Juma Rahman | The University of Auckland (original) (raw)
Papers by Juma Rahman
JSES international, Mar 1, 2024
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mar 1, 2019
Highlights Observational studies have reported inverse associations between 25(OH)D levels and ... more Highlights Observational studies have reported inverse associations between 25(OH)D levels and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. These findings have not been confirmed by recent clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation. Our systematic review identified a small body of evidence that suggests sun exposure protects against high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. These findings support the need for further research to determine if sun exposure has beneficial effects against these diseases independent of vitamin D.
International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Jun 26, 2012
The objective of this review was to explore the situation of coastal water pollution and its impa... more The objective of this review was to explore the situation of coastal water pollution and its impact on child health and pregnancy outcomes in Bangladesh. Background: Globally coastal pollution is of greater significance than inland's for its huge resources and contribution to livelihood. As a result it has been a source of increased Global Burden of Disease by means of consumption of seafood, involvement in risky jobs, and exposure to water related disastrous events. Almost sixty percent of the world's population is at risk of costal contamination and developing countries like Bangladesh, geographically located at the tip of the Bay of Bengal, are facing significant challenges by this form of pollution. Method: This study was based on a critical review of published literature and unpublished documents from 1972 to 2011 retrieved from databases of scientific publications, from public-access search engines, reports from government, international organizations, and non-government agencies, and personal communications. Discussion: Huge noxious pollutants including heavy metals, oil spill and redionucleotides were found in the Bay of Bengal, those have enormous adverse impacts on child health and pregnancy outcomes. This review focuses on children and pregnant women because of their vulnerable physiological conditions to the impacts of environmental factors. The physiological systems of children and fetuses are developing fast and usually are sensitive to disruptions induced by environmental pollutants and exposures in utero increase the risk of future toxic insults. Conclusion: The coastal zone of Bangladesh is one of the vulnerable zones in the world which is predicted to disappear due to climate change impacts. This areas face huge weather-related disasters due to continuous changing coastal-configuration and man-made pollutions. However, these observations are indecisive due to limitations of supportive evidence. Therefore, further epidemiological studies are required to confirm initial observations.
Occupational medicine & health affairs, 2015
Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart ... more Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart and also in their electrolyte level. We conducted a case control study among 50 athletic students of 20-30 years old enrolled from a renowned sport academy of Bangladesh named Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). 50 age-matched healthy non-athlete men were selected as controls. Electrocardiograph was recorded by Bionet Cardiocare-2000 (EKG-2000). Serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels were measured by The Beckman Coulter AU autoanalyzer, and serum bicarbonate level was measured by Dimension. Data were collected during the colder part of the year. In this study, heart rate was significantly (p<0.001) decreased and QRS duration was significantly (p<0.05) prolonged in study group than that of control group. Also, Serum sodium and Serum chloride level were lower and Serum potassium level was higher in study group than that of control group, which were statistically non-significant. These findings support other researchers conducted in different countries worldwide. Therefore routine screening of athlete's will provide information regarding their physiologic adaptation to exercise and also helpful to measure water and electrolyte requirement before going for training session and match play.
Annals of global health, Mar 8, 2017
B A C K G R O U N D Heat waves are increasing significantly in frequency and severity and threate... more B A C K G R O U N D Heat waves are increasing significantly in frequency and severity and threaten the health and income of outdoor workers. Pregnant women workers are particularly at risk due to their delicate physiological systems and accountabilities to future generations. Animal and human studies propose that elevated body temperatures during pregnancy can induce adverse pregnancy outcomes. A n n a l s o f G l o b a l H e a l t h ª 2 0 1 6 I c a h n S c h o o l o f M e d i c i n e a t M o u n t S i n a i .
