Brandon University Researchers Secure $44,000 Grants for Health Studies

Two researchers from Brandon University have been awarded $44,000 each over a two-year period to conduct studies focused on nurse wellness and recovery from sexual violence in rural Manitoba. The funding comes from the Manitoba Medical Services Foundation (MMSF) research grant program and marks a significant milestone for the university as it expands its research initiatives aimed at benefiting local communities.

Research Projects Address Critical Health Issues

The projects, led by associate professors in health studies Candice Waddell-Henowitch and Kathryn Chachula, aim to tackle pressing health concerns in Manitoba. Waddell-Henowitch’s research will focus on recovery from sexual violence, particularly in rural, remote, and northern areas of the province. Utilizing a photo elicitation approach, the study will engage survivors by encouraging them to share their experiences through photographs and narratives.

“Sexual violence is such an important issue, and this funding allows us to explore ways to better serve survivors across Manitoba,” Waddell-Henowitch noted. She expressed gratitude towards both the MMSF and Blue Cross for their support, emphasizing the project’s potential to inform future studies on related topics, including parental support for survivors and educational tools aimed at reducing rape myths.

Chachula’s project centers on enhancing nurse wellness through the Psychological Body Armour course. This online program consists of ten modules designed to equip nurses with skills to build resilience, manage stress, and recover from potentially traumatic experiences in their careers. A pilot study involving nursing students revealed significant improvements in resilience and reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD.

Supporting Nurses in Rural Areas

Chachula highlighted the disparities in access to mental health resources across Manitoba, particularly for nurses working in rural and remote regions. “This funding allows us to support nurses who might be suffering in silence and to help ensure younger nurses remain in the profession,” she explained. The goal is to empower nurses not just to survive their shifts but to thrive in their roles.

The course is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to progress at their own pace over a 12-week period. It covers essential topics such as personal strength, stress management, and proactive resilience skills. If the research confirms the course’s effectiveness, it could become a vital resource throughout Manitoba’s healthcare system.

The grant funding reflects the growing strength of Brandon University’s research efforts and their relevance to real-world challenges. Bernadette Ardelli, the university’s vice-president for research and graduate studies, stated, “Both projects demonstrate how BU researchers are working alongside communities to generate knowledge that leads to tangible, positive change.”

For those interested in participating in the Psychological Body Armour course, nurses can reach out to research assistant Caroline Mullins at [email protected] or complete the enrollment form available online.