Zealand Men Research Articles

A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) intervention for the management of prediabetes and early Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a multi-ethnic cohort in Aotearoa New Zealand: The PROGRESS NZ feasibility study.

Very-low calorie diets (VLCD) achieve weight loss and remission of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but efficacy and acceptability in non-European populations is less clear. This feasibility study examines the impact of 10% weight loss through VLCD on metabolic and body composition outcomes in a multi-ethnic cohort of Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) men with prediabetes/early T2DM, and VLCD tolerability/cultural acceptability. Participants followed a VLCD intervention (mean energy 3033kJ/day) until achievement of 10% weight loss. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hyperinsulinaemic isoglycaemic clamp with stable isotopes, hood calorimetry and dual-energy Xray absorptiometry (DXA) were undertaken before and after intervention. Qualitative data on VLCD tolerability/cultural acceptability were collected. Fifteen participants were enrolled; nine achieved 10% weight loss. In this group, mean HbA1c reduced by 4.8mmol/mol (2.4-7.1) and reverted to normoglycaemia in n=5/9; mean body weight reduced by 12.0 kg (11.0-13.1) and whole-body glucose disposal improved by 1.5 mg kgFFM-1 min-1 (0.7-2.2). Blood pressure and fasting triglycerides improved significantly. No changes in hepatic glu-cose metabolism were found. In all participants who attended completion testing, HbA1c reduced by 3.4mmol/mol (SD 3.5) and total weight by 9.0kg (SD 5.7). The intervention was highly tolerable/culturally acceptable however challenges with fulfilment of cultural obligations were described. Results support VLCD use in AoNZ however further work to investigate ethnic differences in physiological response to VLCDs and to optimise protocols for multi-ethnic populations are required.

Intersectional Perspective on Factors Influencing Healthy Ageing Amongst Older New Zealand Men: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

Little is known about how New Zealand men understand their health and wellbeing as they age and what are the determinants of their healthy ageing. Contiguous and exploratory sequential mixed methods study were conducted with the collection of both focus group and survey data. Methodologically, this abductive process was incorporated within an intersectional framework, providing a comprehensive picture of healthy aging in men across life stages and socioeconomic statuses. Integrated results revealed that for respondents the most significant factors influencing their healthy aging were, life engagement purpose, substance misuse, and masculinity norms. This article contributes to mixed methods research by providing practical applications of incorporating the intersectional model to enhance rigor in designing, conducting, and interpreting mixed methods research.

Views of men with Parkinson's disease regarding physical activity health messaging

BackgroundMany men with Parkinson's Disease (PD) do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) for health benefits. Tailored, meaningful, and culturally sensitive PA health messages may be a catalyst to shape men's motivations toward participation. ObjectiveWe explored the views of New Zealand (NZ) men with PD about existing PA health messages, and how these could be adapted to be more effective. MethodsThis qualitative study recruited six community dwelling, regularly physically active, NZ European men with PD (aged 54–69 years, 2–18 years post-diagnosis) from a community exercise class in Canterbury, NZ. Participants engaged in semi-structured interviews which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively for themes. ResultsParticipants expressed that effective PA health messages should reflect men's motivations for PA which included physical and mental well-being and social connection. Inclusive, positive, and relatable language and imagery were considered crucial PA message communication strategies. Participants viewed health professionals' PA advice as superficial and unhelpful; however, celebrities with PD were considered inspirational messengers. Messages endorsed by trustworthy sources, such as the Parkinson's Society, were perceived to enhance the credibility. ConclusionsEffective PA messages should be gain framed and tailored to the target audience. We recommend health professionals provide comprehensive PA advice or consider onward referral. Future research which uses a co-design participatory methodology to collaborate with men with PD from culturally diverse backgrounds and represent all stages of PA behaviour change is recommended to provide comprehensive insights for meaningful, effective, and culturally sensitive PA health messaging.

