Zealand European Research Articles

Dietary Fibre Intake, Adiposity, and Metabolic Disease Risk in Pacific and New Zealand European Women.

To assess associations between dietary fibre intake, adiposity, and odds of metabolic syndrome in Pacific and New Zealand European women. Pacific (n = 126) and New Zealand European (NZ European; n = 161) women (18-45 years) were recruited based on normal (18-24.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2) BMIs. Body fat percentage (BF%), measured using whole body DXA, was subsequently used to stratify participants into low (<35%) or high (≥35%) BF% groups. Habitual dietary intake was calculated using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method, involving a five-day food record and semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood was analysed for glucose and lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome was assessed with a harmonized definition. NZ European women in both the low- and high-BF% groups were older, less socioeconomically deprived, and consumed more dietary fibre (low-BF%: median 23.7 g/day [25-75-percentile, 20.1, 29.9]; high-BF%: 20.9 [19.4, 24.9]) than Pacific women (18.8 [15.6, 22.1]; and 17.8 [15.0, 20.8]; both p < 0.001). The main source of fibre was discretionary fast foods for Pacific women and whole grain breads and cereals for NZ European women. A regression analysis controlling for age, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, energy intake, protein, fat, and total carbohydrate intake showed an inverse association between higher fibre intake and BF% (β= -0.47, 95% CI = -0.62, -0.31, p < 0.001), and odds of metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.98, p = 0.010) among both Pacific and NZ European women (results shown for both groups combined). Low dietary fibre intake was associated with increased metabolic disease risk. Pacific women had lower fibre intakes than NZ European women.

‘It’s so heavy on my mind’: The lived experience of diabetes in pregnancy and postpartum mother and infant lifestyle

BackgroundDiabetes in pregnancy is associated with short and long-term adverse health outcomes for mothers and babies. The condition disproportionately impacts Pacific, Maaori, and Indian pregnancies. Those with diabetes are offered intensive support during pregnancy, but in many centres, no additional support following birth beyond routine care. The aim of this study was to determine the postpartum needs for mothers and whaanau (family) impacted by diabetes in pregnancy, to inform co-design of a new service to improve metabolic and developmental outcomes for infants.MethodsPregnancies complicated by diabetes were identified using a local diabetes registry. Mothers with a diagnosis of GDM or T2DM and gave birth between January 2022 -June 2022 were eligible for the study. A total of 19 parents (18 mothers, 1 father) were interviewed. Participants primarily identified as Maaori (6), Pacific (6), Indian (3), Asian (2), and New Zealand European (2). Interviews took place between December 2022 and February 2023, between 5-13 months post-pregnancy. Interviews facilitated by an externally contracted local Pacific mother, with a professional background in social work were conducted using Koorero and Talanoa, Maaori and Pacific methods of qualitative data collection, to capture the lived experiences of participants. A multidisciplinary group reviewed and coded interview transcripts. Themes were presented back to participants and stakeholders for feedback and refinement. Four over-arching themes were illustrated with exemplar quotes.ResultsFour themes described the importance of 1) Finding a balance between what is “best practice” and what is best for me, my baby and my whaanau, 2) The need for individualised and culturally appropriate care, 3) Centrality of whaanau and family to the pregnancy and postpartum journey, 4) The pervasive negative impact of diabetes on taha hinegaro (well-being) beyond childbirth.ConclusionPeople who are affected by diabetes in pregnancy have ongoing physical, psychological, and social needs. A holistic, whaanau-centred approach is required to ensure optimal health and well-being outcomes of mothers, infants and whaanau. The findings of this study will inform a new targeted model of care for infants and whaanau affected by diabetes in pregnancy.

Mapping and Assessing Effective Participatory Planning Processes for Urban Green Spaces in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Diverse Communities

The multicultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand presents a rich tapestry of diversity and community needs, underscoring an imperative for inclusive participatory planning processes. This paper presents findings from an investigation of the challenges and opportunities inherent in community engagement initiatives, particularly within the context of New Zealand’s major ethnic groups, including New Zealand European, Māori, Chinese, and Pasifika. Drawing from the importance of community participation in reshaping public open spaces, this research addressed the gap in understanding which participatory planning processes are most effective across diverse cultural groups. To investigate the effectiveness of various approaches to community engagement, this research involved focus groups from the Wellington suburbs of Newtown and Porirua, utilising both on-site and online meetings. The findings identify the most effective participation processes for planning public open spaces in relation to each ethnicity. Correlations between participant preferences and their unique cultural backgrounds were assessed. In addition, the least effective participation methods along with several relatively effective participation methods are discussed. By highlighting engagement methods that can foster inclusivity, equity, and a sense of community, this research advances a collective goal of building a more cohesive and effective society for all its inhabitants.

Adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour during the school journey and the association with transport modes and food outlets along the school route.

Active transport to and from school provides an opportunity for adolescents to engage in physical activity, but travelling through an obesogenic environment may have unintended consequences on their snacking behaviour. This study aimed to: (1) identify whether adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour was associated with school transport modes and food outlets on their estimated school route and (2) explore whether food outlet density on the school route differed between school transport modes. Adolescents (n = 406; aged 15.1 ± 1.4 years; 50.7% boys; 63.5% New Zealand European) from all 12 secondary schools in Dunedin city, Aotearoa New Zealand, completed an online survey. School transport modes (active, motorised or mixed) and unhealthy snacking data were collected. Food outlet data were collected using Google Places Application Programming Interface (API). Home-to-school route and distance were estimated using geographical information system (GIS) analysis based on a walkable road network. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Overall, 26.4% of adolescents reported purchasing and consuming unhealthy snacks or soft drinks on the way to school and 41.4% from school. The odds of unhealthy snacking during the school journey was higher among mixed transport users than active transport users on the way to (odds ratio (OR) = 2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-5.36) and from school (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.40-5.13). No differences were observed by food outlet type. There were no food outlets on the estimated school route for 44.8% of adolescents. The presence of more than one food outlet per kilometre of the estimated school route differed between active (38.7%), motorised (42.6%) and mixed transport users (46.4%; p = 0.006). School transport modes were significantly associated with adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour and food outlets on their school journey. Policy measures which minimise exposure to unhealthy food outlets may reduce unhealthy snacking among adolescents.

Cross-cultural differences and acculturation in affective response and sensory perception: a case study across Chinese immigrants and local consumers in New Zealand

Understanding cross-cultural variation in perception is essential for identifying culture-specific factors impacting product acceptability. While immigrants may initially maintain their preferences, acculturation levels vary. To understand to what extent immigrants can be used as a proxy to model overseas markets, this study investigated short (CHS) and long-term (CHL) Chinese immigrant responses to plain yoghurts compared to New Zealand (NZ) Europeans (E). Three groups (CHS, CHL and NZE, n = 222) evaluated liking of, emotional response to, and sensory perception of 10 plain yoghurts. Groups liked yoghurts similarly. Notably, NZE rated emotions lower than both immigrant groups, with a few exceptions. Both Chinese groups rated most emotions similarly, but CHL rated some closer to NZE. Positive emotions correlated with higher liking scores. However, cross-cultural differences existed for ‘guilty’ which was associated with yoghurts liked by NZE; and for ‘wild’ and ‘mild’ associated with yoghurts disliked by both immigrant groups. Citation proportions for some sensory attributes differed among all groups, dependent on the sample. But level of acculturation between immigrant groups was limited. Sweetness, vanilla, stone fruit and cream flavours, smoothness, and creaminess drove liking across all groups, whereas only the Chinese valued umami, undoubtedly due to positive associations with it. Some effects of acculturation for long-term immigrants were evident, but responses were often closer to their short-term counterparts. Therefore, immigrants in general provide a useful proxy for measuring consumer responses in early stages of product development for this overseas market, but with consideration of their residence time in the host culture.

Anteroposterior cervical spine canal diameter: exploring ethnic variation between European and Polynesian populations.

Reduced spinal canal anteroposterior (AP) diameter and AP-transverse diameter ratio have been linked to the development of spinal cord injury and myelopathy. Previously unpublished data has suggested Maori and Pacifica individuals may have narrower cervical spine canals than their NZ European counterparts. We evaluate the existence of potential differences in dimensions of the sub-axial cervical spine canal between New Zealand European, Māori and Polynesian individuals. A computed tomography (CT) analysis of 645 intact adult sub-axial cervical vertebrae from 129 patients. A total of 645 human sub-axial (C3-C7) cervical vertebrae were analysed radiographically, using 1 mm resolution CT scans to measure AP diameter, transverse diameter and AP:transverse ratio. CT data were obtained from normal trauma scans demonstrating no acute pathology. CT data was reformatted in digital software allowing multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) to increase accuracy of measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A total of 245 vertebrae were from Māori individuals, 245 from NZ European and 155 from Polynesians. There were 455 male vertebrae and 215 female vertebrae. Statistically significant differences were found in AP canal diameter between all ethnic groups, at all spinal levels. The average cervical spine canal was around 2.5 mm narrower in Polynesians and around 1.5 mm narrower in Māori than NZ Europeans. No differences in Transverse canal diameter were observed, however statistically significant differences were found in the AP:transverse ratio at all spinal levels. Our study, utilizing a normal patient cohort, confirms differences in canal dimensions between ethnic groups. Ethnic variation in cervical canal dimensions as herein described, must be considered when defining and diagnosing congenital stenosis. Neglecting to account for these differences may lead to misdiagnosis of congenital stenosis in normal individuals in certain ethnic groups.

Effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on maxillofacial fractures in New Zealand: a retrospective study

Introduction: The New Zealand Accidents Compensation Corporation received 28,901 new claims for maxillofacial fractures between January 2018 and December 2021, at an annual cost of NZ$70–80 million. We have previously reported interpersonal violence as the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures disproportionately affecting young Māori males. This study provides an update on the incidence and cause of maxillofacial fractures with a specific review of the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Methods: Patients referred to the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 were identified from our maxillofacial fracture database. Age, ethnicity, gender, cause of injury, risk factors, and fracture pattern and management were analysed. Results: Out of 1281 patients identified, 75.2 per cent were male, most commonly (38.7%) aged 16–30 years. Interpersonal violence, falls and sports accounted for 37.6 per cent, 24.9 per cent, and 24.0 per cent of all maxillofacial fractures, respectively. Māori (22.0%) and New Zealand Europeans (55.7%) were the two largest groups, most commonly affected by interpersonal violence and falls, respectively. There was a relative increase in referral rates for females and for those older than 60 years (1.78 per 10 person-days versus 0.014 per 10 person-days and 4.2 per 10 person-days versus 1.8 per 10 person-days, respectively) and a decrease in the rates of interpersonal violence and sports related referrals (1.2 per 10 person-days versus 3.4 per 10 person-days and 0.41 per 10 person-days versus 2.19 per 10 person-days, respectively) during COVID-19 lockdowns, compared with outside lockdown. Conclusions: Interpersonal violence remains the main cause of maxillofacial fractures. There is a need for a national prevention strategy to reduce this. During COVID-19 lockdowns, there was a relative increase in the referral rates of females aged 60 years and over. Both sports and interpersonal violence showed significantly reduced referral rates during lockdowns, while falls, road traffic accidents and other were referred at a similar rate as out of lockdown.

