Research
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25 years of New Zealand Travel: New Zealand Household Travel Survey 1989-2014
This Ministry of Transport survey gives insight into an important part of New Zealand life: how, when and why we travel, and how this changes with time (2015).
Tags: Survey
A physical activity learning module improves medical students’ skills and confidence for advising …
This research article was published on 1st March 2018 in the Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 7(1), 31-38 Authors Sandra Mandic, Hamish Wilson, Monika Clark-Grill, Diana O’Neill This study evalua…
Tags: physical activity
Active New Zealand Survey 2013/14
The fifth Sport NZ Active NZ survey continues looking at when and where adults (16 years and over) are engaging in sport and recreation, as participants and volunteers (2015).
Tags: Adults, Survey
ANA’s Value
What we do at ANA matters to the nutrition and physical activity sector. In our 2018 annual survey we asked a number of questions related to our services including the ANA eUpdates, website and regional forums. Th…
Tags: Survey
Annual Update of Key Results 2015/16: NZ Health Survey
This Ministry of Health survey provides a snapshot of key health issues facing New Zealand children and adults for 2015/16 (2016).
Tags: Survey
Asian Health Outcomes Report
The International Benchmarking of Asian Health Outcomes for Waitemata and Auckland DHBs’ report looked at the Asian population in Auckland. It has been developed to profile and assess the health of both DHBs’ Asia…
Tags: Asian, DHB, Research
Assessment of health-related quality of life and psychological well-being of children and adolescent…
This study published in the BMJ is the first to report health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with obesity in New Zealand. Abstract Objective To describe health-related quality of life (…
Tags: Obesity, childhood
BMI keeps on going up – and reflections on the Diabesity Symposium
Is body mass index (BMI) relentlessly increasing in NZ, or plateauing? In this blog we present trends in BMI by ethnicity in NZ going back to the 1980s. Over the last four decades the annual increase in BMI is line…
Tags: Adults, Early Childhood, Māori, Pacific, Youth
Breastfeeding at Work Employees Survey Results
Women’s Health Action has found clear and significant differences between the length of time working mothers spend breastfeeding, and the support offered in the workplace (2015).
Tags: Breastfeeding, Survey
Children’s everyday exposure to food marketing: an objective analysis using wearable cameras
Published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2017 Authors: L.N Signal, J. Stanley, M. Smith, M. B. Barr, T. J. Chambers, J. Zhou,A. Duane, C. Gurrin, A. F. Smeaton, C….
Tags: children, marketing
Choice health star ratings and added sugars: A consumer perspective
This report was published in August 2016 by the Australian Consumers Association and provides useful information on how consumers in Australia and New Zealand use and understand the Health Star Rating system. The r…
Tags: Obesity, Submissions
Development of an Evaluation Tool to Measure Accessibility and Usability of Parks and Playgrounds.
Urban parks and children’s playgrounds have the potential to provide a free environment to participate in social, leisure and physical activities for all ages. There is evidence that people who visit parks are more…
Tags: children, disability, physical activity
Dietary counselling – how effective and cost-effective is it?
This Public Health Expert blog article discusses the literature on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dietary counselling as a health intervention. The authors state “Most studies suggest that dietary cou…
Tags: Obesity, Policy, public health
Distance to School is Associated with Sedentary Time in Children: Findings from the URBAN study
This study investigated the association between distance to school and children’s sedentary behaviour during weekdays at times where children interact with the neighbourhood environment (2014).
Tags: Schools, Sitting/Sedentary Behaviour
Do nutrition labels influence healthier food choices? Analysis of label viewing behaviour and subseq…
AUTHORS:Cliona Ni Mhurchu, Helen C. Eyles, Yannan Jiang, Tony Blakely YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2017 ABSTRACT There are few objective data on how nutrition labels are used in real-world shopping situations, or ho…
Tags: food labels
Eating less the logical thing to do? Vulnerability to malnutrition with advancing age: A qualitative…
The research explores the perspectives and experiences of older New Zealanders’ food intake to understand factors that may lead to malnutrition. The aim of this qualitative inquiry was to explore older New Zealande…
Tags: Nutrition, Older People
Economic Value of Sport and Outdoor Recreation
This Sport NZ research outlines the significant contribution that sport and recreation makes to the New Zealand economy and to society (2016).
