Articles – New Zealand Medical Journal

1. Viewpoint: The dissolution of the Alcohol Advisory Council: a blow for public health
By Kypros Kypri, Jennie Connor & Doug Sellman
New Zealand Medical Journal, 20th February 2015, Volume 128 Number 1409
Abstract: The latest burden of disease estimates show alcohol consumption is responsible for 5.4% of deaths and 6.5% of disability-adjusted life years lost in New Zealanders <80 years of age. Of the 802 premature deaths in 2007, 43% were due to injuries, 30% to cancer and 27% to other chronic conditions combined.¹ These direct harms are suffered disproportionately by men and Māori, largely determined by underlying alcohol consumption patterns and contributing to health disparities.² There are also harms arising from others’ drinking (e.g., domestic violence) that are less well documented and are more often suffered by women and children. This article examines the dissolution of the lead government agency on alcohol-related harm and the implications of this decision for New Zealand’s alcohol policy.

2. The high health burden from alcohol in New Zealand and the need for an appropriate government response
By Nick Wilson & Tony Blakely
New Zealand Medical Journal, 20th February 2015, Volume 128 Number 1409
Abstract: This issue of the Journal features two articles on alcohol. The article¹ by Connor et al details the large health burden from alcohol in New Zealand at an estimated 5.4% of all deaths under 80 years old (around 800 premature deaths annually). They also estimated 6.5% of all healthy life lost among 0–79 year olds in 2004 was attributable to alcohol (a loss of around 28,000 disability-adjusted life-years [DALYs]—although balanced against this was around 7000 DALYs averted). Furthermore, the analysis provides additional evidence that alcohol use contributes to health inequalities between Māori and non-Māori and between men and women.

3. The burden of disease and injury attributable to alcohol in New Zealanders under 80 years of age: marked disparities by ethnicity and sex
By Jennie Connor, Robyn Kydd, Kevin Shield & Jürgen Rehm
New Zealand Medical Journal, 20th February 2015, Volume 128 Number 1409
Abstract: Consumption of alcohol is associated with an array of health, social and economic consequences that relate to its properties as an intoxicant, a toxin and an addictive substance. Not all consequences are negative but large net harms to health from alcohol use are well documented in countries that consume a similar volume of alcohol and have a similar pattern of drinking to New Zealand.

4. Motor neurone disease in the greater Wellington region: an observational study
By Viswas Dayal, Ian Rosemergy & Janet Turnbull
New Zealand Medical Journal , 20th February 2015, Volume 128 Number 1409
Abstract: Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to progressive muscle weakness, cumulative disability and eventual death. The incidence of MND in Europe and North America is approximately 1.89/100,000.¹ It has a relentlessly progressive course, and has a 5-year survival rate of 23%.⁴ There are multiple subtypes of MND, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being the most common form

5. Prevalence predictions for age-related macular degeneration in New Zealand have implications for provision of healthcare services
By David Worsley & Andrew Worsley.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 20th February 2015, Volume 128 Number 1409
Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in individuals older than 50 years in New Zealand, as it is for the developed world as a whole.^1,2 Forty-nine percent of blind registrations in New Zealand are for AMD (Blind Foundation figures).

Selected articles – Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing
 

6. Pain management for pediatric tonsillectomy: An integrative review through the perioperative and home experience
By Howard, Dekeisha; Davis, Katherine Finn; Phillips, Eileen; Ryan, Eileen; Scalford, Deborah; Flynn-Roth, Regina & Ely, Elizabeth.
Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. Jan 2014, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p5-16. 12p. DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12048
Abstract: This integrative review aims to increase our understanding of current pain management care practices for children undergoing tonsillectomy. Conclusions Synthesis of the literature resulted in four main opportunities for care providers to manage pain: preoperative education and preparation, intraoperative surgical interventions, and postoperative pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions in the post anesthesia care unit and home settings. Practice Implications Nurses have many opportunities to understand pain management practices and intervene to minimize pain experienced in pediatric outpatients undergoing tonsillectomy
 

7. Nurses' aims when managing pediatric postoperative pain: Is what they say the same as what they do?
By Twycross, Alison; Finley, G. Allen.
Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. Jan 2014, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p17-27. 11p.
DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12029.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore nurses' aims when managing postoperative pain and whether reported aims reflect actual practices. Design and Methods Participant observation was used to collect data regarding nurses' ( n = 17) pain management practices. Nurses ( n = 19) were asked: When managing postoperative pain, what is your overall aim? Results Around half the participants ( n = 10) aimed for patients to be comfortable while others aimed for a pain score of 2-3 ( n = 7), or below 5 ( n = 2).

8. The relationship of alcohol use and physical activity from an ecologic perspective.
By: Bigelow, April; Villarruel, Antonia; Ronis, David L.
Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. Jan 2014, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p28-38. 11p.
DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12044.
Abstract: To determine the predictors of alcohol use ( AU) and their relationship to physical activity ( PA) among adolescents and to examine differences among groups using an ecologic model. Design and Methods Cross sectional secondary analysis of 11,432 adolescents (51% 8th and 49% 10th graders). Results Attitude, perception of risk, and academic performance were the strongest predictors of AU. PA did not moderate, but it had a positive influence on AU in 10th graders.

9. Chinese family management of chronic childhood conditions: A cluster analysis
By Zhang, Ying; Wei, Min; Zhang, Yaqing; Shen, Nanping.
Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. Jan 2014, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p39-53. 15p.
DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12046.
Abstract: This study compared the management of chronic childhood conditions in Chinese families and identified predictors of management style. Design and Method A survey was conducted in 2008-2009 on a convenience sample of 387 caregivers of children with chronic conditions.