International journal of disaster risk reduction, Jun 1, 2015
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, Apr 24, 2023
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but ma... more Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but may be underrecognized and misunderstood by people who provide health and social support services. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people employed by the social and community sector in New Zealand. Methods: We conducted an online survey of people working in the New Zealand social and community sector (i.e., social workers, support workers). The survey focused on the following areas: awareness of FASD; knowledge and beliefs about FASD; the impact of FASD on professional practice; and training needs. Results: Most participants reported a basic understanding of FASD, however only 5% felt very well prepared to support someone with FASD. A large majority of participants believed that FASD diagnosis may be stigmatising for individuals or families. Conclusion: There is a need to improve training, professional development, and workplace support for social and community workers in New Zealand to support people with FASD.
Annals of global health, 2020
Background: Researchers across the world are emphasising the importance of hand-washing and limit... more Background: Researchers across the world are emphasising the importance of hand-washing and limited touching of face to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, access to safe water and hygiene is inadequate in many places around the globe; hence T-zone touching restriction is considered more worthwhile compared to other prevention strategies. Aim: A systematic review was carried out to appraise the frequency of T-zone (eyes, nose, mouth, chin) touching in humans to comprehend the challenge of its restriction, and thus support public health professionals to produce evidence synthesis guidance for public. For this systemic review, data were collected by keyword searching, and several online databases were searched. The PRISMA checklist, PECO protocol and STROBE guideline were followed in this review, and pooled data were analysed in R version 4. Result: Total of 10 single arms observational studies were included. The pooled average (SD) facial selftouch per hour was 50.06 (±47) times, and a specific touch of T-zone was 68.7 (±27). T-zone self-touch within the total facial self-touch was found higher R = 0.680, with 95% CI 0.14, 0.91, P = 0.02 and X 2 = 167.63, P < 0.0001. Conclusion: The review found that face-touch is a type of consistent regulatory movements. Control of T-zone touch requires extensive behaviour intervention and community awareness.
Australasian Psychiatry, May 19, 2022
Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for... more Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for an e-Mental Health (eMH) research agenda focused on delivering culturally safe eMH in Aotearoa New Zealand. Method Service providers were recruited to participate in an anonymous online survey, which asked participants to rate the importance of potential research domains and items on a continuous scale from 1 to 10. The mean values of each item were normalised to develop a priority index. Results 48 participants rated at least one of the listed research items. The highest-rated items were (i) identifying strategies to improve access; co-developing eMH with the community (ii) a set of competencies required for delivering culturally safe care, (iii) a set of meaningful clinical outcomes that can be achieved via eMH, (iv) guidelines for the delivery of eMH services and (v) investigating the extent to which eMH could meet the mental health needs of these communities. ‘Standards and guidelines’ was the domain with the highest priority index. Conclusions Mental health and addiction service providers in Aotearoa New Zealand prioritised an eMH research agenda that is focused on pro-equity outcomes and incorporating the voices and experiences of the communities they seek to serve.
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
Background:Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common form of developmental disability bu... more Background:Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common form of developmental disability but may be poorly understood by professionals working with people with FASD. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and practices among people employed by the education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and identify gaps in knowledge. Methods: We conducted an online survey of New Zealand Education professionals. The survey focused on the following areas: Awareness of FASD; Knowledge and beliefs about FASD; Impact of FASD on professional practice; and Training needs. Results: Of the 419 participants, most had some knowledge of FASD and its effects on learning; however, there are still gaps that need to be addressed so educators can provide support to individuals living with FASD. Conclusion: There is a need to improve workforce capacity and develop guidelines that address the needs of front-of-line staff working with children with FASD in education s...
Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2023
Background and Objectives Few studies have investigated the effects of time to treatment initiati... more Background and Objectives Few studies have investigated the effects of time to treatment initiation (TTI) for soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Our objective was to investigate the risk factors for prolonged TTI and the effects of prolonged TTI on local recurrence free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), and disease specific survival (DSS). Method Patients diagnosed with high-grade STS of the extremities and trunk from 2011 to 2020 were included. TTI was grouped into two groups (treatment provided in less than vs. more than or equal to 30 days). Two-year and 5-year survival probabilities were calculated for LRFS, DMFS, and DSS. Cox regression and Kruskal–Wallis tests in univariate analysis were conducted to find risk factors affecting TTI and the survival outcomes. Results In the univariate analysis, diagnosis in the later 5-year period of the study, tumor size, and treatment modality were associated with prolonged TTI. TTI ≥30 days was associated with higher DMFS but no association was found with LRFS or DSS. Tumor size, surgical margins, and provision of surgery were associated with DSS. Conclusion Despite the delay in treatment for STS patients caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our study showed TTI of more than 30 days does not negatively impact patients.
