Showing papers by "Auckland University of Technology published in 2003"

Risk Factors for Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results From a Multisite Case Control Study

Abstract: Objectives. This 11-city study sought to identify risk factors for femicide in abusive relationships. Methods. Proxies of 220 intimate partner femicide victims identified from police or medical examiner records were interviewed, along with 343 abused control women. Results. Preincident risk factors associated in multivariate analyses with increased risk of intimate partner femicide included perpetrator’s access to a gun and previous threat with a weapon, perpetrator’s stepchild in the home, and estrangement, especially from a controlling partner. Never living together and prior domestic violence arrest were associated with lowered risks. Significant incident factors included the victim having left for another partner and the perpetrator’s use of a gun. Other significant bivariate-level risks included stalking, forced sex, and abuse during pregnancy. Conclusions. There are identifiable risk factors for intimate partner femicides.

Delayed onset muscle soreness : treatment strategies and performance factors.

Abstract: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a familiar experience for the elite or novice athlete. Symptoms can range from muscle tenderness to severe debilitating pain. The mechanisms, treatment strategies, and impact on athletic performance remain uncertain, despite the high incidence of DOMS. DOMS is most prevalent at the beginning of the sporting season when athletes are returning to training following a period of reduced activity. DOMS is also common when athletes are first introduced to certain types of activities regardless of the time of year. Eccentric activities induce micro-injury at a greater frequency and severity than other types of muscle actions. The intensity and duration of exercise are also important factors in DOMS onset. Up to six hypothesised theories have been proposed for the mechanism of DOMS, namely: lactic acid, muscle spasm, connective tissue damage, muscle damage, inflammation and the enzyme efflux theories. However, an integration of two or more theories is likely to explain muscle soreness. DOMS can affect athletic performance by causing a reduction in joint range of motion, shock attenuation and peak torque. Alterations in muscle sequencing and recruitment patterns may also occur, causing unaccustomed stress to be placed on muscle ligaments and tendons. These compensatory mechanisms may increase the risk of further injury if a premature return to sport is attempted. A number of treatment strategies have been introduced to help alleviate the severity of DOMS and to restore the maximal function of the muscles as rapidly as possible. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have demonstrated dosage-dependent effects that may also be influenced by the time of administration. Similarly, massage has shown varying results that may be attributed to the time of massage application and the type of massage technique used. Cryotherapy, stretching, homeopathy, ultrasound and electrical current modalities have demonstrated no effect on the alleviation of muscle soreness or other DOMS symptoms. Exercise is the most effective means of alleviating pain during DOMS, however the analgesic effect is also temporary. Athletes who must train on a daily basis should be encouraged to reduce the intensity and duration of exercise for 1–2 days following intense DOMS-inducing exercise. Alternatively, exercises targeting less affected body parts should be encouraged in order to allow the most affected muscle groups to recover. Eccentric exercises or novel activities should be introduced progressively over a period of 1 or 2 weeks at the beginning of, or during, the sporting season in order to reduce the level of physical impairment and/or training disruption. There are still many unanswered questions relating to DOMS, and many potential areas for future research.

Horizontal violence: experiences of Registered Nurses in their first year of practice

Abstract: Background. Interpersonal conflict among nurses (traditionally called ‘horizontal violence’ or ‘bullying’) is a significant issue confronting the nursing profession. However, there is a dearth of research focusing on horizontal violence experienced by new graduate nurses. Aims. In order to assess the priority for preventive intervention programmes, the aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of horizontal violence experienced by nurses in their first year of practice; to describe the characteristics of the most distressing incidents experienced; to determine the consequences, and measure the psychological impact, of such events; and to determine the adequacy of training received to manage horizontal violence. Method. An anonymous survey was mailed to nurses in New Zealand who had registered in the year prior to November 2000 (n = 1169) and 551 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate 47%). Information was requested on the type and frequency of interpersonal conflict; a description of the most distressing event experienced; the consequences of the behaviour; and training to manage such events. The Impact of Event Scale was used to measure the level of distress experienced. Results. Many new graduates experienced horizontal violence across all clinical settings. Absenteeism from work, the high number of respondents who considered leaving nursing, and scores on the Impact of Event Scale all indicated the serious impact of interpersonal conflict. Nearly half of the events described were not reported, only 12% of those who described a distressing incident received formal debriefing, and the majority of respondents had no training to manage the behaviour. Conclusions. First year of practice is an important confidence-building phase for nurses and yet many new graduates are exposed to horizontal violence, which may negatively impact on this process. The findings underscore a priority for the development of effective prevention programmes. Adequate reporting mechanisms and supportive services should also be readily available for those exposed to the behaviour.

