Research

Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI)

Research-informed healthcare improving women’s lives today and for the future.

The Only One
The WHRI is the only research institute in British Columbia devoted to broad based women’s health research. We explore everything from clinical and basic science research to research in health systems and population and public health.

The Voice for Women
The WHRI is the voice of women’s health research for the scientific community, bringing women’s health issues to the forefront of government and public decision-makers. In this and so many other ways, the WHRI is helping to improve women’s lives today and make a difference for future generations.

You can learn more about the WHRI on their own, independent website, www.whri.org

The WHRI has established the following research areas and themes:

Key Research Areas

Crosscutting Research Themes

Examples of Current WHRI Studies

Below are just a few examples of how research has benefits that extend well beyond the laboratory to inform and improve our healthcare practices. This primal connection between research and application means women and families obtain immediate benefits from the new knowledge we garner.

Research in Aboriginal Women’s Health

Key Areas
Mental Health and Addictions, Maternal and Perinatal Health, Reproductive health, Infectious Diseases, Chronic Illnesses.

Why it’s Important
There are important differences in health for this population, including higher rates of diabetes and gestational diabetes. Cervical cancer rates are also higher in Aboriginal women compared to other Canadians. Other identified areas of concern include maternal and perinatal health, early childhood development, mental health, addictions, incarceration, domestic violence, access to health care services, and elder health.

The critical health issues faced by Aboriginal women directly impact their wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of their families and their communities. Thus, specifically-targeted and culturally-sensitive healthcare strategies are urgently needed to advance healthcare for Aboriginal women.

Focus of Study
Investigations in this area are designed to address the special health needs of Canada’s Aboriginal people. Studies are targeted at alleviating mental health and addictions issues in this population, determining healthcare access issues associated with living in rural and remote British Columbia, and developing action health strategies to meet the healthcare needs of Aboriginal women.


Research in Acute Perinatal Care

Key Areas
Infertility, Sexual health/hygiene, Birth control, Pregnancy dating and assessment via ultrasound, Pregnancy loss, Pregnancy complications, Preterm birth, Mode of delivery, Breast feeding, Access to care.

Why it’s Important
The WHRI is playing a lead role in the facilitation of several projects, including a study on the health and needs of immigrant women and their infants in the early post-birth period, and an investigation on the prevalence of gastroschisis in B.C. Researchers are generating information necessary to further and develop existing services in order to improve care, practice and access in the field of reproductive health.

Our projects are also aimed at impacting healthcare in rural and remote communities in B.C. Given the environment, demographics, occupations and ethnic composition, the health care needs of the rural population are different from that of urban populations. Access to specialized reproductive health services is of particular issue for women living in rural or remote communities.

Focus of Study
Investigations in this area are targeted towards understanding the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Our research will inform healthcare practices that improve the quality of women’s reproductive health, access to reproductive options, and treatments available for reproductive diseases. It will also help us understand how social determinants of health impact women’s choices.


Research in Women’s Mental Health & Addictions

Key Areas
Reproductive Mental Health, Perinatal Addictions, Psychiatric Genetic Counselling, Substances, Access to Care

Why it’s Important
Nearly half of the general population will suffer from some form of psychiatric disorder in their lifetime. This means, that each year in B.C., around 12% of women are suffering from mental illnesses like major depression or anxiety, or are struggling with addictions issues like drug or alcohol misuse. Furthermore, approximately 10% of B.C. women self-report poor mental health and nearly 6% of B.C. women report unmet healthcare needs for their mental health, emotional well-being, and/or substance use issues (Stats Canada).

Focus of Study
Investigations in this area will promote and advance knowledge in women’s mental health and addictions, and ultimately, lead to improvement in the quality of life for women in B.C. who are affected by mental illness and addictions.

The WHRI is studying maternal anxiety disorders, and an investigation of health outcomes among substance-exposed newborns, among others. Researchers are generating the knowledge necessary to inform and update policy around the care of these vulnerable populations; ultimately, findings from these studies can be applied to innovative practice in the field of perinatal mental health and addictions.