Theses (Public Health and Social Policy)

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"Care is connection": How place shapes experiences of care for precariously housed adults nearing end-of-life
(2025) Stewart, Alexandra; Stajduhar, Kelli I.; Cloutier, Denise S.
As the social determinants of health literature highlight, housing is more than a physical space; it is a critical foundation for social connectivity and healthcare access. Stable housing supports the development of community connections, which are linked to enhanced well-being and a better quality of life. Furthermore, these connections fulfill a vital function in the context of end-of-life care. Conversely, for adults who are precariously housed, inadequate housing may disrupt the ability to engage with their communities, resulting in social isolation and adverse end-of-life care experiences. As such, housing stability plays a vital role in facilitating or limiting social connections. Drawing on observational fieldnotes and qualitative interviews, this study examined the role of ‘place’ in shaping experiences of care for unstably housed adults nearing end-of-life guided by a geographic and health equity lens. The findings reveal that social connection and supportive relationships were seen as central to participants’ sense of home and experiences of care. Meanwhile, displacement and frequent transitions illustrate how disrupted connections can impact quality of life and restrict access to social support at end-of-life. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of social connection, community support and sense of place in fostering more equitable end-of-life care experiences for precariously housed adults.
Supply and sellers: Insights into the unregulated opioid market from a drug checking service in Victoria, British Columbia
(2025) González Nieto, Pablo; Wallace, Bruce; Arredondo, Jaime
The opioid overdose crisis remains a critical public health issue, particularly in British Columbia, where fentanyl and its analogues have become primary contributors to overdose deaths. Drug checking services, a harm reduction intervention that was adapted to respond to this crisis, provide users with essential information about the contents of illicit substances, attempting to function as a tool to reduce overdose risk and general harm reduction. This thesis explores the complexities of the unregulated opioid market through the lens of a drug checking service, Substance Drug Checking, based in Victoria, B.C., and specifically examines the role of people who sell drugs that engage with this service. This research is comprised of two complementary studies. The first focuses on the analysis of opioid samples submitted to the service between 2021 and 2023, with an emphasis on identifying trends in the composition of the opioid market, particularly fentanyl analogues and benzodiazepines. The second examines the service access characteristics of people who sell drugs, through a combination of data from the intake survey and drug checking results, focusing on their engagement with the service and potential adaptations of the service for their needs. Findings from the first study highlight the dominance of fentanyl and its analogues in the opioid supply, but also reveal the maintained presence of benzodiazepines, such as bromazolam, in the market, complicating overdose risks. Data from the service also show variable fentanyl concentrations, emphasizing the unpredictability of the drug supply. The second study draws attention to the under-explored role of drug sellers in harm reduction, suggesting that their use of drug checking services may serve as a midstream intervention, addressing risks earlier in the drug distribution chain, particularly around illicit opioids. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the opioid supply and the role of drug sellers in the overdose crisis, calling for more targeted harm reduction strategies and drug policies that can better address the complexities of the unregulated drug market.
Reclaiming our relationships: Exploring students’ experience of Indigenist antiracism education in nursing
(2024) Kelly, Donna Leanne; Gagnon, Marilou; Allan, Billie
Background: Despite having various levels of cultural safety education in nursing schools for over thirty years, we continue to see examples of inferior health service shaped by racism and racialized tensions experienced by Indigenous peoples. Nursing students continue to describe uncertainty regarding integration of decolonizing knowledge into their nursing practice. Nursing 484, Understanding Indigenous Health and Wellness, is a mandatory course for third year students focused on disrupting Indigenous-specific racism within the health care system. The course has adapted to meet changing knowledge levels and context of Indigenous discourse in our social environments. The current course, as reflected in this research, is built using an Indigenist pedagogical framework and employs strength based and Indigenous – led scholarship in support of a transformative learning experience. Method: The study analyzes the process of delivering this course to third year students in the 2022 cohort. Data was gleaned from three sources: Instructor conversations, analysis of anonymously submitted student assignments entitled ‘Creating your Knowledge Bundle” and a feedback circle with students to discuss emerging themes. Reclamation research, an Indigenist methodological framework built on three key pillars of Wahkootawin (Relationship), Waskawewin (Decolonization) and Tâpwêwin (Truth/Obligation) was used to construct and analyze the Knowledge Bundle assignment as well as analysis of the instructor conversations. Results: This dissertation presents themes emerging from conversations with course instructors, student reflections from submitted Knowledge Bundles, and commentary from the student feedback circle. Instructor conversations reveal interrogation of their relationships with themselves and Indigenous communities, issues of transparency and pedagogy and navigating personal and professional truths. Student Knowledge Bundle assignments reveal insights into their own relationships with Indigenous communities, early influences, relationship with the land and territories, decolonizing knowledge and confronting privilege, personal obligation and professional paths forward. Discussion: The results of this study will contribute to the development of Indigenous specific antiracism education in nursing schools. The use of Indigenist methodologies are positioned to enhance transformative educational opportunities that confront inequity and oppressive systems. Use of Indigenous led scholarship and method is offered as a tool to support of Indigenous people’s health through increased understanding of Indigenous-settler relationships in the health care system.