Eustress, distress, and interpretation in occupational stress

Abstract: We examine the concepts of stress, distress, and eustress and develop three tenets that are used to relate these concepts to three major theories or models of occupational stress. Selye's concept of eustress or “good stress” appears to be largely ignored in the literature, while the Yerkes Dodson Law is illustrated as a model for management practice. We suggest that the meaning assigned to the word stress has shifted from Selye's original formulation, and that this shift, in conjunction with the use of the Yerkes Dodson Law leads to inappropriate management of stress in organizations. We conclude that the concept that some stress is good and enhances performance should be rejected in favour of more useful and accurate concepts.

“The big OE”: self‐directed travel and career development

Abstract: “OE” is overseas experience – periods of “working holiday” undertaken by young people autonomously exploring other countries and cultures. This paper investigates OE and considers its effect on career development. OE is a world‐wide phenomenon, but has special significance in Australia and New Zealand, where it is undertaken as a “rite of passage” by many young people. The paper reports results from an interview study of 50 OEs undertaken by young New Zealanders. It focuses on predisposing personal and situational factors prompting OE, the unplanned and improvisational nature of OE, the main forms of OE, and its apparent consequences for personal development and subsequent careers. The evidence suggests that OE brings benefits but that the process is complex and unpredictable because of confounding forces such as non‐career travel agendas and personal relationships. The special value of OE to careers in current conditions requiring greater self‐direction, flexibility and internationalisation is emphasised.

Application of Colaizzi’s method: Interpretation of an auditable decision trail by a novice researcher

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for novice researchers using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method of data analysis. It offers personal insights into how to present an auditable decision trail in a phenomenological research study and explores issues of rigour and trustworthiness. For the novice it provides practical examples of how to illustrate the processes that can be employed to interpret and make sense of the research material when writing a thesis or research report.

Progressive resistance strength training for physical disability in older people

Abstract: Background Muscle weakness in old age, is associated with physical disability and an increased risk of falls. Progressive resistance strength (PRT) training exercises (i.e. movements performed against a specific external force that is regularly increased during training) are designed to increase strength in older people. Objectives To assess the effect of PRT on measures of physical disability, functional limitation and impairment in older people, and identify adverse events. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group specialized register (to August 2002), CENTRAL/CCTR (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to February 1, 2002), EMBASE (1980 to February 1, 2002), CINAHL (1982 to February 1, 2002), Sports Discus (1948 to February 1, 2002), PEDro - The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (accessed February 1, 2002) and Digital Dissertations (accessed February 1, 2002) . We also searched reference lists of articles, reviewed conference abstracts and contacted authors. Selection criteria Randomised trials of PRT alone for older people (i.e. mean age of 60 or over) were included. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were obtained using fixed or random effect models as appropriate. When measures with different units were pooled, standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Relative risks were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Main results Sixty-six trials with 3783 participants were included. Most studies were small and of poor quality. PRT had a large positive effect on strength (41 trials, 1955 participants), but there was statistical heterogeneity that was not explained by differences in study quality, participant characteristics or the exercise program. Some functional limitation measures showed modest improvements (i.e. gait speed, 14 trials, 798 participants, WMD 0.07 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.09). However, there was no evidence that PRT had an effect on physical disability when activity measures or health related quality of life measures (HRQOL) were assessed (10 trials, 798 participants, SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.16 ). Adverse events were poorly recorded, but musculoskeletal injuries were detected in most of the studies that prospectively defined and monitored these events. Authors' conclusions PRT appears to be an effective intervention to increase strength in older people and has a positive effect on some functional limitations. However, the effect of this intervention on more substantive outcomes such as measures of disability or HRQOL remains unclear. It is difficult to determine the balance of risks and benefits of PRT because adverse events have generally been poorly collected and recorded.

