Omar, Abeer

Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, presents major diagnostic and treatment challenges due to its diverse symptoms and often ambiguous progression. Despite growing awareness, many patients face misdiagnosis, dismissal, and inadequate care—especially in North America, where brief treatment guidelines may fail to address persistent symptoms. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences and adaptive strategies of 16 individuals diagnosed with LD for over a year. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), revealing five key themes: medical journey and testing accuracy, functional and cognitive suffering, mental and emotional impacts, adaptive practices, and advocacy for systemic reform. Participants reported significant disruptions to daily life, reliance on alternative care, and frustration with mainstream medicine. Their narratives underscored institutional shortcomings and highlighted the need for improved education, diagnostic protocols, integrative care access, and patient-centered policies. This study contributes valuable insights into chronic illness care and contested disease recognition.

Author Keywords: Adaptive practices, Lived experiences, Lyme Disease, Mental health, Nursing, Public health

The prevalence of hypertension and mental illness among Black Canadians is a growing public health concern. There is a paucity of Canadian research exploring the lived experiences of Black individuals with both hypertension and anxiety, particularly in relation to how racism shapes access to healthcare. This study aimed to advance awareness and cultural understanding of systemic and institutional racism, with a focus on its impact on access to care. A qualitative design employing descriptive and interpretive phenomenology was used. Ten participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with Black individuals residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Key findings suggest that racial inequities and disparities continue to directly affect the quality of care received, with racism emerging as a persistent barrier. These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, equitable care approaches to address the structural barriers faced by Black communities in Canada.

Author Keywords: anxiety, Black health disparities, healthcare access, hypertension, institutionalized racism, racial inequities in healthcare

This study examines the experiences of Tamil Canadian caregivers providing home care for older adults with dementia, highlighting their unique challenges. Grounded in a social constructivist and phenomenological approach, the qualitative research explores the influence of social, cultural, and familial expectations on caregiving roles. Semi-structured interviews with ten Tamil Canadian caregivers revealed difficulties in accessing healthcare, managing complex care needs, and balancing personal well-being with caregiving responsibilities. Language barriers and limited awareness of available health and social services further exacerbated emotional, financial, and physical burdens. Caregivers expressed a strong need for educational resources to enhance their skills and support their roles. Despite these challenges, participants reported emotional rewards, such as strengthened family bonds and a profound sense of duty. The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions, advocating for culturally responsive services, language support, and caregiver education to better address the needs of Tamil Canadian caregivers.

Author Keywords: caregiver burden, cultural barriers, cultural values in caregiving, language barriers, self-care for caregivers., tamil Canadian caregivers