ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Anti-Black racism is a social determinant of health that has significantly impacted Black children and families. Limited research has examined anti-Black racism during the early years-a critical period of development. In this study, we sought to understand the manifestations of anti-Black racism in early childhood and explore its impact on Black children and families. METHODS: This qualitative research project was informed by critical race theory, Black Critical Theory and interpretive description. Early childhood educators (ECEs) and parents with Black children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years (n = 15) participated in virtual, semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Awareness of and protection against anti-Black racism was a constant in Black families' lives. Parents felt as though they had to remain hypervigilant and overprotective of their Black children, knowing they were liable to encounter racial violence. The early learning environment was a source of heightened stress for families, given the significant amount of time young children spend in child care. Black children were often "othered" in predominately White spaces and had been objectified by White ECE staff and children. Parents worked to instill a strong sense of self-confidence in their children to counteract the negative impacts of racial discrimination. CONCLUSION: Results from this study suggest that children as young as 18 months are experiencing racial violence and adverse childhood experiences. Findings may contribute to antiracist policy development and a focus on more inclusive early childhood education for Black children and families.
Subject(s)
Racism , Humans , Child, Preschool , Infant , Racism/prevention & control , Nova Scotia , Parents , Qualitative Research , AntiracismABSTRACT
Purpose: FoodNOW (Food to eNhance Our Wellness) engaged in assessment of simulated households that include a person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nova Scotia to determine if a basic nutritious diet is affordable.Methods: We used supermarket websites to cost food and beverage items listed in the National Nutritious Food Basket (NNFB) for simulated households, each with a PLWHA. Food costing methodologies were co-developed and adapted with community members in response to barriers presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: We found that simulated households, each with one PLWHA, that had a potential deficit after monthly expenses were a household of four on Income Assistance (-$1,058.70), a lone mother with two children on Income Assistance (-$973.65), a lone man on Income Assistance (-$677.40), and a household of four with one minimum-wage earner (-$383.45).Conclusions: Nova Scotia households with a PLWHA living on Income Assistance or with a minimum-wage earner cannot reasonably afford a nutritious diet in addition to basic household expenses. Using these food costing data can allow dietitians to efficiently inform government action and policy change to improve the health and wellness of individuals and families.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Male , Child , Humans , Nova Scotia , Pandemics , Diet , Food SupplyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to map the current literature and resources available on nutrition and food programming for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. This review is phase 1 of a 4-phase, provincially funded project called FoodNOW (Food to eNhance Our Wellness) focused on nutritional assessment of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nova Scotia, Canada. INTRODUCTION: People living with HIV/AIDS may experience nutritional challenges, including food insecurity and nutrition-drug interactions. Nutritional programming is required for optimal care for people living with HIV/AIDS, however, there is a lack of information within the literature about current nutrition and food programming in Canada. This proposed review will investigate available programming and gaps. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider literature focused on nutrition and food programming and resources in Canada for people living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS of any age, sex, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, including pregnant and lactating people living with HIV/AIDS, will be included as population of interest. METHODS: The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), Social Services Abstracts (ProQuest), and Scopus. Types of gray literature eligible for review include reports from service providers and online public newspaper articles written by, with, or about people living with HIV/AIDS. Two independent reviewers will assess each study and any conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Data will be extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Results will be presented in tabular or diagrammatic format, with a narrative summary.