Estimation of body fatness from body mass index and bioelectrical impedance: comparison of New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children

Abstract: Objective: To compare percentage body fat (%BF) for a given body mass index (BMI) among New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children. To develop prediction equations based on bioimpedance measurements for the estimation of fat-free mass (FFM) appropriate to children in these three ethnic groups. Design: Cross-sectional study. Purposive sampling of schoolchildren aimed at recruiting three children of each sex and ethnicity for each year of age. Double cross-validation of FFM prediction equations developed by multiple regression. Setting: Local schools in Auckland. Subjects: Healthy European, Maori and Pacific Island children (n=172, 83 M, 89 F, mean age 9.4±2.8(s.d.), range 5–14 y). Measurements: Height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity were recorded. FFM was derived from measurements of total body water by deuterium dilution and resistance and reactance were measured by bioimpedance analysis. Results: For fixed BMI, the Maori and Pacific Island girls averaged 3.7% lower %BF than European girls. For boys a similar relation was not found since BMI did not significantly influence %BF of European boys (P=0.18). Based on bioimpedance measurements a single prediction equation was developed for all children: FFM (kg)=0.622 height (cm)2/resistance+0.234 weight (kg)+1.166, R2=0.96, s.e.e.=2.44 kg. Ethnicity, age and sex were not significant predictors. Conclusions: A robust equation for estimation of FFM in New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children in the 5–14 y age range that is more suitable than BMI for the determination of body fatness in field studies has been developed. Sponsorship: Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust, Auckland University of Technology Contestable Grants Fund and the Ministry of Health.

Narratives of Change: Discourse, Technology and Organization

Abstract: This article develops an understanding of organizational change predicated on the idea of organization as a performance or an effect, rather than a stable social structure. It uses the concept of ‘narratives of ordering’ to make sense of the processes that constitute organizations and the various mechanisms of ordering and organizing employed by organizational actors. It does so via a case study of change in a New Zealand hospital during a period of public sector reform. The ‘clinical leadership’ narrative introduced into the hospital at that time was simultaneously discursive in its appeal to economic notions of efficiency and enterprise, social in the development of new accountabilities and relationships within the organization, and material in its use of information technology. The contribution of the article lies in the theoretical approach used to analyse organizational change. This extends organizational discourse analysis by providing a more integrated treatment of change that accounts for the mate...

Force-velocity analysis of strength-training techniques and load: implications for training strategy and research.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the force-velocity response of the neuromuscular system to a variety of concentric only, stretch-shorten cycle, and ballistic bench press movements. Twenty-seven men of an athletic background (21.9 +/- 3.1 years, 89.0 +/- 12.5 kg, 86.3 +/- 13.6 kg 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) performed 4 types of bench presses, concentric only, concentric throw, rebound, and rebound throw, across loads of 30-80% 1RM. Average force output was unaffected by the technique used across all loads. Greater force output was recorded using higher loading intensities. The use of rebound was found to produce greater average velocities (12.3% higher mean across loads) and peak forces (14.1% higher mean across loads). Throw or ballistic training generated greater velocities across all loads (4.4% higher average velocity and 6.7% higher peak velocity), and acceleration-deceleration profiles provided greater movement pattern specificity. However, the movement velocities (0.69-1.68 m.s(-1)) associated with the loads used in this study did not approach actual movement velocities associated with functional performance. Suggestions were made as to how these findings may be applied to improve strength, power, and functional performance.

Lunge performance and its determinants

Abstract: For activities such as squash, badminton and fencing, the ability to quickly complete a lunge and return to the start or move off in another direction is critical for success. Determining which strength qualities are important predictors of lunge performance was the focus of this study. Thirty-one male athletes performed: (1) a unilateral maximal squat (one-repetition maximum, 1-RM) and unilateral jump squat (50% 1-RM) on an instrumented supine squat machine, and (2) a forward lunge while attached to a linear transducer. We performed stepwise multiple regression analysis with lunge performance as the dependent variable and various strength, flexibility and anthropometric measures as the independent variables. From the many strength and power measures calculated, time to peak force was the best single predictor of lunge performance, which accounted for 55% of the explained variance. The best three-variable model for predicting lunge performance accounted for 76-85% of the explained variance. The models differed, however, according to whether lunge performance was expressed relative to body mass (time to peak force, mean power and relative strength = 76%) or taken as an absolute value (time to peak force, leg length and flexibility = 85%). We conclude that one to two trials were reliable for strength diagnosis and that one strength measure cannot accurately explain functional performance because other factors, such as body mass, flexibility and leg length, have diverse effects on the statistical models.