Journal of Intellectual Disability, 2023
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but ma... more Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but may be underrecognized and misunderstood by people who provide health and social support services. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people employed by the social and community sector in New Zealand. Methods: We conducted an online survey of people working in the New Zealand social and community sector (i.e., social workers, support workers). The survey focused on the following areas: awareness of FASD; knowledge and beliefs about FASD; the impact of FASD on professional practice; and training needs. Results: Most participants reported a basic understanding of FASD, however only 5% felt very well prepared to support someone with FASD. A large majority of participants believed that FASD diagnosis may be stigmatising for individuals or families. Conclusion: There is a need to improve training, professional development, and workplace support for social and community workers in New Zealand to support people with FASD.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sun exposure, the main source of vitamin D, may have beneficial effects in humans, including for ... more Sun exposure, the main source of vitamin D, may have beneficial effects in humans, including for cardiovascular health. However, little is known about the characteristics related to sun exposure. Previous studies have surveyed participants with a demographic profile that is restricted by sex and ethnicity. We carried out an analysis to identify factors associated with self-reported sun exposure in a large multi-ethnic study of men and women. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected in a large vitamin D supplementation randomized controlled trial. The weekly amount of sun exposure in the past three months was assessed using a questionnaire. Multivariable prevalence ratios (PR) of high sun exposure (≥ 15 h/ week) associated with demographic and lifestyle variables were calculated using Poisson regression to adjust for covariates. A P-value of < 0.05 (2-tail) was used to determine statistical significance. A total of 5039 participants aged 50-84 years were analysed, who comprised 330 Pacific Islanders, 267 Māori, 242 South Asian and 4200 Other ethnicities (mostly European ancestry). For demographic variables, high sun exposure was associated with sex (higher in males), ethnicity (highest in Māori, lowest in South Asian), and education (highest in those completing secondary level education), but was lowest in the oldest age-group (80-84 years). For lifestyle variables, high sun exposure was associated with higher levels of alcohol drinking, TV watching and physical activity, but was not associated with tobacco smoking. Weekly sun exposure was lower in participants who were overweight or obese (compared to those with normal body mass index), and in those who reported a skin reaction to sun exposure of burning only (compared to those who reported tanning). These associations remained when all variables were included in the same model. In conclusion, several demographic and lifestyle factors were associated independently with the sun exposure, the primary source of vitamin D. Understanding how these factors are associated with sun exposure may refine strategies to minimise vitamin D deficiency.
Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, 2015
Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart ... more Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart and also in their electrolyte level. We conducted a case control study among 50 athletic students of 20-30 years old enrolled from a renowned sport academy of Bangladesh named Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). 50 age-matched healthy non-athlete men were selected as controls. Electrocardiograph was recorded by Bionet Cardiocare-2000 (EKG-2000). Serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels were measured by The Beckman Coulter AU autoanalyzer, and serum bicarbonate level was measured by Dimension. Data were collected during the colder part of the year. In this study, heart rate was significantly (p<0.001) decreased and QRS duration was significantly (p<0.05) prolonged in study group than that of control group. Also, Serum sodium and Serum chloride level were lower and Serum potassium level was higher in study group than that of control group, which were statistically non-significant. These findings support other researchers conducted in different countries worldwide. Therefore routine screening of athlete's will provide information regarding their physiologic adaptation to exercise and also helpful to measure water and electrolyte requirement before going for training session and match play.