The mortality risk of being overweight in the twentieth century: Evidence from two cohorts of New Zealand men

How have health and social mortality risks changed over time? Evidence from pre-1945 cohorts is sparse, mostly from the United States, and evidence is mixed on long-term changes in the risk of being overweight. We develop a dataset of men entering the NZ army in the two world wars, with objectively measured height and weight, and socioeconomic status in early adulthood. Our sample includes significant numbers of indigenous Māori, providing estimates of weight and mortality risk in an indigenous population. We follow men from war's end until death, with data on more than 12,000 men from each war. Overweight and obesity were important risk factors for mortality, and associated with shorter life expectancy. However, the reduction in life expectancy associated with being overweight declined from 5 to 3 years between the two cohorts, consistent with the hypothesis that being overweight became less risky during the twentieth century

‘A better day dawned for biology’: T. J. Parker, New Zealand Huxleyite

The self-confessed disciple of Huxley and ardent evolutionist Thomas Jeffery Parker FRS (1850–1897) was in no doubt that ‘a better day dawned’ with the publication of Origin of Species. He expounded as much from the podium in an inaugural lecture to open the University of Otago’s 1881 session. Newly arrived in Dunedin, Parker delivered what quickly became known as the ‘notorious lecture’ in a rhetorical manner worthy of his mentor Huxley. This paper examines the reasons that Parker an English zoologist incurred the wrath of his new compatriots in a largely Scottish Presbyterian settler town. Was it simply a case of speaking ‘great swelling words far beyond the truth’ as one critic observed? The relationships between Parker, Huxley, his father the anatomist William Kitchen Parker FRS (1823–1890), and New Zealand men of science and religion all have their part to play in the story of late-nineteenth century Darwinism down under.

Wakefield's Offspring

Wakefield's Offspring

Ethnic and regional differences in the temporal trends of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in New Zealand.

Prostate cancer (Pca) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in New Zealand (NZ) men and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Temporal changes in Pca incidence and mortality have not been reported despite changes in the Pca landscape. This study aims to analyse the temporal trends in Pca with focus on ethnic and regional variations. The study cohort was identified from the NZ Cancer Registry and the mortality collection databases. Men who were diagnosed with Pca between 2000 and 2018 were included in the incidence analysis. Men who died from Pca between 2000 and 2015 were included in the mortality analysis. Other data collected were ethnicity and geographical information. Pca incidence and mortality were calculated as age-standardized rates using the 2001 World Health Organization population. A total of 58 966 men were diagnosed (incidence: 105.2 per 100 000) and 14 749 men died (mortality: 49.3 per 100 000) from Pca. When compared to European men, Māori and Asian men had significantly lower Pca incidence. Mortality rates demonstrated a steady decline, which was more prominent until 2010. Māori and Pacific men had higher mortality rates when compared to European men. In most recent years, the difference in mortality is decreasing for Māori but increasing for Pacific men. There were no regional differences in mortality. Pca incidence in NZ has fluctuated over the last 20 years, while mortality rates have shown to steadily decline. Pca mortality was shown to disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific men.

Prostate cancer outcomes disparities: Population survival analysis in an ethnically diverse nation

BackgroundProstate cancer represents a significant health burden on New Zealand men. There are increasing concerns regarding inequities in prostate cancer morbidity and mortality among the different ethnic groups in New Zealand. This study aims to assess ethnic differences in survival outcomes among men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. Materials and methodsThe analyzed cohort included 42,563 men, 40 years or older, diagnosed with prostate cancer from January 1st, 2000 to January 1st, 2016. Overall and cancer-specific survivals were estimated for the main ethnic groups in New Zealand namely: Māori (indigenous), Pacific, Asian, and European. Hazard ratio (HR) of death from prostate cancer was calculated with Fine-Gray competing risk regression, while adjusting for age, socioeconomic deprivation, year of cancer diagnosis, residential status, presence of urology service, and cancer grade at diagnosis. ResultsAmong all ethnic groups, Māori participants consistently had worst survival outcomes. At 15-year follow-up, the overall cumulative survival probabilities were 39.8%, 43.6%, 63.3%, and 46.5%, for Māori, Pacific, Asian and European men, respectively. In the same order, cancer-specific survivals were 62.7%, 64.3%, 79.8% and 72.0%. Māori men had 43% higher risk of dying from prostate cancer when compared to Europeans. This persisted following adjustments in the multivariable model (adjusted HR = 1.44, [95% CI: 1.29–1.61], P< 0.001). Conversely, differences in sociodemographic and cancer characteristics between Pacific and European men could explain the higher mortality risk in the former group (adjusted HR = 1.00, [95% CI: 0.84–1.19], P= 0.990). ConclusionsSignificant ethnic disparities in prostate cancer survival outcomes are currently present in New Zealand. Several explanations have been proposed to account for this observation including differences in comorbidities, healthcare access and cancer grade at diagnosis.