Easing the way to achieving target serum urate in people with gout: protocol for a non-inferiority randomised strategy trial using an allopurinol dosing model in Aotearoa/New Zealand (the Easy-Allo Study)

IntroductionGout is one of the most common forms of arthritis worldwide. Gout is particularly prevalent in Aotearoa/New Zealand and is estimated to affect 13.1% of Māori men, 22.9% of Pacific...

General extenders in New Zealand Englishes

AbstractThis paper provides insight into the use of general extenders (e.g., and stuff, or something and and whatnot) in New Zealand Englishes as spoken by Māori and New Zealand European (Pākehā) New Zealanders. Based on audio‐recorded data of prompted co‐constructed narrations, the article explores the types of general extenders and their rate of occurrence in both groups. Contrary to expectations, the group of Pākehā New Zealanders shows a significantly higher rate of using general extenders compared to the Māori participants while the preferred types of general extenders overlap to a large extent among the two speaker groups. A close‐up on the by far most widely spread general extender in both groups (and stuff) unveils interesting patterns of variation across the Māori and Pākehā New Zealanders.

The Relationship Between Academic Stress, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Wellbeing in Pasifika and New Zealand European Students at the University of Otago

Abstract Background Pasifika students in New Zealand are overrepresented in poor academic outcomes, and their academic challenges may potentially influence their wellbeing. We aim to: 1) compare the academic stress, sleep quality, and psychological wellbeing of Pasifika and New Zealand European (NZE) anatomy students at the University of Otago, and 2) determine if academic stress mediates the association between their psychological wellbeing and sleep quality. Methods We launched a brief online survey to Pasifika and NZE students in our department. The survey included basic demographics, Perception of Academic Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a short loneliness scale, a reduced morningness-eveningness scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results Perceived academic stress were comparable between NZE and Pasifika students, but Pasifika students reported poorer sleep quality than NZE students (t(113) = 14.41, P &lt; .001). In addition, Pasifika students reported more loneliness (t(119) = 8.933, P &lt; .001), less anxiety symptoms (t(120) = 2.469, P = .015), and less of a morning person (t(121) = 2.618, P = .010) than NZE students, but they had comparable depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness. After controlling for age, ethnicity and gender, we found that academic stress fully mediated the relationship between anxiety or depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality. Furthermore, academic stress partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and poor sleep quality in our cohort. Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance for academic institutions to support students’ wellbeing, including ethnic minority students such as Pasifika students in New Zealand.

Cultural variation in New Zealand English stories about place

AbstractThis study is set in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and investigates the influence of cultural knowledge on the type of topics that speakers of New Zealand Englishes (NZEs) associate to in their narrations. A storytelling task based on picture prompts of New Zealand landscapes shows a major difference between the cultural associations of Māori and Pākehā (New Zealand European) participants. The difference can be captured in two cultural frames that underlie the preferred topics chosen by the two groups. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for defining NZEs, and they also bear ramifications for theory development in Cultural Linguistics, highlighting the nested and flexibly construable nature of cultural conceptualisations. For research on world Englishes, the study is an example of how cultural‐linguistic analyses can be extended towards larger cultural framings to explain cultural variation among speakers of Englishes.

Conversion practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: Developing a holistic response to spiritual abuse.

Research arising from conversion practices, also known as conversion therapy and sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts, has generally been underpinned by an emancipatory discourse that has evolved to counter harmful practices by evidencing associated harms and estimating prevalence. Little attention, however, has focused on what is required to support survivors, inclusive of those currently or those having previously experienced conversion efforts. Within a context of Aotearoa New Zealand having recently criminalised conversion practices, this study adopted an in-depth qualitative research design, informed by a dual adherence to life history and an empowerment methodology. Twenty-three religious conversion practice survivors, who had experienced religious conversion practices across a range of Christian identified faith settings, were interviewed. Participants had a median age of 34 and the majority identified as New Zealand European, cisgender, and gay. Participant narratives were discursively analysed. Three primary discourses were identified that inform the needed development of interventions and supports: 1) pervasive framing of conversion practices as harm, rather than spiritual abuse, has minimised the impacts of conversion practices. Rather, conceptualising conversion as spiritual abuse positions conversion practices as requiring urgent intervention and ongoing support, inclusive of the development of policy and operational responses; 2) the coercive nature of spiritual abuse needs to be appreciated in terms of spiritual, social, and structural entrapment; 3) the metaphor of a pipeline was enlisted to encapsulate the need for a multidimensional array of interventions to ensure those entrapped within spiritual abuse have a "pipeline to safety". Holistic survivor-centric conversion-related responses to spiritual abuse are required. These need to be informed by an understanding of entrapment and the associated need for holistic responses, inclusive of extraction pathways and support for those entrenched within abusive religious settings, support immediately after leaving abusive environments, and support throughout the survivors' healing journeys.

Feasibility of C2 Lamina Screw Placement in a New Zealand Cohort: Computed Tomography Analysis According to Ethnicity and Gender.

Previous analyses have suggested variations in cervical spine canal morphology according to ethnicity, possibly in part due to variations in the posterior elements. The potential for these variations to affect the placement of instrumentation is uncertain. The aim of this study was to report on the feasibility of C2 lamina screw insertion in a New Zealand cohort including analysis of Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. A trauma computed tomography database was accessed to identify suitable images. On axial images, where the isthmus was at its widest, the outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) of the lamina were measured. Screw length was measured from a proposed entry point to the contralateral junction of the lamina and lateral mass. The spinolaminar angle was measured as the angle subtended by the screw trajectory and midsagittal plane. A 5.5-mm OD was accepted as a threshold for the feasibility of lamina screw placement. One hundred eighty-seven images were assessed: 115 New Zealand European and 72 Māori. The mean age of the cohort was 41.9 years (SD 19.6), and most patients (64%) were men. For the entire cohort, mean OD was 6.6 and 6.8 mm on the right and left, respectively; the mean inner diameter was 3.5 and 3.8 mm; mean screw length was 31.5 and 31.5 mm; and mean spinolaminar angle was 46.0° and 46.1°. C2 lamina screw placement was feasible in a majority of patients. Considering only Māori patients, placement was feasible in 96% of right and 94% of left laminae in men but 72% of right and 72% of left laminae in women. In a majority of patients, C2 lamina screw placement is feasible. However, advanced imaging must be carefully assessed preoperatively because data suggest that Māori women may not necessarily have optimal anatomy.Clinical RelevanceCare needs to be taken when assessing and planning surgery inpatients of different ethnicities because variations may exist in the morphology of the posterior elements of C2, leading to variation in optimal fixation strategy.Level of Evidence3.

Smile dynamics: A comparative study of Fijians and NZ Europeans.

The Fijian 'Bula Smile' is often described as the world's friendliest; however, its description remains anecdotal. This study aimed to describe and compare the dynamics of Fijians' smiles with those of New Zealand Europeans. An observational study was conducted on two ethnic groups, Fijians (FJ; N = 23) and New Zealand Europeans (NZ; N = 23), age- and gender-matched. All participants were asked to watch amusing videos, and their reactions were video recorded. The videos were analysed by software to assess the frequency, duration, intensity and genuineness of smiling episodes. Based on the Facial Action Coding System, Action Unit 6 (AU6-cheek raiser), Action Unit 12 (AU12-lip corner puller) and Action Unit 25 (AU25-lips apart) were assessed. Data were analysed by generalised linear models after adjusting for personality traits. Fijians smiled longer than New Zealand Europeans (+19.9%; p = .027). Mean intensity of AU6 (+1.0; 95%CIs = 0.6-1.5; p < .001), AU12 (+0.5; 95%CIs = 0.1-0.9; p = .008) and AU25 (+22.3%; 95%CIs = 7.3%-37.3%; p = .005) were significantly higher in FJ group than the NZ group. Smiling features of Fijians and New Zealanders showed objective differences, the most distinctive being a higher activation of the Duchenne's marker (AU6) in the Fijian group, which is regarded as a sign of smile genuineness.