Tags: Economic, Recreation, Sport
Effects of a Voluntary Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling System on Packaged Food Reformulation: The …
Published in Nutrients 2017, 9(8), 918 Authors: Cliona Ni Mhurchu, Helen Eyles and Yeun-Hyang Choi Abstract: Interpretive, front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels may encourage reformulation of packaged foods. We aim…
Tags: Health Star Rating, food labels
Getting to School: Factors affecting choice of active travel modes in the trip to school
Using data from the ACTIVE study to learn about the journeys to school of children living in Hastings, New Plymouth, Masterton and Whanganui (2013).
Tags: Cycling, Schools, Walking
Health and Independence Report 2017
The Health and Independence Report published on 16 July 2018, is the director-general of health’s annual report on the state of public health in New Zealand (NZ). The 2017 report presents an overview of the health…
Tags: public health
Health Loss in New Zealand 1990–2013
This new Ministry of Health report analyses health loss and health expectancy in New Zealand from 1990 to 2013 (2016).
Tags: Research
Healthy Places, Healthy Lives: Urban environments and wellbeing
Identifies where the NZ health system can best add value in the creation of urban areas that promote people’s health (2010).
Tags: Urban Design
Independent Review of Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa: ANA’s Key Takeaways
Independent Review of Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa: ANA’s Key Takeaways ANA strives to meet the needs of its stakeholders and to ensure the organisation stays relevant and fit for purpose. To do this an annual…
Tags: Survey
Interim Evaluation Report: Healthy Families NZ
This Healthy Families NZ Interim Evaluation report shows that the initiative has been established with integrity to its intention and purpose and is a promising approach to prevention of chronic disease. The report…
Tags: Evaluation
Kiwi Kids are Exposed to 27 Junk Food Advertisements a Day
Some Kiwi kids are being bombarded with an average of 27 junk food advertisements a day in their schools, homes and on the streets, new research has found. In a world-first study by Otago and Auckland universities,…
Tags: Obesity, childhood, junk food
Making sense of evaluation: A handbook for everyone
This handbook, published by Superu, is an introduction to the main concepts and language of evaluation, and points users to a range of other resources that provide more detail on specifics. The contents are presen…
Tags: Evaluation
Medical Students’ Awareness of the Links between Physical Activity and Health
The effectiveness of physicians in providing advice to patients about physical activity (PA) is influenced by their own understanding of the links between PA and health, as well as by their own PA habits. Th is stu…
Tags: Green Prescription, physical activity
New Statistics from the 2016/17 New Zealand Health Survey
This new data (Tier 1) provides a snapshot of the health of New Zealanders through key indicators on health behaviours, health status and access to health care for both adults and children.Tier 1 Statistics 2016/17…
Tags: Obesity, children
Nine Things New Zealand Must do to Tackle the Child Obesity Crisis
A panel of 71 independent and government experts have undertaken an evaluation of New Zealand Government food environment policies, compared to international best practice. This is the second such evaluation, the…
Tags: Obesity, Policy, Systems
Nuts
A recent national survey has shown New Zealanders aren’t eating enough nuts, despite research showing frequent consumption is an effective way to get essential nutrients, University of Otago nut group researcher Dr…
Tags: nuts
NZ Health Sector’s Role in Responding to Climate Change
Health professionals from around the country meet on 23 November 2017, in Wellington, to talk about how the NZ health sector can respond to the challenges of climate change for health and healthcare services. This…
Tags: climate change, healthcare, sustainability
NZ Total Diet Survey
The NZ Total Diet Study gives more insight into what we’re eating and the results show the NZ food supply is safe and wholesome. The report released last week says the levels of agricultural chemicals and contamina…
Tags: Survey
Older Adults at Risk of Malnutrition
Almost 75 % of older adults involved in a recent Massey University study were at risk of malnourishment, or were malnourished, when they were admitted to hospital. The study, led by Associate Professor Carol Wham f…
Tags: elderly
Otago Study Finds Solving Obesity Epidemic Can Start At Home
Fighting the wave of adolescent obesity in New Zealand could be as simple as establishing family rules and routines around food consumption and limiting screen time, a new University of Otago study has found. These…
Tags: Families
Overweight but unseen: a review of the underestimation of weight status and a visual normalization t…
Although overweight and obesity are widespread across most of the developed world, a considerable body of research has now accumulated, which suggests that adiposity often goes undetected. A substantial proportion…
Tags: Obesity
Physical Literacy Approach
The Sport NZ Physical Literacy Approach document takes a holistic view of the participant that considers their physical; social and emotional; cognitive; and spiritual needs.
