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Building on its strengths as one of the world s most international universities, McMaster is partnering with the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) to host the week-long regional meeting that will explore current challenges and future opportunities for internationalization in Ontario and across Canada.
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HAMILTON, ON (June 3, 2021) - A novel longitudinal study on heavy drinking in young adults and the psychological impacts of COVID-19 has revealed some unexpected findings that challenge preconceived notions regarding pandemic-related alcohol use.
In a sample of nearly 500 young adults ranging in age from 18 to 25, researchers saw a reduction in problematic drinking and alcohol consequences during the initial phase of the pandemic for both men and women. This is in contrast to many anecdotal reports of increased drinking and increased household spending on alcohol during that time period.
More startling, however, were the additional findings that showed increased rates of depression and anxiety symptoms among young women - increases that were not observed to a significant degree among male participants.
Bernice Downey ‘09, ‘14
Faculty of Social Sciences
Downey is driven to create change and says it’s why she chose a health profession. A mother and grandmother of Ojibwe and Celtic heritage, she received a BSc in nursing from the University of Ottawa then came to McMaster after gaining experience in the nursing field to pursue her masters, PhD and post-doctoral work in medical anthropology.
A life-long advocate in the work of addressing the serious health inequalities among Indigenous populations in Canada, Downey continued at McMaster after her studies, joining the School of Nursing in 2017, cross-appointed with the Department of Psychiatry and Neuro-Behavioural Sciences. She also led the Indigenous Health Initiative with the Faculty of Health Sciences and the development of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute.