Karen C Roberts

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This study looked at how positive mental health (PMH) among adults in Canada changed during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that by 2023, people reported higher average life satisfaction, and 29% of adults rated their mental health as high, up from 24% in 2021. However, feelings of community belonging were still lower in 2023 than in 2020, showing there is still work to do, especially for younger adults who had the lowest reported PMH throughout the study. Who this helps: This information helps mental health professionals and policymakers focus their efforts on improving mental health for specific groups, particularly younger adults.

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This study looked at how effective wrist-based wearable devices are for monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) in older adults before and after surgery. The researchers found that about 77% of participants were able to provide good quality data before surgery, and 80% after surgery, but missing information was more common in older patients or those with more health issues. This research is important because it shows that wearables can help monitor heart health in older adults, but we need to be cautious as some higher-risk patients might not provide complete data. Who this helps: This helps older patients undergoing surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how much physical activity Canadians aged 12 and older are doing, considering factors like gender, income, and education. It found that only 54.9% of boys and 36.5% of girls met recommended activity levels for youth, while 57.4% of men and 51.7% of women met the guidelines for adults. People from higher-income households were more active than those from lower-income households, highlighting ongoing inequalities in physical activity across different groups in Canada. Who this helps: This research is valuable for health officials and policymakers aiming to improve physical activity levels among Canadians, especially in underserved groups.

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This study looked at how green spaces in neighborhoods and physical activity levels affect mental health in Canadian adults. Researchers found that neither living in greener areas nor meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week made a significant difference in how people rated their mental health. Even with various factors considered, the presence of greenery and physical activity did not impact mental well-being. Who this helps: This helps researchers, policymakers, and urban planners understand the factors affecting mental health in urban communities.

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This study looked at how different patterns of social media use affect the mental health of over 13,000 Canadian adolescents aged 11 to 15. The researchers found that teenagers who experienced problematic social media use, like addiction-like symptoms, had lower levels of self-efficacy, self-confidence, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Specifically, girls with intense social media use reported lower life satisfaction, while older boys in grades 9 and 10 showed decreased self-confidence with non-active social media use. Who this helps: This information is valuable for parents, educators, and mental health professionals working with teenagers.

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This study looked at how preadolescents (ages 8 to 12) learn to associate different choices with rewards by using a specially designed task that measures their brain activity. Researchers found that children could learn these associations but did so with different levels of success: those who struggled to learn showed stronger brain responses related to reward feedback. Understanding these brain processes is important because it helps reveal how children make decisions and learn from rewards, which can inform teaching and learning strategies. Who this helps: This helps educators and psychologists working with children.

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This study looked at how the power of brain waves during surgery relates to the risk of developing confusion (delirium) after the procedure in older patients. Researchers found that lower levels of brain wave activity (specifically alpha power) during surgery increased the likelihood of experiencing postoperative delirium by about 44% and moderate-to-severe delirium by 44% as well. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring brain activity during surgery to potentially reduce the risk of delirium, which can negatively impact recovery. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing surgery, particularly older adults.

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This study looked at how a sense of control affected the mental health of adults in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that those who felt they had more control over their lives reported higher life satisfaction, a better sense of community, and overall better mental health. Specifically, people with high personal mastery were more likely to rate their mental health positively and feel a sense of belonging. Who this helps: This helps adults in Canada by providing insights into factors that can improve their mental health during challenging times.

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This study looked at how well Canadians of different ages cope with challenges and how that relates to their mental health. Researchers found that people who cope well are significantly happier and have better self-rated mental health; for example, they were 4 to 6 times more likely to report being in good mental health compared to those who cope poorly. This information is important because it can help shape public health campaigns that teach coping skills to improve mental well-being in the population. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals working with youth and adults.