A survey of threats and violent behaviour by patients against registered nurses in their first year of practice.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of aggressive behaviours by patients against nurses in the first year of practice, and to determine the psychological impact of this behaviour. An anonymous survey was sent to registered nurses in their first year of practice. From the 1169 survey instruments that were distributed, 551 were returned completed (a response rate of 47%). The most common inappropriate behaviour by patients involved verbal threats (n = 192, 35%), verbal sexual harassment (n = 167, 30%) and physical intimidation (n = 161, 29%). There were 22 incidents of assault requiring medical intervention and 21 incidents of participants being stalked by patients. Male graduates and younger nurses were especially vulnerable. Mental health was the service area most at risk. A most distressing incident was described by 123 (22%) of respondents. The level of distress caused by the incident was rated by 68 of the 123 respondents (55%) as moderate or severe. Only half of those who described a most distressing event indicated they had some undergraduate training in protecting against assault or in managing potentially violent incidents (n = 63 of 123; 51%). After registration, 45 (37%) indicated they had had such training. The findings of this study indicate priorities for effective prevention programmes. The issues highlighted need to be addressed in undergraduate nursing curricula and in the development of orientation programmes supporting new graduates.

Evaluation of anthropometric, physiological, and skill-related tests for talent identification in female field hockey.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to develop an effective testing battery for female field hockey by using anthropometric, physiological, and skill-related tests to distinguish between regional ...

The effects of bungy weight training on muscle function and functional performance.

Abstract: Eccentric strength training is thought to be important for improving functional performance. A form of training that may enhance the eccentric training stimulus is the attachment of a rubber bungy to the strength-training apparatus in such a way that the return velocity and, therefore, the force required to decelerate the load at the end of the eccentric phase are increased. To determine the effects of elastic bungy training, we performed two studies. In the first, we examined the electromyographic (EMG) and kinematic characteristics of three different squat techniques: traditional squat, non-bungy jump squat and bungy jump squat. In the second study, we examined whether jump squat training with and without the attachment of a rubber bungy to an isoinertial supine squat machine affects muscle function, multidirectional agility, lunge ability and single leg jump performance. The EMG activity of the vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscles was recorded. An instrumented isoinertial supine squat machine was used to measure maximal strength and various force, velocity and power measures in both studies. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group and two weight-trained groups, one of which performed bungy squat jumps and one of which performed non-bungy squat jumps. The two experimental groups performed 10 weeks of ballistic weight training. The kinematic and EMG characteristics of the bungy and non-bungy squat techniques differed significantly from those of the traditional squat on all the variables measured. The only difference between the bungy squat and non-bungy squat training was greater EMG activity during the later stages (70-100%) of the eccentric phase of the bungy squat condition. The 10 weeks of bungy squat and non-bungy squat jump weight training were found to be equally effective in producing improvements in a variety of concentric strength and power measures (10.6-19.8%). These improvements did not transfer to improved performance for the single leg jump and multidirectional agility. However, bungy weight training did lead to a significant improvement in lunge performance (21.5%) compared with the other groups.

Intrarater reliability of lower limb sagittal range-of-motion measures in children with spastic diplegia.

Abstract: In this study, 10 sagittal lower limb range-of-motion measures were conducted in a blinded fashion in 25 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and in 25 age- and sex-matched controls. The participants comprised 22 males, mean age 10 years 8 months and 28 females, with mean age 9 years 8 months; age range 6 to 17 years. One paediatric physical therapist performed duplicate goniometric measures at zero time and 7 days later using the same sequence of measures, location, and time of day. Mean absolute differences for measures within one session ranged from 0.7 to 2.9 degrees in controls and from 1 to 4.2 degrees in children with spastic diplegia. Most intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra-sessional measures were more than 0.90 in both groups. Measures between sessions were less reliable. Mean absolute differences between sessions were up to 7.1 degrees for children with spastic diplegia and 8.6 degrees for controls, with most ICCs being less than 0.80. Inter-sessional variation in measures was similar in both groups, suggesting that measurement variability is not influenced by the presence of spasticity. Averaging of two measures did not improve inter-sessional reliability compared with the use of a single measure. Dynamic measures (R1) were as reliable as passive measures (R2), but there were inter-sessional differences in calculations using R1 and R2 measures of up to 30 degrees.

