness campaigns on campus highlighting the risks of substance use and unsafe driving practices should be strengthened and target Francophone students in linguistic minority communities.

[Not Available]. / Les comportements sexuels et le harcèlement sexuel en milieu postsecondaire dans l'Ouest canadien.

OBJECTIVES: Risky sexual behaviour associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI) and sexual harassment are important topics in university environments and public health. This article compares these behaviours between student cohorts in 2005 and 2012 from a Western Canadian university. The sexual habits of young adults with multiple partners are also examined. METHODS: Researchers conducted a comparative study of sexual behaviour among approximately 400 students per cohort. Estimates of prevalence and adjusted odds for age group and sex were used to analyze associations between the two cohorts and their sexual behaviours. RESULTS: Trends in sexual behaviour of young adults are maintained with respect to the proportion of those who are sexually active and their number of partners. A reduction in sexual harassment is observed, especially towards women. The condom remains the most frequently used method of contraception, but its use is erratic, particularly among respondents with multiple sexual partners. Drinking and the use of drugs predisposes to unplanned sexual relations and to non-use of means to prevent STIs and pregnancy, particularly among respondents with multiple sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: The postsecondary student population should be informed of the risks associated with multiple sexual partners and alcohol and drug consumption leading to unplanned sexual acts. A sexual harassment policy contributes to reduction of incidents of harassment within a postsecondary institution.