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This study looked at the mental health of young people in Canada, specifically before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on differences between girls and boys. Researchers found that the percentage of girls aged 12 to 17 who rated their mental health as high dropped from 66.4% in 2019 to 52.3% in 2021, while boys generally did not see a significant decline, except for specific groups like boys in Quebec. Understanding these differences is important because it highlights that the pandemic has impacted young girls more severely, indicating the need for targeted support for their mental health. Who this helps: This helps young female patients and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how the amount of recreational screen time affects the mental health of Canadian children and youth. It found that kids aged 5-11 who limited their screen time to 2 hours a day were less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or feel sad, with the odds of anxiety reduced by nearly half. Similarly, teens aged 12-17 who followed the same guideline reported better overall mental health, higher happiness, and less stress. Who this helps: This benefits children and teens by promoting better mental health through screen time management.

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This study looked at how preteens (ages 8-12) learn from rewards using brain activity measurements while they completed a task involving making choices that could lead to rewards. The researchers found that while these children are capable of learning which choices are more likely to lead to rewards, their learning speeds differ; those who learn more slowly show a stronger reaction to reward feedback in their brain activity. This matters because understanding these neural processes can help improve how we teach and support children in making decisions based on feedback. Who this helps: This helps children and educators by identifying effective learning strategies.

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This study looked at changes in brain activity, measured through EEG, in older surgery patients when they opened their eyes before surgery. It found that patients who showed less decrease in brain wave activity (specifically, alpha waves) when their eyes opened were more likely to experience attention problems and more severe delirium after surgery. Specifically, a stronger alpha power was linked to a 27% lower chance of experiencing inattention and a 21% lower chance of severe delirium. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery, particularly older adults.

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This study looked at how difficulties accessing health care during the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's mental health in Canada. The researchers found that adults who had trouble scheduling appointments or delayed seeking care were significantly less likely to rate their mental health as good, with those who delayed contact for pandemic-related reasons being 2.31 times more likely to report worsening mental health. These results highlight the importance of improving access to health care services to support better mental health outcomes during crises. Who this helps: This helps patients who face challenges accessing health care, especially during emergencies.

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This study looked at how much time Canadians spend sitting while at school and work, finding that youth aged 12-17 sit for about 4.5 hours a day at school, while adults aged 18-34 sit about 3.9 hours a day at work. Higher sitting times among young adults at school were linked to poorer mental health, while sitting at work was associated with better general health in the same age group. Understanding these patterns can help create targeted strategies to reduce sitting time and improve health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially young people and working adults.

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This study looked at how Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 engage in physical activity and organized sports based on their gender identity and sexual attraction. It found that non-cisgender youth participated in fewer organized sports (an average of just 48 minutes per week) compared to cisgender youth (who averaged 100 minutes). Nonheterosexual youth, making up 21.2% of the population, were also less likely to be physically active and involved in organized sports than those who are exclusively heterosexual, with bigger differences seen among boys. Who this helps: This research benefits non-cisgender and nonheterosexual youth by highlighting the need for increased support and access to sports.

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This study looked at how Canadians' screen time for fun changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, using survey data from 2017, 2018, and 2021. It found that from 2018 to 2021, the amount of time spent on recreational screens increased, which resulted in fewer people meeting the recommended screen time limits; in fact, the number of youth and adults meeting these guidelines decreased during the pandemic. Understanding these changes is important because higher screen time is linked to worse mental health, affecting many people's well-being across different demographics. Who this helps: This research helps patients and health care workers by highlighting the need for support and interventions related to screen time management.

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Researchers studied how working from home or at different workplace settings during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the physical activity, screen time, and sleep of Canadian adults. They found that those who teleworked engaged in more recreational physical activity (21.1 minutes daily) and slept longer (7.2 hours per night) compared to those working at fixed locations. People at non-fixed workplaces also moved more for their jobs (62.7 minutes daily) and had less leisure screen time (2.5 hours daily) than those in fixed workplaces. This matters because promoting healthy movement behaviors can lead to better overall health. Who this helps: This helps employees and employers looking to improve health and well-being in the workplace.