Body composition and physical activity in New Zealand Maori, Pacific and European children aged 5-14 years.

Abstract: Body fatness and the components of energy expenditure in children aged 5-14 years were investigated. In a group of seventy-nine healthy children (thirty-nine female, forty male), mean age 10-0 (SD 2-8) years, comprising twenty-seven Maori, twenty-six Pacific Island and twenty-six European, total energy expenditure (TEE) was determined over 10d using the doubly-labelled water method. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry and physical activity level (PAL) was calculated as TEE:RMR. Fat-free mass (FFM), and hence fat mass, was derived from the O-18-dilution space using appropriate values for FFM hydration in children. Qualitative information on physical activity patterns was obtained by questionnaire. Maori and Pacific children had a higher BMI than European children (P< 0.003), but % body fat was similar for the three ethnic groups. The % body fat increased with age for girls (r 0-42, P=0008), but not for boys. Ethnicity was not a significant predictor of RMR adjusted for FFM and fat mass. TEE and PAL, adjusted for body weight and age, were higher in Maori than European children (P<0.02), with Pacific children having intermediate values. PAL was inversely correlated with % body fat in boys (r -0.43, P=0006), but was not significantly associated in girls. The % body fat was not correlated with reported time spent inactive or outdoors. Ethnic-related differences in total and activity-related energy expenditure that might account for higher obesity rates in Maori and Pacific children were not seen. Low levels of physical activity were associated with increased body fat in boys but not in girls.

Culture, Economy and Tourism Commodities Social Relations of Production and Consumption

Abstract: The contemporary global economy has become characterized by an intensity and sophistication of the processes of commodification of consumption where production is increasingly aestheticized, attaching meanings and symbolic associations to material objects. The traditional interpretations of cultural commodification suggest disempowerment of traditional cultures and cultural practices through the integration with global tourism. This study goes beyond these assumptions to explore social relations connecting production and consumption of tourist commodities. It follows the journey of tourist goods from the cultural context of their creation, to their consumption and appropriation in new locations where they become surrogates of human relations and representations of identity.

International Students Pursuing Postgraduate Study in Geography: impediments to their learning experiences

Abstract: There are significant numbers of international postgraduate students studying in Western universities thanks to scholarships provided by governments and other donors. While these fully funded students are generally welcomed by geography departments, inadequate attention has been paid to considering how to facilitate their learning experiences given the particular impediments they face. Based on research conducted at Massey University, New Zealand, and an extensive literature review, this article argues that academic success is strongly related to the personal well-being of students. Particular pressures were faced by students during the first few months as they adapted to a new cultural, linguistic and learning environment. Female students and those with families faced additional, continuing pressures.

Stochastic Models of Implied Volatility Surfaces

Abstract: We propose a market-based approach to the modelling of implied volatility, in which the implied volatility surface is directly used as the state variable to describe the joint evolution of market prices of options and their underlying asset. We model the evolution of an implied volatility surface by representing it as a randomly fluctuating surface driven by a finite number of orthogonal random factors. Our approach is based on a Karhunen-Loeve decomposition of the daily variations of implied volatilities obtained from market data on SP500 and DAX options. We illustrate how this approach extends and improves the accuracy of the well-known 'sticky moneyness' rule used by option traders for updating implied volatilities. Our approach gives a justification for the use of 'Vegas' for measuring volatility risk and provides a decomposition of volatility risk as a sum of independent contributions from empirically identifiable factors.