Australasian Psychiatry, 2022
Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for... more Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for an e-Mental Health (eMH) research agenda focused on delivering culturally safe eMH in Aotearoa New Zealand. Method Service providers were recruited to participate in an anonymous online survey, which asked participants to rate the importance of potential research domains and items on a continuous scale from 1 to 10. The mean values of each item were normalised to develop a priority index. Results 48 participants rated at least one of the listed research items. The highest-rated items were (i) identifying strategies to improve access; co-developing eMH with the community (ii) a set of competencies required for delivering culturally safe care, (iii) a set of meaningful clinical outcomes that can be achieved via eMH, (iv) guidelines for the delivery of eMH services and (v) investigating the extent to which eMH could meet the mental health needs of these communities. ‘Standards and guidelin...
Prevention Web, 2020
This policy brief is based on the survey of the South Asian community living in New Zealand and t... more This policy brief is based on the survey of the South Asian community living in New Zealand and their coping with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact. The findings of this survey may also be useful for other ethnic groups. Understanding the impact of a pandemic on ethnic minority groups is important to better prepare for transition and recovery strategies, and build community resilience.
The brief concludes that capacity building and community cohesion are therefore essential to prepare the population for a possible future re-emergence of the pandemic outbreak. Some policy recommendations include (pp. 4-5):
Develop a well-functioning data ecosystem to understand outbreak and transmission for ethnicities;
Research and innovative program;
Invest adequately in culture-based community preparedness;
Improve risk communication;
Encourage neighbour-for-neighbour action;
Ensure appropriate psychosocial therapy;
Provide community fund/interest-free micro-credit;
Increase social cohesion.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2018
Ecological studies show that sun or ultraviolet (UV) exposure have inverse associations with bloo... more Ecological studies show that sun or ultraviolet (UV) exposure have inverse associations with blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, recent meta-analyses of clinical trials have not reported a beneficial effect from vitamin D supplementation on BP or CVD. Sunlight may have beneficial effects independent of vitamin D. We carried out a systematic review to appraise the extent and quality of the evidence from human studies. Observational and interventional studies that measured sun or UV exposure, along with BP or CVD, were selected after searching databases. Identified studies could not be combined quantitatively in meta-analysis because of different exposure measures. Solar exposure was inversely associated with BP in 3 out of 4 cross-sectional publications, and with CVD and/or total mortality in 5 out of 6 publications of cohort studies. Two of the cohort studies reported inverse associations between sun exposure and CVD, after adjusting for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Five clinical trials with an appropriate control group were identified, the outcome being BP. Two trials compared UVB with UVA (as control), with only one finding a significant reduction in BP (after 6 weeks). Three trials compared short-term UVA exposure (<30 minutes) with placebo (or crossover control), of which two reported short-term lowering of BP. This review has identified a small body of evidence that suggests sun exposure protects against high BP and CVD, but further research is required to determine if this is independent of vitamin D.
Annals of Global Health, 2016
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015
JSES international, Mar 1, 2024
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mar 1, 2019
Highlights Observational studies have reported inverse associations between 25(OH)D levels and ... more Highlights Observational studies have reported inverse associations between 25(OH)D levels and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. These findings have not been confirmed by recent clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation. Our systematic review identified a small body of evidence that suggests sun exposure protects against high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. These findings support the need for further research to determine if sun exposure has beneficial effects against these diseases independent of vitamin D.