Supporting the wholistic wellness of Métis children, youth, and families through prevention-based child and family support services
(2024) Auger, Monique; Monchalin, Renée; Carrière, Jeannine
The mainstream child welfare system is failing to meet the fundamental needs for Métis children, youth, and families. While the impact of the child welfare system has been studied in depth, there remains a lack of attention toward understanding prevention-based services both within the context of Métis child welfare, as well as more broadly for Indigenous children and family services. This dissertation shares findings from a doctoral research study that was conducted in partnership with Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMO), a Métis-specific Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency located on the lands of Tk'emlúps te Secwe̓pemc (Kamloops, British Columbia). Through learning from Métis Elders (n=20), LMO staff (n=27), and youth and families who have accessed services at LMO (n=18), this doctoral research examines the ways that reconnecting Métis children, youth, and families with their culture and identity can contribute to their wholistic wellbeing and safety. From a broader perspective, this research explores the ways in which Métis culture can contribute to a prevention-based Métis child welfare system. This research presents and utilizes a Métis research framework, grounded in the Visiting Way methodology. The findings of this research are presented in two chapters: the first compiles the stories and teachings from Métis Elders on raising children and supporting families, and the second looks more specifically at wise practices for decolonizing Métis child welfare. The first section of findings present stories from the Métis Elders who generously participated in this research. The stories in this section—which draw from the Elders’ experiences from childhood and parenting—reveal teachings for Métis child-rearing. These teachings relate to identity, kinship and support, independence, and traditional values. The second section highlights wise practices for decolonizing Métis child welfare rooted in the perspectives of helpers, Elders, youth, and families at LMO. Alongside wise practices, the findings also examine what it means to be a helper in a Métis child and family agency; systemic and organizational challenges; and outcomes for Métis children, youth, and families. In bringing the findings together, this dissertation concludes with a discussion of Métis child welfare as an opportunity for cultural resurgence, fostering belonging, and strengthening prevention-based supports.
Understandings of health equity and organizational constraints on health equity work among frontline public health practitioners in British Columbia
(2024) Jamal, Aliya; Worthington, Catherine; Pauly, Bernadette M.
Health equity occupies a central place in the field of public health. However, significant challenges exist to public health practitioners promoting health equity, many of which are produced by the organizational contexts in which they work. This study explored how frontline public health staff engaged with health equity during a time when the organization they worked for had declared health equity an organizational priority. The project involved secondary analysis of focus groups and interviews conducted in 2014-2015 with frontline practitioners in a health authority in British Columbia, Canada. Using a critical discursive organizational approach, I identified a number of ideas at work in frontline staff’s construction of health equity. Frontline staff prioritized health equity in their work, even if they did not always use the term ‘health equity’. They most often articulated health equity as downstream access to services and less often as an upstream structural phenomenon. Some articulated concerning individualist ideas about health equity that pushed back against systemic approaches. Frontline staff described an organizational environment that mostly impeded their ability to promote health equity through inadequate resources, bureaucratization, an overemphasis on targeted programs, and limited professional scope. They posited that the organization’s lack of prioritization of health equity and the hierarchical distance between senior leaders and the frontline produced an organizational environment that was unsympathetic to and unsupportive of health equity. This research highlighted some of the relations of power that impacted frontline public health staff’s ideas and action on health equity, concluding that the conditions and dynamics of the organizational environment are critical factors in organization-wide health equity initiatives. It also raised concerns about how the concept of health equity plays out in real world public health contexts, questioning whether the concept is politically generative at the level of frontline practice.