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This study looked at how using social media affects sleep health in Canadian teenagers aged 11 to 17. It found that those who used social media intensely or had addiction-like symptoms had significantly worse sleep, with the worst effects seen in girls; for example, girls with problematic social media use were over three times more likely to have later bedtimes than boys. Understanding these effects is important for creating better health guidelines for young people. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly teenagers and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how sleep affects positive mental health in Canadian students in grades 6 to 10. It found that youth who get enough sleep, don’t have insomnia, and don’t struggle to stay awake during the day are more likely to feel happy, confident, and satisfied with their lives. For example, students with little to no insomnia were 2 to 3.6 times more likely to report high levels of positive emotions. Who this helps: This benefits students and their parents by highlighting the importance of good sleep for mental well-being.

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This study looked at what experts believe are the top priorities for researching and monitoring physical fitness in children and teenagers. After gathering input from 46 international experts, the researchers found that the most important priority is to conduct long-term studies to track changes in fitness and its effects on health. Other key priorities include using fitness data to help make better decisions and regularly conducting fitness surveys with standard measures. Who this helps: This benefits children and teenagers by informing strategies to improve their physical fitness and health.

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This study looked at how well children and teenagers in Canada followed movement guidelines for exercise, screen time, and sleep six months after the COVID-19 pandemic started. It found that only 3.8% followed all the movement recommendations, while 16.2% met the physical activity guidelines, 27% kept to the screen time limits, and 63.8% got enough sleep. The research highlights that parents’ ability to manage screen time and encourage outdoor activities plays a crucial role in helping children stay active and healthy. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers of children and teenagers.

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Researchers studied the effects of cutting opioid prescriptions in half for patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. They found that reducing opioid prescriptions did not lead to more emergency room visits or hospital readmissions, and in fact, many patients reported better outcomes after the surgery. This matters because it shows that patients can manage pain effectively without the risks associated with taking large amounts of opioids. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from joint surgery by reducing their risk of opioid-related problems.

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This study looked at how different levels of social media use affect physical activity among Canadian teens. Out of over 12,000 students, those who spent less time on social media had lower chances of being active enough each day, while those with high levels of social media use were more likely to meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity. This matters because understanding these trends can help guide how to encourage more physical activity among teens, especially in a digital age. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators find better ways to promote physical activity in adolescents.

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This study looked at how social isolation and feelings of loneliness affected the mental health of older adults in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that nearly 30% of older adults lived alone and over 33% experienced loneliness, which were both linked to poorer mental health. Specifically, loneliness consistently led to lower positive mental health across various groups, while living alone mainly impacted feelings of community belonging. Who this helps: This helps older adults who are feeling lonely and isolated, as well as the healthcare professionals supporting them.

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This study looked at how well Canadians follow guidelines for strength training and balance exercises, which are important for preventing injuries and illnesses. It found that 56.6% of youth (ages 12-17) and 54.9% of adults (ages 18-64) meet the muscle-strengthening recommendations, but just 41.7% of older adults (65+) do, with only 16% meeting balance exercise recommendations. These findings highlight the need to promote these activities, especially for older adults, since following these guidelines is linked to better overall physical and mental health. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly older adults, and health professionals working to improve fitness and health outcomes.

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This study looked at how sleep duration and sleep quality affect mental health in young people and adults in Canada. Researchers found that good sleep quality increased the chances of having positive mental health by 52% to 324% and decreased the chances of experiencing mental illness and suicidal thoughts by 53% to 77%. Getting the recommended amount of sleep also improved mental health indicators, increasing positive health outcomes by 27% to 56% and decreasing mental health issues by 20% to 59%. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients, especially those struggling with mental health issues, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how Canadian youth identify their gender and who they are attracted to. It found that 0.2% of youth aged 12 to 17 identify as nonbinary or transgender, while 21% of youth aged 15 to 17 are attracted to more than just the opposite gender, with more females than males reporting this. Understanding these identities is important for improving health outcomes and addressing any inequalities, suggesting that future research should focus more on sexual minority groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially LGBTQ+ youth, and health professionals working with them.