Tags: Guideline
Playground Drinking Fountains
Playground drinking fountains in 17 local government areas: survey methods and results Authors George Thomson and Nick Wilson Abstract: Appropriate public access to water is an increasing concern, and to further ex…
Tags: Water, drinking fountains
Risk of stomach cancer in Aotearoa/New Zealand: A Māori population based case-control study
Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, experience disproportionate rates of stomach cancer, compared to non-Māori. The overall aim of the study was to better understand the reasons for the considerable excess…
Tags: Māori, cancer
Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library
The Sport NZ Knowledge Library is a repository for New Zealand based research on sport and recreation.
Tags: Recreation, Research, Sport
Sport NZ Releases Participation Survey
Sport NZ has released the first report from its new Active NZ participation survey, providing a point-in-time snapshot of participation in sport and active recreation explored through the lenses of age, gender, et…
Tags: Recreation, Sport, physical activity
State of Play Survey: Executive Report
This executive report provides a snapshot of New Zealand parents’ perceptions of play, using data from the 2015 State of Play survey (2015).
Tags: Early Childhood, Survey, Youth
Sugar and Health
The Royal Society of New Zealand has collated current scientific evidence on sugar and health, and released a range of new resources (2016).
Tags: Sugar
Superu’s Families and Whānau Status Report 2017
Superu’s Families and Whānau Status Report 2017 promotes a whole of family focus to current and proposed policies that result in positive outcomes for all individual family members, including children. The report c…
Tags: Families
The Bayer Food Focus Project
The project aims to support New Zealanders in making more positive food choices and encouraging people to take more consideration of their diet for the betterment of their overall health. Although the Bayer Food Fo…
Tags: Fruit & Vegetables, Survey
The Economic Value of Sport and Outdoor Recreation to New Zealand Report
This Lincoln University report estimates the value of the sport and outdoor recreation sector to the NZ economy (2015).
Tags: Economic, Recreation, Sport
The New Zealand Health Research Strategy
The New Zealand Health Research Strategy 2017-2027 sets a vision that, by 2027, New Zealand will have a world-leading health research and innovation system. There are four guiding principles for the system: researc…
Tags: Māori, Research
The Wider Economic and Social Costs of Obesity
This Superu report talks about the non-health impacts of obesity on people’s lives, such as the social and economic costs at an individual level (2015).
Tags: Economic, Obesity
Transition to School Research
Growing Up in New Zealand has released its latest study report, Transition to school. This is the study’s eighth report and summarises findings from Growing Up’s 72 Month Data Collection Wave. Study Director, Assoc…
Tags: school
Urban Planners’ Knowledge of Health and Wellbeing Issues
This research identifies the opportunities and barriers to achieving health goals in urban planning, along with the extent to which equity and inequality are addressed in planning (2010).
Tags: Local Government, Research, Urban Design
Using appreciative inquiry methodology to develop a weight management program for obese children in …
Authors:Tasileta Teevale, Joseph Kaholokula Published in Australia and New Zealand of Public Health Abstract Objectives: Paediatric obesity predicts adult obesity, and alarming new data in New Zealand reveals that…
Tags: Obesity, Pacific, childhood
We lead the world in butter consumption -that’s not good news
This article was written for the Listener by Author Nicky Pellegrino published 28 February 2017 titled “We lead the world in butter consumption -that’s not good news”
Tags: Obesity, butter, saturated fat
When Culture Speaks: Indian Immigrant Families’ Participation in Sport and Physical Activity
This study by Siona Fernandes investigates the experiences of Indian immigrant families’ participation in sport and physical activity (PA) in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ). Drawing from previous knowledge and research…
Tags: Asian, Sport, physical activity
Young People’s Survey
This Sport NZ survey is a school-based survey of over 17,000 young New Zealanders (5 to 18 years old) (2011).