The burden of infertility in New Zealand: A baseline survey of prevalence and service use.

Studies in southern New Zealand indicate that up to a quarter of women experienced infertility, likely due to delay in childbearing. However, these findings may not be generalisable to the whole population. To assess the lifetime prevalence of infertility and evidence for disparities for New Zealand men and women in a nationally representative sample. In 2014/15 a general health survey with a module on sexual and reproductive health was conducted among New Zealand residents aged 16-74years; 3792 men and 5222 women provided information on infertility. There were 8.2% (95% CI 7.1-9.4%) of men and 12.5% (11.3-13.8%) of women who had experienced infertility; among fertility-tested women this was 15.4% (14.0-16.9%). Prevalence peaked in the 35-44year age group (14.3% for men, 19.1% for women and 20.8% for fertility-tested women). Estimates for European, Māori and Asian ethnicities were similar. Pacific men and women had higher relative risks: 2.37 (95% CI 1.51-3.71) and 1.76 (1.27-2.44), respectively, compared with Europeans. Medical help was sought by 69.3% (95% CI 62.4-75.5%) of infertile men and 68.2% (63.1-72.9%) of women; this was significantly lower for Māori and Pacific. Infertility levels for those of European ethnicity were similar to studies in southern New Zealand, and in other high-income countries. However, infertility levels were just as high for Māori, and higher for Pacific people, despite experiencing fertility at younger ages. Focusing on reducing causes of infertility other than delayed childbearing would likely contribute to addressing this health disparity.

Psychiatry, psychology and homosexual prisoners in New Zealand, 1910–1960

AbstractPsychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy played an important role in attempts to regulate and rehabilitate New Zealand men imprisoned for sodomy and indecent assault between 1910 and 1960. Little attention has, so far, been paid to the specific psychological ‘treatment’ of such incarcerated men in the international context, but New Zealand’s archives offer-up much valuable detail. This article adopts a Foucauldian approach and explores shifting epistemic beliefs alongside the specific practices of key medical officials, and it considers how prisoners’ subjectivities were shaped in the process. Attempts to displace homoerotic desire gradually gave way to the articulation of same-sex sexuality. New possibilities emerged: when the psychologising of homosexuality in prisons opened the door to self-expression it showed an affinity with the organised resistance of the 1970s.

Chlamydia Testing in New Zealand: Analysis of the 2014/2015 National Health Survey.

Diagnosis rates of Chlamydia trachomatis are high in New Zealand; 1.3% of men and 3.7% of women aged 15 to 29 years were diagnosed in 2016. Because testing rates are also higher in women, we sought to understand chlamydia testing by demographic and behavioral characteristics. Chlamydia testing in the past year, sexual behavior, and demographic characteristics were reported in the population-based 2014/2015 New Zealand Health Survey. Those aged 16 to 44 years who had a sexual partner in the past year were included. Testing prevalence was calculated, and associations were modeled. A total of 1677 men and 2323 women participated (89% response rate). Of these, 5.6% (95% confidence interval, 4.3%-7.2%) of men and 16.6% (14.7%-18.7%) of women were tested in the past year. Likelihood of testing in men was associated with having multiple partners and any condomless sex (adjusted relative risk, 11.93; 95% confidence interval, 5.70-24.98) and multiple partners with consistent condom use (3.77, 1.40-10.15) compared with one sexual partner and consistent condom use, and with Māori ethnicity (1.87, 1.05-3.31) compared with European/other. Among women, testing was associated with multiple partners with and without condomless sex (3.61 [2.69-4.85] and 2.81 [1.95-4.05], respectively), pregnancy (1.61, 1.18-2.18), and Asian ethnicity (0.52, 0.30-0.89). The study confirms that New Zealand men are much less likely to be tested than women, a potential reason for ongoing high chlamydia incidence among both sexes. The high testing rate in women includes many at low risk, and this divergence from recommendations is another issue to address.