The lived experience of North Park neighbourhood residents as it relates to community planning, social inclusion, and well-being
(2024) McAllister, Kate; Lachowsky, Nathan; Card, Kiffer
This research aims to gather input into the health, wellness, social inclusion and dynamics within Victoria’s North Park, a mixed-used mixed income neighbourhood. Employing a community-based participatory approach in collaboration with the North Park Neighbourhood Association, 19 participants were interviewed. Analysis revealed diverse perceptions of the neighbourhood emphasising the community in a period of transition, competing interpersonal relationships and the impact of policy and bylaws on daily life. Residents expressed frustration with political decision-making processes and tensions between housed and unhoused neighbours and territorial stigma was pervasive. Despite advocacy for inclusivity, exclusionary attitudes persisted. Placemaking was identified as both a barrier and facilitator to community connection and well-being, alongside concerns about ongoing development and gentrification. This research underscores the importance of accessible public spaces and community programming as vital resources for fostering well-being and inclusion through centering community voices in neighbourhood planning. While territorial stigma persists, opportunities for meaningful community engagement offer hope for resilience and connection. Achieving this outcome requires buy-in from both community and local government, and equitable decision-making processes to promote community well-being in dynamic urban environments.
“They couldn’t talk to anybody because there’s so much stigma”: A qualitative study exploring Indigenous Peoples’ experience of abortion-related stigma in Canada
(2023-12-20) Ross, Arie; Monchalin, Renée; Frandsen, Natalie
Although there are no laws restricting abortion access in Canada, stigmatizing views of abortion still exist. Abortion-related stigma contributes to feelings of isolation and shame among those who have abortions, often leading to secrecy and hesitancy to seek support. However, experiences of abortion-related stigma among Indigenous Peoples in Canada have not been explored. This thesis research was nested within the exploratory study Global Goal, Local Impact: Access to Abortion Services for Indigenous Peoples in Canada (GGLI). Interview data were collected using a conversational method and analyzed following the DEPICT model. An intersectional feminist approach woven with a Two-Eyed Seeing methodology guided this work. Abortion-related stigma was experienced by all participants (N=15) and included internalized, service provider, social, and community stigma. Commonly, multiple aspects of stigma were experienced, revealing the interwoven and layered nature of abortion-related stigma. Abortion-related stigma was heightened further in the presence of intersecting identity factors, geographic barriers, lack of support, stereotypes, and perceived lack of credible information. Service provider stigma was most prevalent and manifested as poor communication, coercion, poor treatment, and potentially health care avoidance. Family and community, particularly those influenced by faith-based values and beliefs, impacted the experience of stigma and influenced feelings of shame, abortion access decisions, and contributed to a perceived lack of choice among some participants. Participants embodied resilience in the face of systemic barriers and proposed multiple solutions to reduce abortion-related stigma, including sharing stories as a means of resilience, reclamation, and support.
Accessing and Implementing Community Drug Checking in Smaller Urban Vancouver Island: Contextual Factors to Consider
(2023-09-18) Hutchison, Abby; Wallace, Bruce; Urbanoski, Karen
The criminalized drug supply in British Columbia and, on a larger scale, in North America is unregulated and leaves those who access the supply to navigate consumption of substances that may be of unknown composition. Drug checking has increasingly been used as a harm reduction measure that provides individuals with greater information about the substances they consume, share, manufacture, and distribute. There is a growing body of evidence related to the acceptability, implementation, service delivery models, and impacts of drug checking. However, much of this research is centered in large urban regions. This follows a trend of inequitable access to harm reduction services within smaller urban centers with a concentration of harm reduction resources and research in large urban regions. This research focuses on the experience of those who will be accessing and implementing drug checking, with specific focus on the context of smaller urban geographic location informs these activities. Data collection tools were informed by the outer context domain of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, to capture experiences related to service implementation and accessibility of drug checking within a smaller urban setting and 39 in-depth interviews were conducted. We identified six core factors related to smaller urban context: community and political climate; lack of anonymity and experiences of stigma; social groups and personal relationships; resource availability; geographic profile; and criminalization. Consideration of these factors in drug checking program development and implementation can support equity-oriented services within smaller urban settings.