Dietary fibre intake, adiposity, and metabolic disease risk in Pacific and New Zealand European women

The aim of this study was to explore associations between habitual dietary fibre intake, adiposity, and biomarkers of metabolic health in Pacific and New Zealand European women who are known to have different metabolic disease risks. Pacific (n = 126) and New Zealand European (NZ European; n = 161) women (18-45years) were recruited to the PROMISE cross-sectional study(1) based on normal (18-24.9kg/m2) and obese BMI (≥30kg/m2). Body fat percentage (BF%), measured using whole body DXA, was used to stratify participants into low (&lt;35%) or high (≥35%) BF% groups. Habitual dietary intake was calculated using the National Cancer Institute method, involving a 5-day-food-record and a semi-quantitative FFQ. Fasting blood was analysed for glucose, insulin, and lipid profile. NZ European women in the low- and high-BF% groups were older, less socioeconomically deprived, and consumed more dietary fibre (median 23.7g/day [25-75-percentile, 20.1, 29.9]; 20.9 [19.4, 24.9]) than Pacific women (18.8 [15.6, 22.1]; 17.8 [15.0, 20.8]; both p&lt;0.001), respectively. Pacific women consumed a higher proportion of their total fibre intake from discretionary fast foods, in contrast NZ European women consumed more dietary fibre from wholegrains. Regression analysis controlling for ethnicity, age, socioeconomic deprivation, energy intake, protein, total carbohydrate, and fat intake showed significant inverse associations between higher dietary fibre intake and BF% and visceral fat% (β = −0.47, 95% CI = −0.62, −0.31, p&lt;0.001; β = −0.61, [−0.82, −0.40], p&lt;0.001, respectively) among both Pacific and NZ European women. LDL-C (β = −0.04, [−0.06, −0.01]) was inversely associated with fibre intake following further adjustment for BF%-groups in NZ European women. Despite differences in intake, dietary fibre was inversely associated with adiposity and metabolic disease risk in both Pacific and NZ European women. However younger woman living in areas of higher socio-economic deprivation who consumed a higher proportion of total dietary fibre intake from discretionary fast foods were more likely to have low dietary fibre intakes than older, wealthier women. These women were also more likely to be Pacific women. Increasing habitual dietary fibre intake could help to reduce adiposity and metabolic disease risk; so implementing policies that make health-promoting high fibre foods more affordable, ensuring households have sufficient income to purchase nutritious food and limiting the amount of unhealthy food marketing that low income communities are exposed to should be public health priorities.

Insights into feeding preterm infants in Aotearoa, New Zealand: a mixed-method study