International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Jun 26, 2012
The objective of this review was to explore the situation of coastal water pollution and its impa... more The objective of this review was to explore the situation of coastal water pollution and its impact on child health and pregnancy outcomes in Bangladesh. Background: Globally coastal pollution is of greater significance than inland's for its huge resources and contribution to livelihood. As a result it has been a source of increased Global Burden of Disease by means of consumption of seafood, involvement in risky jobs, and exposure to water related disastrous events. Almost sixty percent of the world's population is at risk of costal contamination and developing countries like Bangladesh, geographically located at the tip of the Bay of Bengal, are facing significant challenges by this form of pollution. Method: This study was based on a critical review of published literature and unpublished documents from 1972 to 2011 retrieved from databases of scientific publications, from public-access search engines, reports from government, international organizations, and non-government agencies, and personal communications. Discussion: Huge noxious pollutants including heavy metals, oil spill and redionucleotides were found in the Bay of Bengal, those have enormous adverse impacts on child health and pregnancy outcomes. This review focuses on children and pregnant women because of their vulnerable physiological conditions to the impacts of environmental factors. The physiological systems of children and fetuses are developing fast and usually are sensitive to disruptions induced by environmental pollutants and exposures in utero increase the risk of future toxic insults. Conclusion: The coastal zone of Bangladesh is one of the vulnerable zones in the world which is predicted to disappear due to climate change impacts. This areas face huge weather-related disasters due to continuous changing coastal-configuration and man-made pollutions. However, these observations are indecisive due to limitations of supportive evidence. Therefore, further epidemiological studies are required to confirm initial observations.
Occupational medicine & health affairs, 2015
Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart ... more Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart and also in their electrolyte level. We conducted a case control study among 50 athletic students of 20-30 years old enrolled from a renowned sport academy of Bangladesh named Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). 50 age-matched healthy non-athlete men were selected as controls. Electrocardiograph was recorded by Bionet Cardiocare-2000 (EKG-2000). Serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels were measured by The Beckman Coulter AU autoanalyzer, and serum bicarbonate level was measured by Dimension. Data were collected during the colder part of the year. In this study, heart rate was significantly (p<0.001) decreased and QRS duration was significantly (p<0.05) prolonged in study group than that of control group. Also, Serum sodium and Serum chloride level were lower and Serum potassium level was higher in study group than that of control group, which were statistically non-significant. These findings support other researchers conducted in different countries worldwide. Therefore routine screening of athlete's will provide information regarding their physiologic adaptation to exercise and also helpful to measure water and electrolyte requirement before going for training session and match play.
Annals of global health, Mar 8, 2017
B A C K G R O U N D Heat waves are increasing significantly in frequency and severity and threate... more B A C K G R O U N D Heat waves are increasing significantly in frequency and severity and threaten the health and income of outdoor workers. Pregnant women workers are particularly at risk due to their delicate physiological systems and accountabilities to future generations. Animal and human studies propose that elevated body temperatures during pregnancy can induce adverse pregnancy outcomes. A n n a l s o f G l o b a l H e a l t h ª 2 0 1 6 I c a h n S c h o o l o f M e d i c i n e a t M o u n t S i n a i .
International journal of disaster risk reduction, Jun 1, 2015
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, Apr 24, 2023
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but ma... more Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but may be underrecognized and misunderstood by people who provide health and social support services. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people employed by the social and community sector in New Zealand. Methods: We conducted an online survey of people working in the New Zealand social and community sector (i.e., social workers, support workers). The survey focused on the following areas: awareness of FASD; knowledge and beliefs about FASD; the impact of FASD on professional practice; and training needs. Results: Most participants reported a basic understanding of FASD, however only 5% felt very well prepared to support someone with FASD. A large majority of participants believed that FASD diagnosis may be stigmatising for individuals or families. Conclusion: There is a need to improve training, professional development, and workplace support for social and community workers in New Zealand to support people with FASD.
Annals of global health, 2020
Background: Researchers across the world are emphasising the importance of hand-washing and limit... more Background: Researchers across the world are emphasising the importance of hand-washing and limited touching of face to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, access to safe water and hygiene is inadequate in many places around the globe; hence T-zone touching restriction is considered more worthwhile compared to other prevention strategies. Aim: A systematic review was carried out to appraise the frequency of T-zone (eyes, nose, mouth, chin) touching in humans to comprehend the challenge of its restriction, and thus support public health professionals to produce evidence synthesis guidance for public. For this systemic review, data were collected by keyword searching, and several online databases were searched. The PRISMA checklist, PECO protocol and STROBE guideline were followed in this review, and pooled data were analysed in R version 4. Result: Total of 10 single arms observational studies were included. The pooled average (SD) facial selftouch per hour was 50.06 (±47) times, and a specific touch of T-zone was 68.7 (±27). T-zone self-touch within the total facial self-touch was found higher R = 0.680, with 95% CI 0.14, 0.91, P = 0.02 and X 2 = 167.63, P < 0.0001. Conclusion: The review found that face-touch is a type of consistent regulatory movements. Control of T-zone touch requires extensive behaviour intervention and community awareness.