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This study looked at brain activity in older adults undergoing surgery to see if certain patterns could predict cognitive problems after the procedure. Researchers found that a state of decreased brain activity, called "pre-burst suppression," occurred even in patients who did not show more extreme brain suppression during surgery. About 80% of these patients were found to experience this reduced brain activity, and the amount of time spent in both pre-burst suppression and bursting suppression was linked to poorer cognitive function before surgery. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify older patients at risk of cognitive issues after surgery.

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This study looked at how following the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults affects health in Canadians aged 18 to 79. It found that only 7.1% of participants met all three guidelines: getting enough physical activity, limiting sedentary time, and getting enough sleep. Meeting more of these guidelines was linked to better health outcomes, like healthier weight and improved fitness levels—showing that adhering to these guidelines can lead to significant health benefits. Who this helps: This helps adult Canadians by highlighting the importance of physical activity, reducing screen time, and getting quality sleep for better health.

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This study looked at the mental health of adults in Canada during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that during the third wave in early 2021, people reported even lower satisfaction with life and mental health than during the second wave in fall 2020, with most groups experiencing this decline. This matters because understanding the worsening mental health trends can help in planning effective support and resources for those in need. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at the factors that affect whether Canadian adults follow the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, which recommend a balance of physical activity, rest, and sleep. Out of 7,651 participants, many did not meet these guidelines, with those aged 18-64, of normal weight, and without chronic health issues being more likely to meet the recommendations. For example, younger adults, men, and those with higher education and income levels were more active and had better sleep patterns, which highlights the need for targeted programs to promote healthy habits among different groups. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and community programs aiming to improve health in various demographic groups.

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This study looked at how well Canadian adults are sleeping compared to recommended guidelines. It found that adults aged 18 to 64 typically sleep about 7.9 hours a night, with 77% meeting the recommended amount, while older adults (65 and up) get about 8.1 hours, with only 55% meeting recommendations. Many adults had inconsistent sleep patterns and poor habits that hurt their sleep quality, pointing to a need for better practices to promote healthy sleep. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of good sleep for overall health.

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This study looked at how changing physical activity guidelines in Canada from needing to exercise at least 10 minutes at a time to being more flexible affected how many adults met the recommended activity levels. It found that 45.3% of adults met the new guideline without the 10-minute requirement, compared to only 18.5% under the old rule. This change matters because it makes it easier for more people to be considered active, although the overall health and demographic profiles of those meeting either requirement were quite similar. Who this helps: This helps Canadian adults looking for more flexible ways to be active.

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This study looked at how much time Canadian adults spend being inactive, measuring it in different ways: through self-reported sitting time and using devices that track movement. They found that while many adults reported sitting for about 5.7 hours and watching screens for 3.2 hours daily, the device measured an average of 9.8 hours of inactivity per day. Only 26.5% of those tracked with the device were meeting the recommended limit of 9 or fewer sedentary hours, showing a significant gap between self-reports and what is actually happening. Who this helps: This benefits health professionals and policymakers seeking to improve adult health through better understanding of activity levels.

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This study looked at how much people are searching for information about hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis from 2009 to 2019 in the U.S. and Europe. The researchers found that interest grew steadily in the U.S. and rapidly in Europe, with increasing Google searches showing a strong trend toward wanting these injections. This matters because it indicates that many people are curious about this treatment option, even though the medical evidence supporting its effectiveness is mixed. Who this helps: This helps patients with knee osteoarthritis looking for treatment options.

