Understanding the sexual and reproductive health needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada: A qualitative study

BackgroundLiterature suggests that immigrant adolescents receive limited sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and rarely utilize SRH services in Canada. This study sought to explore the SRH information needs of immigrant adolescents in the province of Alberta.MethodsA qualitative descriptive methodology was undertaken to conduct 21 individual interviews with immigrant adolescents in Alberta.ResultsA total of four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Barriers to SRH; (2) needs of adolescents regarding SRH; (3) sources of knowledge; and (4) strategies to improve SRH. Our findings document the conflicting needs and preferences between adolescents and their parents regarding access to SRH resources and services.DiscussionAdolescents often felt unprepared to deal with their SRH issues due to socio-cultural barriers and conflicts with their parents' conservative attitude toward SRH concerns. Structural barriers to accessing SRH resources and services were also reported, including the location and cost of services. As a result, the majority of adolescents relied on digital methods to receive SRH information.ConclusionThis study highlights that future research and SRH service provider efforts need to remain cognizant of the positionality of immigrant adolescents and explore innovative ways to deliver SRH resources and services that meet their unique needs

Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Nanosystems for the Treatment of Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review

The limitations and negative effects of current therapeutic techniques for brain tumors necessitate the selection of alternative therapeutic options. Therapeutic hydrogel systems that are monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are one alternative for neurosurgical treatment of brain tumors that does not need any invasive procedures. There is a significant deal of potential for the treatment of brain tumors that can be attributed to the specific physical and chemical properties that hydrogels possess. The ability to encapsulate therapeutic molecules, provide regulated and sustained drug release, and successfully pass the blood-brain barrier are some of the properties that are included in this category. By combining hydrogel systems with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities, it is possible to design therapeutic approaches that provide regulated release of therapeutic medications and real-time monitoring possibilities. Despite the fact that surgical resection is still extremely important, there is a growing demand for alternatives that can supplement or even replace it. Within the scope of this narrative review, the therapeutic hydrogel systems that are monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be evaluated to determine their potential for the non-surgical treatment of brain tumors