10. Comparing bedside methods of determining placement of gastric tubes in children
By Ellett, Marsha L. Cirgin; Cohen, Mervyn D.; Croffie, Joseph M. B.; Lane, Kathleen A.; Austin, Joan K.; Perkins, Susan M.
Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. Jan 2014, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p68-79. 12p.
DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12054.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and predictive validity of pH, bilirubin, and CO2 in identifying gastric tube placement errors in children. Design and Methods After the tube was inserted into 276 children, the CO2 monitor reading was obtained. Fluid was then aspirated to test pH and bilirubin. Results Lack of ability to obtain tube aspirate was the best predictor of NG/ OG placement errors with a sensitivity of 34.9% and a positive predictive value of 66.7%. Measuring pH, bilirubin, and CO2 of tube aspirate was less helpful. Practice Implications Healthcare providers should suspect NG/ OG tube misplacement when no fluid is aspirated.

New Zealand Health Articles

11. 'But I do believe you've got to accept that that's what life's about': older adults living in New Zealand talk about their experiences of loss and bereavement support
By Bellamy, Gary; Gott, Merryn; Waterworth, Susan; McLean, Christine & Kerse, Ngaire.
Health & Social Care in the Community. Jan 2014, Vol. 22 Issue 1, p96-103. 8p.
DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12069.
Abstract: This paper explores older people's views, experiences and sources of bereavement support following the death of a spouse, family member or other significant individual. Telephone interviews were conducted with 28 bereaved older adults recruited from the Brief Risk Identification Geriatric Health Tool trial participants in three geographically diverse District Health Boards in New Zealand. Analysis adhered to the principles of grounded theory and followed the National Centre for Social Research 'Framework' approach. Findings indicate that family and friends play a fundamental role supporting older bereaved adults, both emotionally and practically.

12. Long-Term Impact on Alcohol-Involved Crashes of Lowering the Minimum Purchase Age in New Zealand
By Taisia Huckle; Parker, Karl.
American Journal of Public Health. Jun 2014, Vol. 104 Issue 6, p1087-1091. 5p. 2 Charts.
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301734.
Abstract: Objectives. We assessed the long-term effect of lowering the minimum purchase age for alcohol from age 20 to age 18 years on alcohol-involved crashes in New Zealand.
Methods. We modeled ratios of drivers in alcohol-involved crashes to drivers in non-alcohol-involved crashes by age group in 3 time periods using logistic regression, controlling for gender and adjusting for multiple comparisons.

13. Balancing the diet and the budget: Food purchasing practices of food-insecure families in New Zealand
By Smith, Claire; Parnell, Winsome Ruth; Brown, Rachel Clare & Gray, Andrew R.
Nutrition & Dietetics. Dec 2013, Vol. 70 Issue 4, p278-285. 8p. 1 Diagram, 3 Charts, 1 Graph. DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12043.
Abstract: The aims of this study were to examine total food expenditure and the types of food purchased in food-insecure households with children, to compare these by severity of food insecurity (moderate or low food security) and furthermore to estimate food expenditure as a percentage of net household income

Conference

14. 13th National Rural Health Conference
Date: 24–27 May, 2015
Venue: Darwin Convention Centre in the Northern Territory, Australia
More information: http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/13nrhc/

Journal  - Table of Contents

15. Primary Health Care (RCN Journal) Volume 25, Issue 1, 30 January 2015

Editorial
15A. Winter pressures affect community nurses too
News
15B. New year’s honours recognise nursing excellence in practice; Ban on smoking in cars carrying children gains college support
England sees rise in practice nurse training numbers
15C. Watchdog uncovers poor knowledge of consent legislation; Poll finds patients less likely to follow advice of overweight staff;
Safety initiative to prevent babies choking targets parents
Analysis
15D. Improving perinatal mental health outcomes
15E. A champion for day hospitals [A central community  hub]
Research News
15F. Care home staff need support to cope with scabies outbreaks; Integrated care models ease referrals in type 2 diabetes;
Resolution time more predictable for molluscum contagiosum cases; Caring for dying family member raises concerns about medication
Art & Science
15G. Nurses’ role in helping offenders to adopt healthier lifestyles
15H. Managing pregnancy-related pelvic floor dysfunction
15I. Integrating wellbeing services in healthcare pathways
Continuing Professional Development
15J. Measles: symptoms, diagnosis, management and prevention

News – National

16. Govt urged to progress tobacco Bill
ODT - Mon, 2 Mar 2015
The Government is being lobbied to bring the tobacco plain packaging Bill back for a final vote by MPs, after the policy was found to work ''almost like a vaccine against tobacco'' in Australia.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/334893/govt-urged-progress-tobacco-bill

17. The two exercises that will dramatically reduce your stress levels
Stuff - March 2 2015
Your inbox is overflowing, there are phone calls to return, a never-ending to do list and... somewhere amongst it all, you need to fit in exercise and God forbid, a life. Despite the invention of time-saving inventions, about one third of Australian adults report feeling moderate to severe stress. 
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/motivate-me/66821342/the-two-exercises-that-will-dramatically-reduce-your-stress-levels

News – international 

18. Sexism is genuinely bad for your health         
By Radhika Sanghani. The Telegraph 01 Mar 2015
Women are so worried about coming across as 'hysterical hypochondriacs' they are avoiding the doctor. Gender stereotypes just got serious, writes Radhika Sanghani
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11440361/Sexism-is-genuinely-bad-for-your-health.html

19. Juicing: vital for health or a worrying fad?
The Telegraph - 06 Feb 2015
After falling ill on a juice retreat, one writer began to question whether juicing is all it's cracked up to be. And she found plenty of doctors who believe it's a fad too far
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/11387517/Juicing-vital-for-health-or-a-worrying-fad.html