Characterising the ocular surface and tear film in a population-based birth cohort of 45-year old New Zealand men and women

PurposeTo assess the prevalence of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction, and asymptomatic ocular surface disease in a population-based cohort of 45-year-old New Zealand men and women. MethodsThis cross-sectional study of 885 participants (442 females, 443 males) was based on a population-representative birth cohort of individuals born between April 1 1972 and March 31 1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand (the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Developmental Study). Participants were assessed at 45 years of age, and dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session. The diagnosis of dry eye disease was made according to the validated rapid non-invasive dry eye assessment algorithm. ResultsClinical dry eye signs were present in 402 (45%) participants, of which 78 (9%) participants fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease, and 322 (37%) had asymptomatic ocular surface disease. Among participants with dry eye disease, 22 (2%) exhibited aqueous tear deficiency, and 65 (7%) had meibomian gland dysfunction. Females were more likely to be affected by dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, and asymptomatic ocular surface disease (all p < 0.05). ConclusionsClinical dry eye signs were present in almost half of this population-based cohort of 45-year-old New Zealanders, although only 9% of participants fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease. The high prevalence of asymptomatic ocular surface disease presents an opportunity for preventative public health intervention.

Ethanol Content in Australian and New Zealand Beer Markets: Exploratory Study Examining Public Health Implications of Official Data and Market Intelligence Reports

The Anglo-Celtic colonists of Australia and New Zealand brought with them heavy beer-drinking customs, and each country later developed similar temperance movements and alcohol policies. Yet their beer markets differed throughout the 20th century; for example, Australian men typically drank lager with 5% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), whereas New Zealand men drank ale with 4%ABV. We investigated the public health implications of recent developments in product availability, marketing, and country-level consumption patterns. We analyzed official data reporting beverage- and strength-specific volumes of ethanol available for sale in beer from 2000 to 2016, a period in which the countries had similar consumption trends; and did a thematic analysis of "market intelligence" reports. Per capita ethanol beer sales fell in both countries, accompanied by increases in market share of higher %ABV categories. Different definitions of beer strength hampered comparison between countries. In Australia, consumption of ethanol in mid-strength beer (3.01%-3.5%ABV) increased, whereas consumption of low-strength beer (<3%ABV) decreased. In New Zealand, consumption of high-strength beer (4.351%-5%ABV) increased whereas that of traditional mid-strength beer (2.501%-4.35%ABV) decreased substantially. Market reports cited consumer health concerns and demand for "craft beer" (typically high-strength) as competing influences in both markets, and reduced-alcohol beer as "the alcoholic drinks industry's-potentially lucrative-shield against accusations of irresponsibility." Declines in both high- and low-strength beer in Australia have potentially important implications. In New Zealand, the failure of low-strength beer to establish significant market share, along with increased consumption of high-strength beer, are noteworthy developments. Trend data on product ethanol content warrants scrutiny in public health surveillance globally, whereas research is needed on the role of ethanol content within industry strategy.