Tags: Survey, Youth
1st Physical Activity Almanac: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity
This resource provides a summary of physical activity monitoring, research, policy and the state of national action to increase physical activity levels in 139 different countries. (2016)
Tags: Global, Policy, Research
A physical activity learning module improves medical students’ skills and confidence for advising …
This research article was published on 1st March 2018 in the Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 7(1), 31-38 Authors Sandra Mandic, Hamish Wilson, Monika Clark-Grill, Diana O’Neill This study evalua…
Tags: physical activity
Alcohol policy impact case study: the effects of alcohol control measures on mortality and life expe…
The experience gathered by the Russian Federation in reducing the burden of disease stemming from alcohol represents a powerful argument that effective alcohol policy is essential to improving the prospects of livi…
Tags: Policy, alcohol
Assessment of health-related quality of life and psychological well-being of children and adolescent…
This study published in the BMJ is the first to report health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with obesity in New Zealand. Abstract Objective To describe health-related quality of life (…
Tags: Obesity, childhood
Association between active commuting & incident CVD,cancer & mortality
Published on 19 April in the BMJ The conclusion from this study found: Cycle commuting was associated with a lower risk of CVD, cancer, and all cause mortality. Walking commuting was associated with a lower risk of…
Tags: active transport, cancer, cardiovascular, physical activity
Behaviour change techniques targeting both diet and physical activity in type 2 diabetes: A systemat…
Cradock K, OLaighin G, Finucane F, Gainforth H, Quinlan L, & Ginis K. (2017). Behaviour change techniques targeting both diet and physical activity in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int…
Tags: Obesity, Sitting/Sedentary Behaviour, diabetes
Cancer Research UK
This UK report published by the Cancer Research UK, January 2018, examines the association between television marketing and diet and recommends urgent action on junk food television marketing. The report is called…
Tags: marketing
Children Living Near Fast Food Outlets More Likely To Gain Weight
Children who live near fast food outlets are more likely to gain weight compared with those living farther away, new research suggests. Researchers from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) tracked t…
Tags: Obesity, childhood, enviroment
Children’s everyday exposure to food marketing: an objective analysis using wearable cameras
Published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2017 Authors: L.N Signal, J. Stanley, M. Smith, M. B. Barr, T. J. Chambers, J. Zhou,A. Duane, C. Gurrin, A. F. Smeaton, C….
Tags: children, marketing
Choice health star ratings and added sugars: A consumer perspective
This report was published in August 2016 by the Australian Consumers Association and provides useful information on how consumers in Australia and New Zealand use and understand the Health Star Rating system. The r…
Tags: Obesity, Submissions
Cluster randomised trial of a school-community child health promotion and obesity prevention interve…
Abstract from article published in the BioMed central (BMC ) Background Multi-level, longer-term obesity prevention interventions that focus on inequalities are scarce. Fun ‘n healthy in Moreland! aimed to improve…
Tags: Obesity
Development of an Evaluation Tool to Measure Accessibility and Usability of Parks and Playgrounds.
Urban parks and children’s playgrounds have the potential to provide a free environment to participate in social, leisure and physical activities for all ages. There is evidence that people who visit parks are more…
Tags: children, disability, physical activity
Effect of a mobile app intervention on vegetable consumption in overweight adults: a randomized cont…
Mummah, S., et al. (2017). Effect of a mobile app intervention on vegetable consumption in overweight adults: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14:1…
Tags: Obesity, Vegetables
Evaluation of the Good Start Program: a healthy eating and physical activity intervention for Māori…
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Good Start program, which aims to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices related to healthy eating and physical activity amongst Māori and Pacific communities…
Tags: Evaluation, Māori, Pacific, Schools
Inactivity too High in Australia
Trends in prevalence of leisure time physical activity and inactivity: results from Australian National Health Surveys 1989 to 2011 Objective: To examine trends in leisure time physical activity and inactivity in A…
Tags: physical activity
Individual, Employment and Psychosocial Factors influencing Walking to Work (UK)
Individual, employment and psychosocial factors influencing walking to work: Implications for intervention design. Authors: Emma J. Adams*, Dale W. Esliger, Ian M. Taylor, Lauren B. Sherar (UK) A number of individu…
Tags: Walking, active transport, workplace
Large health inequalities across England revealed
There are stark differences in how long people in different parts of England can expect to live a healthy life, according to a new report from the Office of National Statistics. Life expectancy in England has been…
Tags: England, healthy lifestyle, inequalities
Objectively-assessed physical activity and weight change in young adults: a randomized controlled tr…
Published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity201714:165 Authors: Jessica L. Unick, Wei Lang, Samantha E. Williams, Dale S. Bond, Caitlin M. Egan, Mark A. Espeland, Rena R. Win…
Tags: physical activity
Research Commentary on Cancer and Obesity Research
Association between Dietary Energy Density and Obesity-Associated Cancer: Results from the Women’s Health Initiative Commentary by: Dr Rachel Nicholls, Health Promotion Advisor, Cancer Society of New Zealand A diet…
Tags: Obesity, Women, cancer
Stanford researchers find intriguing clues about obesity by counting steps via smartphones
Stanford researchers using smartphones to track the activity levels of hundreds of thousands of people around the globe made an intriguing discovery: In countries with little obesity, people mostly walked a similar…
Tags: Adults, Obesity, Walking
The effect of extrinsic factors on food allergy
This was a randomised cross-over trial that investigated whether common extrinsic factors, such as exercise and sleep deprivation can modulate the threshold of responses to allergenic foods in a representative grou…
Tags: allergy, physical activity, sleep
The Upstream Determinants of Adult Obesity
Over-consumption of high-energy foods and a lack of physical activity are the main behavioural risk factors for people to develop obesity. These behaviours are influenced by a range of individual-level factors whic…
Tags: Adults, Obesity
What Is the Relationship between the Neighbourhood Built Environment and Time Spent in Outdoor Play?…
Outdoor play has been associated with children’s and adolescents’ healthy development and physical activity. Attributes of the neighbourhood built environment can influence play behaviours. This systematic review e…
Tags: Recreation, Youth, children, physical activity
What works to promote walking at the population level?
