Accurate and meaningful representation of Black communities in health research is essential for understanding health experiences and addressing inequities. However, Black populations are often defined and described in different ways across Canadian studies, which can make it challenging to compare findings and identify health trends.

Our team conducted a scoping review to explore how Black populations are defined and represented in Canadian health research. The findings will help inform more consistent and inclusive research practices, ensuring that the evidence used to guide healthcare policies and programs better reflects the diversity of Black communities in Canada.

By strengthening how Black populations are represented in research, this work can contribute to more equitable healthcare policies, better-targeted interventions, and improved health outcomes.

• Uwamahoro MC, Idowu J, Chowdhury N, Bele S, Popeski N, Boakye F, Odame-Ankrah C, King RU, Salami B, Rabi DM, Turin TC. Defining the Black population in Canadian health research: a scoping review. BMC Public Health. 2026 Jun 3. doi:10.1186/s12889-026-27940-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42237118.
• Uwamahoro, M.-C., Idowu, J., Chowdhury, N., Bele, S., Popeski, N., Boakye, F., Odame-Ankrah, C., King, R., Rabi, D., & Turin, T. C. (2024). Defining the black population in Canadian Health Research: A scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 14(6). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081296
• Uwamahoro, M.-C., Idowu, J., Chowdhury, N., Bele, S., Popeski, N., Boakye, F., O’Ankrah, C., Rabi, D., & Chowdhury, T. T. (2023, October). Defining the Black Population in Canadian Health Research: A Scoping Review [Poster presentation]. Newcomer Research Network – Mobilizing Knowledge on Newcomers Symposium, Calgary, AB, Canada.
• Uwamahoro MC, Idowu J, Chowdhury N, Bele S, Popeski N, Boakye F, Odame-Ankrah C, King R, Salami B, Rabi D, Turin TC. Defining the Black population in Canadian health research: a scoping review. Presented at: Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) Conference; May 26-29, 2025; Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Multimorbidity—the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions—disproportionately impacts individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and racialized communities, contributing to persistent health inequities. This study explored the experiences of Black Francophone individuals living with multimorbidity as they navigate Alberta’s healthcare system. By examining participants’ lived experiences and care journeys, the research identified key challenges, unmet needs, and opportunities to inform future interventions, health system planning, and policy change.

• Uwamahoro, M.-C., Babione, J., Idowu, J., Mohib, T., Bele, S., Popeski, N., Rabi, D., & Chowdhury, T. T. (2023, October). Experiences of Black Francophone Patients with Multimorbidity Navigating the Health Care System in Alberta [Poster presentation]. Newcomer Research Network – Mobilizing Knowledge on Newcomers Symposium, Calgary, AB, Canada.

Research has consistently shown that many newcomers to Canada experience a decline in health following their arrival. This decline is influenced by intersecting social and structural factors, including racism, language barriers, and challenges navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems, which can contribute to inequities in access to care and health outcomes.

In collaboration with the Centre for Newcomers and the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA), C4 is working to address these challenges through community-based health promotion and chronic disease prevention initiatives. Together, they deliver health navigation workshops designed to help newcomers better understand Alberta’s healthcare system, access appropriate services, and build the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

• Presentations with the Centre for Newcomers:
  • July 5, 2026
  • October 30, 2025
  • April 14, 2026
• Doreen’s Interview with CFN and partnership with C4 (Fall 2025) (Facebook)

Medical complexity refers to the ways in which social, personal, and environmental factors interact with multiple chronic health conditions to influence an individual’s health needs and care experiences. For patients living with multimorbidity, challenges such as limited social supports, housing instability, financial constraints, or difficulties accessing care can increase the complexity of managing their health.

When individuals with complex health needs are unable to access primary care in a timely manner, they may seek care in urgent care centres or emergency departments. Despite growing recognition of medical complexity as an important factor in healthcare delivery, there is no widely accepted definition for identifying medically complex adult patients in these settings.

This scoping review was conducted to examine how medical complexity is currently defined and characterized in urgent care and emergency department contexts. By identifying key concepts, indicators, and defining attributes, the review aims to inform a more consistent understanding of medical complexity and support future research, clinical practice, and health system planning.

• Bele S, Chisolm C, Lategan C, et al. Medical complexity in emergency and urgent care settings: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. 2025;15(1):e086984. Published 2025 Jan 20. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086984