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CENTRE FOR URBAN HEALTH INITIATIVES
Spotlight on Urban Health Seminar Series
**all seminars run from 1:15- 2:45
Free, all are welcome, please RSVP to [log in to unmask]
“Focus Groups in Support of Public Health Interventions among Toronto LBGT Smokers and Former Smokers”
Thursday April 17, 2008
Gala Arh & Nadia Minian
Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
CUHI 2006 Seed Grant Recipients
Location: Bahen Centre, University of Toronto: Room B024 (40 St. George Street, immediately south of Russell Street)
Project Summary
While little is know about tobacco use among lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender (LBGT) populations, studies in the United States have found high rates of smoking among LBGT individuals. Our pilot study sought to ascertain attributes of the Toronto Church and Wellesley neighbourhood that facilitate tobacco use among LBGT individuals.
As a method of data collection, focus groups have yet to be recognized for their nascent health promotion capacity. Using our example of focus groups conducted with LBGT smokers and former smokers we illustrate how focus groups can be used to translate and disseminate research findings, while building stronger communities, and generating therapeutic support.
Bios
Gala Arh, M.Ed.
Having completed her M.Ed. at OISE/UT, Gala Arh joined the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit as a Research Officer. She is developing, implementing and evaluating the Performance Indicator Monitoring System as well as conducting community-based research with the Evaluation Team
Nadia Minian is a Scientist with the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. She has considerable experience in conducting and directing research and evaluation at the local and community levels on a variety of public health issues, including infectious disease (HIV/AIDS), sexual risk behaviours and cancer screening. At OTRU Nadia leads the evaluation of cessation programming and policy. She is personally committed to social justice and conducting evaluations to promote health.
Alexis Kane Speer
Centre Coordinator
Centre for Urban Health Initiatives (CUHI)
University College, Room 259
University of Toronto
15 King's College Circle
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H7
416-978-7223
FAX: 416-946-0669