What works to promote walking at the population level? A systematic review by authors Charlie Foster, Paul Kelly, Hamish Reid, Nia Roberts, Elaine Murtagh, David K. Humphreys, Jenna Panter and Karen Milton. Alison…
Tags: Walking
Baby Food Pouches Under the Spotlight
They dominate the baby food section in supermarkets, but could baby food pouches be setting our babies up for future problems with obesity and dental cavities? Squeezable baby food pouches with plastic spouts are d…
Tags: Early Childhood, Food Security
High Obesity Rates Inevitable Given New Zealand’s Unhealthy Food Environments
A major cause of New Zealand’s very high rates of obesity has been mapped in a world-first study from the University of Auckland. A comprehensive study of food composition, labelling, marketing, and prices as well…
Tags: Food Security, marketing
Is Sleep the New Black?
We all know the consequences of too many late nights as we force ourselves out of bed. Parents of young children will be acutely aware of the difference between a tired and grumpy child and one refreshed from a goo…
Tags: sleep
New Statistics from the 2016/17 New Zealand Health Survey
This new data (Tier 1) provides a snapshot of the health of New Zealanders through key indicators on health behaviours, health status and access to health care for both adults and children.Tier 1 Statistics 2016/17…
Tags: Obesity, children
Research Review
The free Research Review publications bring the best of 10,000 global medical journals to your inbox every issue with commentary from New Zealand experts.
Tags: Global, Research
Results of Annual Survey Released
Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa (ANA) has welcomed the results of its 2018 annual stakeholder survey as affirmation of its continued value to the sector. More than 200 members nationwide – ranging from district he…
Tags: Survey
Sport NZ Releases Participation Survey
Sport NZ has released the first report from its new Active NZ participation survey, providing a point-in-time snapshot of participation in sport and active recreation explored through the lenses of age, gender, et…
Tags: Recreation, Sport, physical activity
Study to investigate Māori fruit and vegetable consumption
Dr Geoff Kira, Ngā Puhi, from Massey University’s School of Health Sciences has been awarded nearly quarter of a million dollars to carry out a feasibility study focusing on the tools used to measure fruit and vege…
Tags: Māori, Vegetables, fruit
Transition to School Research
Growing Up in New Zealand has released its latest study report, Transition to school. This is the study’s eighth report and summarises findings from Growing Up’s 72 Month Data Collection Wave. Study Director, Assoc…
Tags: school
We lead the world in butter consumption -that’s not good news
This article was written for the Listener by Author Nicky Pellegrino published 28 February 2017 titled “We lead the world in butter consumption -that’s not good news”
Tags: Obesity, butter, saturated fat
Australasian Child and Adolescent Obesity Research Network (AUS)
The Australasian Child and Adolescent Obesity Research Network (ACAORN) fosters and coordinates research collaboration among Australian and New Zealand child and adolescent obesity research groups.
Tags: Early Childhood, Youth
Global Physical Activity Network (GlobalPANet) (Global)
GlobalPANet provides a dedicated global physical activity communication network. They rapidly communicate the latest research around the globe via its unique e-News and website.
Tags: Global, Research
Health Evidence
Health Evidence aims to help the public health workforce find evidence-based research that can be applied to their environment. This link provides easily accessible research to support public health decision making…
Tags: Research
Large health inequalities across England revealed
There are stark differences in how long people in different parts of England can expect to live a healthy life, according to a new report from the Office of National Statistics. Life expectancy in England has been…
Tags: England, healthy lifestyle, inequalities
Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity Research Group (PANORG) (AUS)
PANORG is an organisation designed to support the Centre for Population Health to advance the promotion of physical activity, nutrition and obesity prevention.
Tags: Obesity, Research