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We have known for more than 70 years about the harms of commercial tobacco use, as and when used as directed: commercial tobacco use kills.[sup.1,2] Commercial tobacco has been used [...]

The influence of spirituality and religion on the health and well-being of older adults has gained considerable attention as older adults worldwide continue to live long, active lives. This study explores the influence of spirituality and religion on the health and well-being of older Pacific people living in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Using the principles of a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach and talanoa with 39 Tongan, 42 Cook Island Māori and 23 Samoan elders revealed spirituality is essential to Pacific elders' health and well-being. Participants faith in an omnipotent Christian God and the subsequent influence on their relationships with family and community significantly impacted their experiences of health and well-being. Strong relationships with God, extended family and community enabled Pacific elders to live a harmonious life. Religion and spirituality should be embraced as an integral component of health and social care plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundRespiratory disease is the third most common cause of death in New Zealand, with Pacific people living in New Zealand bearing the greatest burden of this type of disease. Although some epidemiological outcomes are known, we lack the specifics required to formulate targeted and effective public health interventions. The Pacific Islands Families (PIF) birth cohort study is a study that provides a unique source of data to assess lung function and current respiratory health among participants entering early adulthood and to examine associations with early life events during critical periods of growth. ObjectiveThis paper aims to provide an overview of the design, methods, and scope of the Respiratory Health of Pacific Youth Study, which uses the overall PIF study cohort aged 18-19 years. MethodsFrom 2000-2019, the PIF study has followed, from birth, the growth, and the development of 1398 Pacific children born in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were nested within the overall PIF study (at ages 18-19 years) from June 2018, and assessments were undertaken until mid-November 2019. The assessments included respiratory and general medical histories, a general physical examination, assessment of lung function (forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity), self-completed questionnaires (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions-3 Level, Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire), blood tests (eosinophils, Immunoglobulin E, Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin M, and C-reactive protein), and chest x-rays. Noninferential analyses will be carried out on dimensionally reduced risk and protective factors and confounders. ResultsData collection began in June 2018 and ended in November 2019, with a total of 466 participants recruited for submission of the paper. Collection and collation of chest x-ray data is still underway, and data analysis and expected results will be published by November 2020. ConclusionsThis is the first longitudinal observational study to address the burden of respiratory disease among Pacific youth by determining factors in early life that impose long-term detriments in lung function and are associated with the presence of respiratory illness. Identifying risk factors and the magnitude of their effects will help in adopting preventative measures, establishing whether any avoidable risks can be modified by later resilient behaviors, and provide baseline measurements for the development of respiratory disease in later adult life. The study results can be translated into practice guidelines and inform health strategies with immediate national and international impact. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/18916

This qualitative study was conducted to explore the experiences of youth living with bronchiectasis in New Zealand (NZ). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth with bronchiectasis. Key themes were identified using an inductive approach through constant comparative analysis and guided by Thorne's interpretive description (ID). Fifteen young people of mixed ethnicity (nine females and six males) aged between 13 and 23 years participated. Three key themes 'sore and tired', 'life interrupted and 'looking after self' were identified. This paper will focus on 'sore and tired' and its three subthemes which describe the participants symptom experience. While there was variability in physical symptom patterns, cough, soreness and fatigue were prominent features impacting physical, emotional and social aspects of day-to-day life. All identified pervasive and profound fatigue as significant. The identification of prodromal symptoms provides opportunity for greater appreciation of the varied and personal symptom experience of young people with bronchiectasis. Early identification of these symptoms and inclusion within management plans for escalating treatment has the potential to improve outcomes, reducing delays in seeking additional medical management and preventing further exacerbation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure symptoms of anxiety, depression and hopelessness in a sample of young Pacific adults living in Auckland, New Zealand during the 2020/2021 COVID-19 pandemic and identify protective factors. Methods: Participants were 267 Pacific adults (58% female) who completed a survey online. Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations, linear regression and symptom network analysis. Results: Around 25% of the sample scored in the range for moderate to severe anxiety and 10% for moderate to severe depression on standard measures. Almost 40% indicated that they found the first lockdown very stressful and 55% noted that some members of their family found it stressful. Only 16% worried about COVID-19 and their future quite a bit or constantly, while another 25% worried sometimes. Self-compassion and Pacific Identity had moderate, negative correlations, and Worry about COVID-19 had weak positive correlations, with anxiety, depression, hopelessness and perceived stress. Conclusion: These results suggest that, while the prevalence of depression and anxiety are quite high among this population, fostering ethnic identity and self-compassion in Pacific children and adolescents might protect against developing depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Participation in the health-care system is a key component of healthy ageing strategies. The number of Pacific people aged ≥65 years in Aotearoa New Zealand will increase significantly over the next decade. Addressing the considerable health inequities and unmet need for care Pacific Island people experience when compared to other ethnicities in Aotearoa New Zealand should be a priority. Aim. To identify barriers to older Pacific people's participation in the health-care system in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods. A participatory action research design was utilised. In total, 104 Pacific co-researchers contributed to focus groups using Talanoa, a traditional method of conversational dialogue deeply rooted in Pacific Island culture. Data were collected in Pacific Island languages from storytelling and conversations shared within the focus groups. Data were translated into English and analysed using a collaborative approach. Results. Three main themes captured older Pacific peoples' barriers to participation in the health-care system: accessing health care; relationships with health-care providers; and understanding the health-care system. Discussion. Older Pacific people have the capacity to influence locally driven programmes to be more responsive to their needs and aspirations. Improving older Pacific peoples' participation in health care will require a commitment to partnership and inter-sectoral collaboration identified in recent ageing strategies. The findings will inform local communities, and policy and practice aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples who are ageing in Aotearoa New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]