“We need all the help we can get”: A Qualitative Examination of Service Provider Perspectives on the Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of The Emergency Risk Mitigation Guidelines
(2023-04-28) Kalicum, Jeremy; Urbanoski, Karen; Pauly, Bernie
The Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG) was an interim clinical guidance implemented to respond to both the public health emergency on COVID-19 and the overdose crisis through the provision of pharmaceutical alternatives to the illicit drug supply to facilitate isolation, social distancing, and reduce overdose risk. This study analysed the perspectives from a broad range of service providers, whose work was impacted or related to the RMG, to elucidate a nuanced narrative regarding the perceived facilitators and barriers to RMG implementation. In this study, 24 qualitative interviews were conducted with service providers with the RMG from across British Columbia. Service Providers viewed RMG as a tangible item they could refer to when providing RMG medications to people who clearly fit in the intended target populations. Implementation challenges included, lack of comprehensive guidance and support, inconsistent application of RMG, historical prescribing contexts, the potential risk of destabilizing people on alternative treatments, and diversion. Future research is needed in determining the qualitative and quantitative impacts of pharmaceutical alternative initiatives, particularly in relation to diversion and the initiation of substance use; the relative impact of increased planning in the context of public health emergencies; and deeper analysis into the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as PWUD or pain patients, on the implementation of pharmaceutical alternatives.
Siem Qulmuhw Mustimuxw Tze Tzu Wut Tu Mamu’na’tzt: Honoured Indigenous People Helping Our Children: The co-creation of a culturally grounded family wellness curriculum with Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre and urban-Indigenous families
(2023-01-05) Simpson, Ashley; Monchalin, Renée; Carriere, Jeannine
Urban Indigenous families draw on wholistic understandings of what it means to be well that are deeply rooted in culture, ceremony, extended family support, and intergenerational connection. Despite calls from Indigenous families, communities, scholars, and organizations to develop culturally-based and context-specific maternal, child, and family health programs that are rooted in these perspectives (Clifford et al., 2015; Mushquash et al., 2021), there is limited research that includes the needs and experiences of Indigenous families within urban contexts. Through the lens of an Indigenist and relational research paradigm, this study aimed to address a community-identified priority to develop culturally-based family wellness programming and resources to support urban Indigenous families during the perinatal period and early parenting years. A Medicine Bundle Methodology was utilized to gather sacred items– knowledges, stories, teachings, and experiences –from urban Indigenous families who access programs at Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and from the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who support them. Three talking circles were held to better understand the cultural wellness needs and priorities of urban Indigenous families, followed by one-on-one conversations with four Elders. Overarching themes from these conversations included Prenatal Wellness, Postpartum Wellness, Parenting Young Children, Intergenerational Family Wellness, and Honouring Diversity of Cultures and Teachings in Urban Spaces. Results from this research demonstrate the need for urban Indigenous organizations to be self-determining in the development and delivery of health services; for family wellness programming and resources to be rooted in culture and ceremony; and for the use of a family-centered and intergenerational approach in the development and implementation of family wellness programs. Co-creation of this research bundle contributes to expanding the knowledge base on the wellness needs and experiences of urban Indigenous families, and the community-led development of responsive, culturally-relevant, and effective family wellness programming within urban Indigenous communities.
A syndemic in nonurban gay and bisexual men in British Columbia and within Island Health
(2021-04-30) Hickman, Caitlin; Lachowsky, Nathan
Inequitable HIV acquisition persists among gay and bisexual men (GBM). In 2017, GBM represented 69.8% of new HIV diagnoses in British Columbia (BC) and 80.5% of new HIV diagnoses within Island Health (BCCDC, 2019). I used syndemic theory to examine the relationship between nonurban living environment, syndemic factors, and health outcomes among GBM within Island Health and in BC. I conducted a secondary analysis of the Community Based Research Centre’s Sex Now 2015, a national cross-sectional survey of approximately 8000 Canadian GBM. I conducted chi-square tests to compare levels of stigma stratified by urban or nonurban, Cramer’s V to examine the association between syndemic factors, and Poisson regression to determine which demographics and health outcomes were associated with more syndemic outcomes. I found prevalent stigma that negatively impacts urban and nonurban GBM. Urban GBM experience more stigma (e.g., called names or slurs) and worse outcomes (e.g., considered suicide) than nonurban GBM in Island Health and BC. Among nonurban GBM within Island Health, Cramer’s V may demonstrate a syndemic (e.g., strong associations between several measures of stigma such as verbal violence and discrimination at work and health outcomes such as depression, suicide, partner violence, and alcohol use). Among nonurban GBM within Island Health, Poisson regression revealed that more syndemic factors were associated with negative health outcomes and risk factors, such as attempting suicide, condomless sex, having sexual partners of unknown HIV status, and living with HIV. These findings suggest that a syndemic can occur among nonurban GBM without migration to a large urban centre. Key implications include a need for structural change to destigmatize sexual diversity. Results illustrate a need to normalize conversations about mental health among GBM who would benefit from co-located services that address stigma, mental health, substance use, and sexual health.