Representing identities through tourism: encounters of ethnic minorities in Dali, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China

Abstract: In the current era of globalisation ȧand regional economic integration, localised concerns with cultural identity, historical memory and collective belonging are assuming a new significance. Rather than signalling the end of localised identities, however, the current period has infused processes of identity formation with elements of political economy. One central component of political economy through which these processes are being expressed is tourism. In this context, as the social sciences have begun to take tourism seriously when addressing broader issues of culture and society, this paper elaborates on new arenas through which processes of identity formation are being articulated. Drawing on a current research project focused on cultural tourism in Dali, Yunnan Province, China, the discussion emphasises the extent to which cultural identities are appropriated, constructed and traded through and around material objects of touristic exchange. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Transductive support vector machines and applications in bioinformatics for promoter recognition

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel transductive support vector machine (TSVM) model and compares it with the traditional inductive SVM on a key problem in bioinformatics - promoter recognition. While inductive reasoning is concerned with the development of a model (a function) to approximate data from the whole problem space (induction), and consecutively using this model to predict output values for a new input vector (deduction), in the transductive inference systems a model is developed for every new input vector based on some closest to the new vector data from an existing database and this model is used to predict only the output for this vector. The TSVM outperforms by far the inductive SVM models applied on the same problems. Analysis is given on the advantages and disadvantages of the TSVM. Hybrid TSVM-evolving connections systems are discussed as directions for future research.

Unpacking the local: A cultural analysis of tourism entrepreneurship in Murter, Croatia

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a paradigmatic shift articulated by the 'cultural' turn of tourism geography. Within the cultural analysis of economic relations the embrace of complexity and diversity has become essential to broadening our understanding of tourism development processes. This paper seeks to engage with local cultural perspectives, which inform these 'new' ways of theorizing tourism. This study focuses on small-scale tourism entrepreneurship in the village of Murter in the Balkans set against the backdrop of economic transition in a post-war environment. It is argued that the role of local values is critical in the re-emergence of tourism as a key economic sector and the shaping of small enterprise culture. The analysis utilizes an 'insider' perspective as a key positioning element in the discussion.

Skin solidification during high pressure die casting of Al–11Si–2Cu–1Fe alloy

Abstract: Surface regions of Al–11Si–2Cu–1Fe alloy castings produced by high pressure die casting (HPDC) were examined and three microstructural features were observed. In locations of direct melt impingement, there was not an α-Al rich layer. In most surface locations, a porosity-free α-Al rich layer was observed. However, in surface locations of low impact of melt, a porosity-free layer being a mixture of α-Al dendrites and fine eutectic formed before the α-Al rich layer. Solidification conditions of the surface regions were then considered. This was done by examining the possible effects of the processing features (high filling velocity, high applied pressure, and thin gate) of HPDC on heat transfer during filling and subsequent solidification. This analysis suggested that the α-Al rich layer was the result of solidification during the brief moment of the applied pressure immediately after die filling.

Parental Adjustment to Having a Child with Cerebral Palsy and Participation in Home Therapy Programs

Abstract: Based on a qualitative research project guided by grounded theory methodology, this article describes parents' participation in home therapy programs recommended by physical and occupational therapists. The study involved in-depth interviews with 8 parents and 4 therapists of children with cerebral palsy. The parents reported that in the initial stages of adjustment to the diagnosis, they were typically overwhelmed by their situation and unable to participate in providing activities at home for their child. Furthermore, they concealed their lack of participation from the therapists, with whom they have not yet developed a trusting relationship. Although this study was conducted in New Zealand with a small number of parents, the findings raise questions about parent participation in the early days of therapy. It is suggested that service delivery needs to be organised in a way that will allow therapists to provide higher levels of input in the early stages while parents come to grips with what is required of them. The need for further research to determine the ways in which the therapy program or the therapist could facilitate parental participation, and how therapists might evaluate parents' readiness to participate in a home program is recommended.

Problems with damp and cold housing among Pacific families in New Zealand.

Abstract: Aims To describe reported problems with damp and cold housing among Pacific families in New Zealand and their associations with two facets of maternal health, namely postnatal depression and asthma Methods The data were gathered as part of the Pacific Islands Families: First Two Years of Life (PIF) Study in which 1376 mothers were interviewed when their infants were six weeks old Mothers were questioned with regard to problems with dampness or mould and cold housing, facets of maternal health (assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and asthma Results Over one third of the mothers (37%) reported that their homes had dampness/mould problems, and over half reported problems with cold housing (538%) Damp and cold housing were significantly associated with a number of variables including large household size, state rental housing, and financial difficulty with housing costs Damp and cold housing were also both significantly related to maternal depression and incidence of asthma Conclusions Efforts to reduce problems with damp and cold housing are needed to improve maternal health To this end, advice regarding the importance of home heating and ventilation may be beneficial