Optimal nutrition is essential for preterm infants as they face many barriers to achieving exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and successfully introducing complementary foods (CF)(1). There is limited evidence of early feeding practices of preterm infants in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ). We aimed to investigate the facilitators and barriers to EBF and CF introduction in preterm infants in NZ. A nationwide self-completed electronic questionnaire was disseminated via social media to mothers of preterm infants. The survey collected quantitative data on hospital feeding practices, breastfeeding rates, timing of CF introduction, and fussy eating behaviours. Relationships between feeding practices and maternal and infant characteristics, such as ethnicity and level of prematurity, were explored using the Chi-Square statistical test in SPSS. Qualitative information regarding mothers’ experiences with breastfeeding, CF introduction, type of education and support received about the nutrition of preterm infants were collected for thematic analysis using Nvivo. The survey started in April and will close on 20th August 2023. Here we present preliminary findings of a subset of responses collected to date, and full results will be available for the conference. Up to 1st August 2023, 201 mothers had completed the survey. Most mothers self-identified as of New Zealand European (58%) and Māori (13%) background. Most infants (39%) were older than 12 months of chronological age (CA) and born moderate or late preterm (32+0 – 36+6 weeks’ gestation, 70%). Almost 50% of mothers required in-hospital supplementation of mothers’ milk (infant formula, 28% and donor breastmilk, 20%), and 44% of mothers were EBF at the time of hospital discharge. EBF for 5-6 months of CA was reported by 21% of mothers, and 46% provided any breastmilk for more than 6 months of CA. Among mothers who had introduced CF (n = 138), 74% reported introducing CF between 5-8 months of CA, and the infant’s first foods were primarily vegetables (65%) and fruits (60%). Fussy eating behaviour was reported by 47%, and food fussiness was significantly associated with a decreased frequency of vegetable (p&lt;0.001) and fruit (p = 0.004) consumption. Challenges with breastfeeding included the infant’s feeding difficulties, low milk supply, maternal stressors, lack of support and education from health professionals. Challenges to CF introduction included fussiness and maternal fears such as choking and lack of confidence. Support from lactation consultants and previous experience with introducing CF were the most common enablers for breastfeeding and timely CF introduction, respectively. Our findings provide the first insight into the early feeding practices of preterm infants in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This information will support strategies to improve the nutritional management of preterm infants by increasing awareness of common challenges mothers face to achieve the recommended breastfeeding guidelines and CF practices in this vulnerable population.

Cognitively testing Aotearoa’s food security questionnaire in the modern context

The eight well-known food security indicators were developed in 1997 using a stepwise process that involved five focus group interviews (one Māori, one Pakeha, two Pacific, and one mixed ethnicity) of 8-16 people, all of whom were either on a low income or were government beneficiaries(1). As part of the development of the tools and methods for a future New Zealand National Nutrition Survey, these eight indicators were considered for inclusion. The Māori and Technical Advisory Groups convened for the development of the National Nutrition Survey foresaw issues with the interpretation of some of the questions given the changes in the food environment and sources of food assistance in the last 25 years and recommended that cognitive testing should be conducted to see if changes were required. Participants were recruited through two community organisations, a local marae, and community Facebook pages. Participants were given the option of participating in a one-on-one interview or as part of a focus group. During each session, participants were asked five (three original and two new) questions relating to food security (running out of basics, use of food assistance, household food preparation and storage resources). After each question, the participants were asked a series of additional probing questions to ascertain whether they had interpreted the question as intended. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and a qualitative analysis was performed on the transcripts to determine areas of concern with each question. A total of 46 participants completed the cognitive testing of the food security questions, including 26 aged 18-64 years, and 20 aged 65+ years. Participants also spanned a range of ethnicities including 8 Māori, 15 Pasifika, 15 Asian, and 8 New Zealand European or Other. Just over half of the participants (n=24) reported themselves to be financially secure, 16 participants reported that their financial security was borderline, 1 participant reported that they were not at all financially secure, and 5 participants declined to answer. Variable interpretations of terms by participants were found in all questions that were tested. Therefore, answers to the food security questions may have not reflected the actual experience of participants. This study also identified other dimensions of food security not assessed by the current eight indicators (e.g., lack of time, poor accessibility). These findings indicate that the food security questions need to be improved to ensure they are interpreted as intended and that new questions are needed that considers all dimensions of food insecurity (i.e., access, availability, utilisation, and stability). These new and amended questions should be cognitively tested in groups that are more likely to be experiencing food insecurity.