A Questionnaire-based Assessment of Dietary Adherence and Identification of Barriers to Healthy Eating

Background: Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with an extensive list of health benefits for people both with and without a disease. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop/modify a questionnaire to investigate the current adherence to a Mediterranean-style dietary eating pattern amongst the New Zealand male population, and to assess the association between perceived barriers to change and behaviours. Methods: The development of this questionnaire was based upon a modified 14-point validated Mediterranean diet adherence screener (PREDiMED) and included an additional section wherein we explored the reasons behind men’s food choices and barriers to healthy eating. Questionnaires were analysed from 295 men. Descriptive analyses were used to determine major barriers to change. Results: The modification of the PREDiMED questionnaire resulted in a 23 question questionnaire encompassing adherence, demographics and barriers to change. We found that 90.8% of respondents had either low or intermediate adherence to a Mediterranean style diet. Significant associations also existed between adherence and smoking (p=0.003), age (p&lt; 0.01) and opinion of the importance of healthy eating (p&lt; 0.01). We found participants felt the ‘major’ barrier to consume a healthy diet, to be a busy lifestyle, and the most common influencer of food choices was people. Conclusion: Through identifying how New Zealand men consume food and how they consider their barriers to change, we can better direct policy to aid changes in behaviour and integrate the Mediterranean style diet to complement the New Zealand food culture.

Becoming active: more to exercise than weight loss for indigenous men

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand what motivates sedentary indigenous and ethnic minority men to become more physically active. Design: We use thematic analysis to present data from a qualitative study exploring 23 sedentary indigenous Māori (New Zealand) men's experiences of completing a 12-week exercise intervention to improve their metabolic health. Results: Four themes emerged: The Bros – having fellowship and mutual motivation; Being better informed about exercise; Impacting overall wellbeing; and Disseminating the findings beyond the study Exercise interventions informed by indigenous Māori cultural values and knowledge increased its relevance to their daily lives. The motivation for these indigenous men was more culturally-based external factors than an inherent desire to lose weight. Conclusion: Indigenous and minority men in many developed countries have high morbidity and premature mortality related to sedentary lifestyles. The low uptake of physical activities possibly relates to focusing more on outcomes such as weight loss which lacks cultural relevance. When offering health promotion interventions for marginalized populations these findings highlight the importance of culturally tailoring interventions to the unique sources of motivation for each group to increase activity to improve their efficacy.

Men’s netball or mixed-gender indoor netball?

This article examines issues of gender justice within men’s netball and mixed-gender indoor netball in New Zealand, primarily from philosophical and social policy-based perspectives. While netball has historically reflected and reinforced appropriate ideas of female physicality, in the early 1980s, the new and more radical New Zealand Men’s Netball Association (NZMNA) welcomed openly transgender female players. Although the association subsequently took a heteronormative turn, independent for-profit mixed-gender indoor netball have also provided somewhat transgender-inclusive spaces. After discussing feminist debates about mixed-gender sport including netball specifically, this article argues that there are good reasons to support mixed-gender indoor netball. It also argues, however, that this should be done while also recognising both NNZ’s defensive ‘voluntary segregation’ of women’s netball and the unfortunate decline of the early (more radical) NZMNA. The article also discusses some important criticisms of such a policy.

Paternal Depression Symptoms During Pregnancy and After Childbirth Among Participants in the Growing Up in New Zealand Study

Antenatal and postnatal depression are known to be common and associated with poor outcomes for women and their children. There is little evidence on depression symptoms among men during the perinatal period. To identify characteristics associated with depression symptoms among men whose partners were pregnant and subsequently gave birth. A longitudinal cohort study provided data from a demographically diverse sample of 3523 New Zealand men who completed interviews during their partner's pregnancy and 9 months after the birth of their child. Participants were drawn from a cohort whose partners were pregnant women with a due date between April 25, 2009, and March 25, 2010, who were enrolled in the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Data analysis was conducted from September 1, 2015, to January 8, 2016. Depression symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire; elevated depression symptoms were defined as scores higher than 12 and 9, respectively. The mean (SD) age of the participants at the antenatal interview was 33.20 (6.25) years (range, 16-63 years). Elevated antenatal paternal depression symptoms affected 82 fathers (2.3%) and were associated with perceived stress (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.30-1.47) and fair to poor health during their partner's pregnancy (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.18-3.61). Elevated postnatal paternal depression symptoms affected 153 (4.3%) of fathers and were associated with perceived stress in pregnancy (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.17), no longer being in a relationship with the mother 9 months after childbirth (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.28-17.78), having fair to poor health at 9 months (OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.10-5.16), being unemployed at 9 months (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.11-3.10), and a history of depression (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.69-4.78). Expectant fathers were at risk of depression symptoms if they felt stressed or were in poor health. Rates of elevated depression symptoms were higher during the postpartum period and were associated with adverse social and relationship factors. Identifying fathers most at risk of depressive symptoms and when best to target interventions (antenatal or postnatal) may be beneficial to men and their families.