Australasian Psychiatry, May 19, 2022
Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for... more Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for an e-Mental Health (eMH) research agenda focused on delivering culturally safe eMH in Aotearoa New Zealand. Method Service providers were recruited to participate in an anonymous online survey, which asked participants to rate the importance of potential research domains and items on a continuous scale from 1 to 10. The mean values of each item were normalised to develop a priority index. Results 48 participants rated at least one of the listed research items. The highest-rated items were (i) identifying strategies to improve access; co-developing eMH with the community (ii) a set of competencies required for delivering culturally safe care, (iii) a set of meaningful clinical outcomes that can be achieved via eMH, (iv) guidelines for the delivery of eMH services and (v) investigating the extent to which eMH could meet the mental health needs of these communities. ‘Standards and guidelines’ was the domain with the highest priority index. Conclusions Mental health and addiction service providers in Aotearoa New Zealand prioritised an eMH research agenda that is focused on pro-equity outcomes and incorporating the voices and experiences of the communities they seek to serve.
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
Background:Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common form of developmental disability bu... more Background:Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common form of developmental disability but may be poorly understood by professionals working with people with FASD. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and practices among people employed by the education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and identify gaps in knowledge. Methods: We conducted an online survey of New Zealand Education professionals. The survey focused on the following areas: Awareness of FASD; Knowledge and beliefs about FASD; Impact of FASD on professional practice; and Training needs. Results: Of the 419 participants, most had some knowledge of FASD and its effects on learning; however, there are still gaps that need to be addressed so educators can provide support to individuals living with FASD. Conclusion: There is a need to improve workforce capacity and develop guidelines that address the needs of front-of-line staff working with children with FASD in education s...
Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2023
Background and Objectives Few studies have investigated the effects of time to treatment initiati... more Background and Objectives Few studies have investigated the effects of time to treatment initiation (TTI) for soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Our objective was to investigate the risk factors for prolonged TTI and the effects of prolonged TTI on local recurrence free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), and disease specific survival (DSS). Method Patients diagnosed with high-grade STS of the extremities and trunk from 2011 to 2020 were included. TTI was grouped into two groups (treatment provided in less than vs. more than or equal to 30 days). Two-year and 5-year survival probabilities were calculated for LRFS, DMFS, and DSS. Cox regression and Kruskal–Wallis tests in univariate analysis were conducted to find risk factors affecting TTI and the survival outcomes. Results In the univariate analysis, diagnosis in the later 5-year period of the study, tumor size, and treatment modality were associated with prolonged TTI. TTI ≥30 days was associated with higher DMFS but no association was found with LRFS or DSS. Tumor size, surgical margins, and provision of surgery were associated with DSS. Conclusion Despite the delay in treatment for STS patients caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our study showed TTI of more than 30 days does not negatively impact patients.