Processed vegan food packaging: influencing vegan diet and lifestyle consumption choices

As the demand for plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) continues to surge globally, understanding the marketing strategies that drive consumer choice becomes imperative(1). This research project, part of a larger study at Massey University, explores the design and packaging of vegan food products, specifically focusing on processed PBMAs and how this influences vegan diet consumption choices in New Zealand vegans. We examined the packaging of vegan processed food available in New Zealand supermarkets and those promoted online, with a focus on processed PBMAs. This informed the development of an online survey including: demographics, motivations for following a vegan diet, and questions related to perceptions and preferences about vegan diets and processed PBMA packaging. The survey was offered to individuals who had previously participated in vegan research at Massey University and followed a strict vegan diet. There were 235 participants of whom 198 completed the survey. This consisted of primarily females (n = 156, 74%) and individuals of New Zealand European descent (n = 159, 71%), aged 18 to 76 years (37.8 ± 12.3). The participants had varying durations of following a vegan diet, with the largest group (n = 87, 42%) adopting it for 5 to 10 years. The primary motivation for following a vegan diet was animal welfare (n = 205), followed by environmental concerns (n = 189) and health (n = 175). Participants were able to select more than one option, suggesting there are often multiple reasons for choosing to follow a vegan diet. Factors influencing purchase decisions for PBMAs included nutrient claims on packaging, with protein having the highest positive influence. Environmental concerns also played a significant role, with eco-friendly packaging and positive environmental claims being important. Packaging images, particularly of the final prepared product, had a significantly positive impact on purchasing decisions (4.12 ± 0.78) where 1 represented a negative influence and 5 represented a positive influence on a Likert Scale. The majority sometimes, or always checked the nutrition information panel (n = 167, 85%) and examined the ingredients (n = 191, 98%). Participants reported concern about the nutritional value of processed PBMAs (n = 94), and reported that they are aware that these foods are classified as ‘ultra-processed (n = 91). This research provides valuable insights into the reasons people choose vegan diets and what influences their choices when it comes to purchasing PBMAs. It highlights the significance of marketing strategies in the plant-based meat alternatives industry. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this evolving market, further research is necessary. Future research should consider a wider range of demographics and regional distinctions to better understand how consumer preferences in plant-based diets are changing. This should also include looking at how the market is maturing, with buyers becoming more aware of things like nutrients and the processing of food, which can impact the sustainable food choices individuals make.

A retrospective cohort study of incidental abdominal aortic aneurysms on routine abdominal computed tomography scans in Te Tairāwhiti (2018-2019).

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is associated with a high mortality rate which, is especially significant in rural and provincial regions. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori experience higher rates of AAA and worse overall medium-term survival following AAA repair. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of incidental AAA on routine abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans over 12 months. A retrospective review of all abdominal CT scans performed on patients ≥50 years at Gisborne Hospital between 1 December 2018-1 December 2019 was performed. A total of 811 scans were reviewed, with 42 incidental AAA detected (5.2%). The majority of incidental AAA were in males aged ≥65 (65.8%), with a higher prevalence for Māori compared to New Zealand European (NZE) (16.2% vs 8.1%, p=0.052). This pattern was also seen in females, aged ≥65 (10.9% in Māori vs 3.8% in NZE, p=0.047). The detection of AAA on routine abdominal CT scans appears to be a useful adjunct in lieu of targeted AAA screening in our region. A high prevalence of incidental AAA (5.2%) over 12 months, with a significantly higher prevalence noted in Māori males and females ≥65 years (16.2% and 10.9%), was observed.

How Streaming (Tracking) in Eighth Grade Mathematics Reinforces Racialized Social Class Inequalities in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT In Aotearoa New Zealand stark social class inequities persist between Māori (Indigenous) and Pacific people and the Pākehā (New Zealand European) majority. These inequities are apparent in domains including education, income, health, and incarceration. The article explores the relationship between streaming (tracking) and historically rooted ethnic inequalities in one diverse urban setting. Drawing survey, assessment, and administrative data from 450 eighth-grade students across three multicultural secondary schools, we ask how school mathematics reinforces or disrupts social-class divisions between majority Pākehā and minoritized Māori and Pacific students. Students entering secondary school imagined their future careers in ways that were already strongly differentiated by race, class, and gender. Tracking students into racially stratified mathematics classes reinforced such inequalities through a self-reinforcing interaction between aspirations and mathematics achievement.