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This study looked at how sleep affects mental health in Canadian children aged 5 to 11 years by analyzing data from over 16,000 parents. It found that 86.2% of children got enough sleep, 90% had good sleep quality, and 83.1% followed bedtime rules. Good sleep quality linked directly to better mental health, while some rules about bedtime came with negative effects; overall, 9.5% of children had mental health diagnoses, and 15.8% needed mental health care. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the importance of sleep for children's mental well-being.

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This study examined whether following Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, which include recommendations for sleep, reduced sitting time, and physical activity, affects the risk of dying. Out of 3,471 adults tracked over 11 years, 12.3% met all three recommendations. The research found that participants who met the physical activity guideline had a significantly lower risk of death, with a hazard ratio of 0.42, indicating they were 58% less likely to die compared to those who didn’t meet it. Who this helps: This benefits adults looking to improve their health and longevity.

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This study examined how well different parts of Toronto are served by animal welfare organizations, focusing on communities that are either well served or under-served. Researchers analyzed data from the Toronto Humane Society from 2015 to 2019 and found that central Toronto was well served, while the north-west and north-east areas had fewer adopters and public veterinary service clients. For example, the number of adopters increased in areas with high residential instability but decreased in areas with high ethnic concentration, indicating that socio-economic factors strongly influence access to these services. Who this helps: This helps animal welfare organizations, which can use these insights to better serve under-represented communities.

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This study looked at how Canadians spend their free time sitting or being inactive, and it found that while some activities like watching TV have remained stable, time spent using computers and electronic devices has increased, especially among younger people. For older adults, there's been a rise in watching TV and a drop in leisure reading. This is important because it highlights the need for public health initiatives to encourage less screen time and more active lifestyles, particularly for young people and seniors. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially youth and older adults, by promoting healthier habits.

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The MARBLE study is investigating whether a drug called CN-105 can help reduce brain inflammation and cognitive issues in older adults undergoing surgery. Researchers are testing this drug on 201 patients aged 60 and older, comparing it to a placebo to see if it is safe and effective. They found that managing the effects of the Alzheimer’s risk factor APOE4 may lower the chances of experiencing severe cognitive problems after surgery, which could lead to better outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps older patients undergoing surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how physical activity, screen time, and sleep affect the mental and social well-being of Canadian children and teenagers aged 5 to 17. It found that only a small percentage of kids followed all three activity guidelines—about 14% of children and just 5% of youth. However, those who met two or more recommendations had significantly better psychosocial health, with youth having more than three times higher odds of positive outcomes (3.10 times, specifically). This is important because it highlights that healthy habits can greatly improve mental and social health in young people. Who this helps: This helps kids and teenagers improve their mental and social well-being.

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This study looked at how effective and safe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are in managing pain after total joint replacement surgery. Researchers reviewed 2,921 studies and included 25 that provided solid evidence, finding that these medications significantly reduce pain and the need for opioids during and after hospitalization. Using these drugs can help manage pain effectively without major safety issues, improving recovery for patients who undergo this type of surgery. Who this helps: Patients recovering from total joint replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how gender and education level affect the amount of time Canadians spend sitting, specifically through both measured activities and self-reported ones. It found that boys aged 12 to 17 play video games more (up to 2.68 hours a day) than girls (up to 2.15 hours), while girls spend more time reading for leisure (up to 0.99 hours compared to boys' 0.65 hours). Understanding these differences is important because it helps identify groups at risk for being more sedentary, allowing for targeted strategies to encourage healthier behaviors. Who this helps: This information benefits health policymakers and educators aiming to promote active lifestyles among youth.

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This study looked at how much physical activity (PA) and time spent sitting (sedentary behavior) vary among Canadian adults with different jobs. Researchers found that full-time workers spent about 68.9% of their day sitting, took an average of 8,984 steps, and only 18.5% met the recommended activity levels. This matters because most workers are not getting enough exercise, which can affect their health, so there is a need for better workplace programs to encourage physical activity. Who this helps: This helps workers, employers, and health professionals.