Evaluating a Métis community pilot of dried blood spot testing within a Métis-specific cultural response for those lIving with/affected by HIV and other STBBI
(2020-06-04) Atkinson, Danielle N.; Worthington, Catherine
There is a shortage of literature on culturally grounded Métis approaches to addressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI). The goals of this research were two-fold: to document and explore the development of an emerging Métis model of health and wellness for people living with or impacted by HIV and STBBI, and to conduct an evaluation of a dried blood spot testing (DBST) pilot for HIV and STBBI in Alberta drawing strongly on perspectives of Métis community members. This study utilized community-based and Indigenous research approaches in partnership with Shining Mountains Living Community Services (Shining Mountains) to address these goals. The first research goal (documenting and exploring a Métis model of health and wellness for people living with/impacted by HIV/STBBI) involved three gathering circles comprised of eight diverse Métis community members and stakeholders, which was supplemented by a community mapping exercise, and resulted in the development of the Red River Cart Model. The second research goal (evaluating a pilot of DBST for HIV/STBBI) involved the analysis of 26 survey responses and four gathering circles comprised of 19 participants who were self-identifying Métis individuals who received DBST at one of two events in the Métis community; semi-structured interviews with three DBST providers; and the document analysis of minutes from meetings with stakeholders held throughout the planning process of the DBST pilot. Results include the Red River Cart Model (a service tool and multi-level conceptual model describing a Métis understanding of health within an HIV/STBBI context) and suggest that DBST is an acceptable community-led testing intervention for Métis people. This research builds on limited existing literature by articulating a Métis model to health and wellness which can be used by service providers, policy makers, and Métis communities, and provides evidence in support of a testing intervention implemented by Métis Peoples for Métis Peoples.
Exploring healthy vending contracts as a localized policy approach to improve the nutrition environment in publicly funded recreation facilities
(2018-04-19) Lane, Cassandra; Worthington, Catherine
Objective: Many Canadian publicly funded recreation facilities have an obesogenic environment. Researchers recommend food and beverage policies to change these environments, however further research is needed to distinguish effective policy approaches. A promising, localized policy approach not yet well evidenced is the use of vending machine contracts with health stipulations to improve nutrition environments. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a sample of Canadian publicly funded recreation facilities with healthy vending contracts had healthier vending machine nutrition profiles than those facilities with conventional contracts. A secondary research objective was to explore the additional influence of policy quality on the health profile of vending machines. Methods: This quantitative study used results from the baseline assessment done of the broader Eat, Play, Live (EPL) initiative. Vending machine audits and questionnaires were completed in participating publicly funded recreation facilities with vending machines (N=46). Vending product profiles were assessed using the Brand Name Food List which categorizes packaged foods according to the BC Guidelines for Vending in Public Buildings. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine if there were significant differences in the health profile of vending products between facilities with healthy vending contracts and those without. Results: Facilities with healthy vending contracts had significantly healthier vending product profiles compared to facilities with conventional contracts. On average, significantly less availability of unhealthy (DNS) products represented these healthier profiles. Vending profiles did not significantly differ based on higher quality contract health stipulations although sample size limited conclusions about this. Conclusion: Facilities with health stipulated in their contract differed from those without health stipulations. This suggests that healthy vending contracts (even with relatively generic stipulations) may be supportive of improved nutrition environments.
Clearing the air: the stories of municipal smoking-control bylaws in British Columbia
(2018-03-28) Brigden, Linda Waverley; Prince, Michael J.