Environmental factors and risk of aggressive prostate cancer among a population of New Zealand men - a genotypic approach.

Prostate cancer is one of the most significant health concerns for men worldwide. Numerous researchers carrying out molecular diagnostics have indicated that genetic interactions with biological and behavioral factors play an important role in the overall risk and prognosis of this disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are increasingly becoming strong biomarker candidates to identify susceptibility to prostate cancer. We carried out a gene × environment interaction analysis linked to aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) with a number of SNPs. By using this method, we identified the susceptible alleles in a New Zealand population, and examined the interaction with environmental factors. We have identified a number of SNPs that have risk associations both with and without environmental interaction. The results indicate that certain SNPs are associated with disease vulnerability based on behavioral factors. The list of genes with SNPs identified as being associated with the risk of PCa in a New Zealand population is provided in the graphical abstract.

The condom imperative in anal sex - one size may not fit all: a qualitative descriptive study of men who have sex with men.

To explore men who have sex with men's views about condom use when having anal intercourse. Internationally, health promotion campaigns use behavioural change strategies to support men who have sex with men to always use condoms when having anal sex with other men. The health promotion message given to this group is consistent and explicitly stated that 'use a condom every time for anal sex regardless of relationship status'. Qualitative analysis of data from a cohort of New Zealand men who have sex with men. A total of 960 useable questionnaires were completed: 571 online and 389 in hard copy. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic data analytic process. Three themes relating to condom use in men who have sex with men were identified. These are as follows: 'Safer sex is good sex', 'Condom use is good but …' and 'I use condoms sometimes'. The range of responses towards condom use for anal sex in men who have sex with men in our sample reveal this as a complex public health issue, with not all men who have sex with men willing to consistently use condoms. It is important that nurses do not assume that all men who have sex with men are willing to use condoms for anal sex, and should create opportunities for men who have sex with men to raise any concerns about the use of condoms. In this way, nurses can assist in providing information that may help men who have sex with men to make decisions that will minimise risk of contracting infections associated with sexual activity.

Information-seeking to Support Personal and Community Wellbeing: Report of a study of New Zealand Men Using Focus Groups

This paper reports part of an ongoing study exploring the information behaviour of New Zealand men during periods of diminished health and wellbeing. Focus groups were used for this iteration of the study. Results indicate that New Zealand men face both personal and structural constraints to their information-seeking during periods when their health and wellbeing may be compromised. This study highlights that service providers need to develop more effective information delivery mechanisms and support services for men. These services need to be appealing to men and reflect men’s information seeking preferences. The role of LIS professionals in supporting this endeavour is discussed. Cet article présente une étude en cours explorant le comportement informationnel d’ hommes néo-zélandais durant des périodes où leur état de santé et de bien-être est amoindri. Des groupes de discussion ont été utilisés pour cette itération de l'étude. Les résultats indiquent que les hommes en Nouvelle-Zélande font face à des contraintes à la fois personnelles et structurelles dans leur recherche d'information pendant les périodes où leur santé et leur bien-être peuvent être affaiblis. Cette étude met en évidence le besoin pour les fournisseurs de services de développer des mécanismes de diffusion de l'information plus efficaces et des services de soutien pour les hommes. Ces services doivent être attrayants et refléter les préférences des hommes dans leurs recherches d’information. Le rôle des professionnels de l'information dans le soutien à cette entreprise est discuté.