The development and implementation of municipal smoking-control bylaws in British Columbia during the 1990s was characterized by polarity and confrontation. Health sector professionals, members of the hospitality industry, community activists, and municipal politicians disagreed over the need for bylaws, types of establishments that should be regulated, and the degree of restriction. This research used narrative policy analysis to understand the factors that influenced the development of these bylaws in order to delineate a less confrontational process and ensure a more stable resolution. Narratives were collected from representatives of the main policy sectors in four communities throughout British Columbia. Victoria and Vancouver represented urban communities that were updating existing bylaws. Professional staff headed their top-down bylaw processes. In the rural communities of Squamish and Kimberley community volunteers attempted to introduce new bylaws through a bottom-up process. The narratives proved to be a rich source of information that would have been difficult to capture in any other manner. They offer a novel and fruitful means of engaging in policy analysis. The provincial government's tobacco-control strategy served as a backdrop for all policy processes, although it was experienced unequally in the four communities. Urban centres were more aware of provincial tobacco-control initiatives and accessed provincial resources to a greater extent than did Kimberley and Squamish. Each policy sector was led by champions, but the nature of these groups and individuals greatly influenced their success. Those who were credible, persistent, and had access to decision makers were most likely to influence the policy-making process. The antagonism that distinguished the bylaw process was itself a determinant. In all communities, the discord reached a level where it precluded a fair and inclusive process. The bylaw debate was framed and reframed by different sectors. The ability of champions to reach policy makers and frame the debate in a way that was compelling played a significant role in the outcome. Finally, the narratives indicate that each community's “readiness” for policy change is a factor that must be considered. Community readiness was seen to comprise seven main components: (1) each policy sector's belief that a policy is worth adopting and their ability to successfully influence the public and policy makers; (2) the nature of a community—its size, demographics, and social norms; (3) the politicians involved and the ability of champions to understand the political process and reach policy makers; (4) the type of policy under consideration and its relationship to both previous statutes and social norms; (5) the ability of media to reflect sectoral interests and influence public knowledge and attitudes; (6) the temporal context in which the policy change was considered; and (7) a process that fits the needs and resources of the community.
Indigenous health equity as a priority in British Columbia's public health system: a pilot case study
(2017-08-30) Kent, Alexandra; Reading, Charlotte Loppie; Pauly, Bernadette M.
For her MPH thesis research, Alex Kent conducted secondary analysis of data from the Equity Lens in Public Health (ELPH) research program to explore whether and how Indigenous health equity is prioritized within one regional health authority [HA100] in British Columbia’s public health system. Her thesis addresses the question: How has Indigenous health equity been identified and prioritized within HA100 as reflected in core documents and plans as well as interviews with key decision makers in the health authority? Using the Xpey’ Relational Environments Framework, a theoretical framework designed by Drs. Charlotte Loppie and Jeannine Carriere, Alex identifies and discusses the physical and theoretical settings where Indigenous health equity is and is not manifested in the public health system. Her findings highlight a number of examples of how HA100 has implemented successful strategies aimed at enhancing Indigenous health equity as well as several areas for improvement across the relational environments. Alex concludes that improving Indigenous health equity through human, non-human and symbolic interactions in institution, system and community settings appears to be a current priority for HA100; whereas reconciling historical relationships and creating equitable social, cultural and political conditions that promote optimal health and wellbeing for Indigenous peoples is positioned as a long-term and indirect goal.
Two practices and one Act: Mangling tecnologically mediated transparency.
(2013-12-05) Brown, Pamela Anne; Moss, Pamela
During a municipal election in 2010, Canadian citizens used a blog to enact an ad hoc campaign funding disclosure request of all candidates. After the election, the municipality implemented formal legislation requiring campaign funding disclosure on their own website. This thesis is a case study that explores how two technologically mediated transparency practices were constituted within and outside the scope of legislation. I draw on Andrew Pickering's (1995) notion of the mangle of practice and Karen Barad's (2003) concept of intra-action to conceptualize these transparency practices as a mangle of entwining intra-connected phenomena. In my exploration of policy in practice I deconstruct transparency practice through a discussion of how transparency mechanisms and social media characteristics intra-act and transform each other into a practice that supersedes the original intent of the ad hoc request and formal legislation. This research queries assumptions about transparency practices and contributes to establishing an interdisciplinary methodology for policy evaluation in technologically mediated environments.

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