Journal of Intellectual Disability, 2023
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but ma... more Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but may be underrecognized and misunderstood by people who provide health and social support services. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people employed by the social and community sector in New Zealand. Methods: We conducted an online survey of people working in the New Zealand social and community sector (i.e., social workers, support workers). The survey focused on the following areas: awareness of FASD; knowledge and beliefs about FASD; the impact of FASD on professional practice; and training needs. Results: Most participants reported a basic understanding of FASD, however only 5% felt very well prepared to support someone with FASD. A large majority of participants believed that FASD diagnosis may be stigmatising for individuals or families. Conclusion: There is a need to improve training, professional development, and workplace support for social and community workers in New Zealand to support people with FASD.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sun exposure, the main source of vitamin D, may have beneficial effects in humans, including for ... more Sun exposure, the main source of vitamin D, may have beneficial effects in humans, including for cardiovascular health. However, little is known about the characteristics related to sun exposure. Previous studies have surveyed participants with a demographic profile that is restricted by sex and ethnicity. We carried out an analysis to identify factors associated with self-reported sun exposure in a large multi-ethnic study of men and women. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected in a large vitamin D supplementation randomized controlled trial. The weekly amount of sun exposure in the past three months was assessed using a questionnaire. Multivariable prevalence ratios (PR) of high sun exposure (≥ 15 h/ week) associated with demographic and lifestyle variables were calculated using Poisson regression to adjust for covariates. A P-value of < 0.05 (2-tail) was used to determine statistical significance. A total of 5039 participants aged 50-84 years were analysed, who comprised 330 Pacific Islanders, 267 Māori, 242 South Asian and 4200 Other ethnicities (mostly European ancestry). For demographic variables, high sun exposure was associated with sex (higher in males), ethnicity (highest in Māori, lowest in South Asian), and education (highest in those completing secondary level education), but was lowest in the oldest age-group (80-84 years). For lifestyle variables, high sun exposure was associated with higher levels of alcohol drinking, TV watching and physical activity, but was not associated with tobacco smoking. Weekly sun exposure was lower in participants who were overweight or obese (compared to those with normal body mass index), and in those who reported a skin reaction to sun exposure of burning only (compared to those who reported tanning). These associations remained when all variables were included in the same model. In conclusion, several demographic and lifestyle factors were associated independently with the sun exposure, the primary source of vitamin D. Understanding how these factors are associated with sun exposure may refine strategies to minimise vitamin D deficiency.
Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, 2015
Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart ... more Regular intensive exercise and training may cause structural and functional changes in the heart and also in their electrolyte level. We conducted a case control study among 50 athletic students of 20-30 years old enrolled from a renowned sport academy of Bangladesh named Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). 50 age-matched healthy non-athlete men were selected as controls. Electrocardiograph was recorded by Bionet Cardiocare-2000 (EKG-2000). Serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels were measured by The Beckman Coulter AU autoanalyzer, and serum bicarbonate level was measured by Dimension. Data were collected during the colder part of the year. In this study, heart rate was significantly (p<0.001) decreased and QRS duration was significantly (p<0.05) prolonged in study group than that of control group. Also, Serum sodium and Serum chloride level were lower and Serum potassium level was higher in study group than that of control group, which were statistically non-significant. These findings support other researchers conducted in different countries worldwide. Therefore routine screening of athlete's will provide information regarding their physiologic adaptation to exercise and also helpful to measure water and electrolyte requirement before going for training session and match play.
Australasian Psychiatry, 2022
Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for... more Objective To collect mental health and addiction service providers’ opinions about priorities for an e-Mental Health (eMH) research agenda focused on delivering culturally safe eMH in Aotearoa New Zealand. Method Service providers were recruited to participate in an anonymous online survey, which asked participants to rate the importance of potential research domains and items on a continuous scale from 1 to 10. The mean values of each item were normalised to develop a priority index. Results 48 participants rated at least one of the listed research items. The highest-rated items were (i) identifying strategies to improve access; co-developing eMH with the community (ii) a set of competencies required for delivering culturally safe care, (iii) a set of meaningful clinical outcomes that can be achieved via eMH, (iv) guidelines for the delivery of eMH services and (v) investigating the extent to which eMH could meet the mental health needs of these communities. ‘Standards and guidelin...
Prevention Web, 2020
This policy brief is based on the survey of the South Asian community living in New Zealand and t... more This policy brief is based on the survey of the South Asian community living in New Zealand and their coping with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact. The findings of this survey may also be useful for other ethnic groups. Understanding the impact of a pandemic on ethnic minority groups is important to better prepare for transition and recovery strategies, and build community resilience.
The brief concludes that capacity building and community cohesion are therefore essential to prepare the population for a possible future re-emergence of the pandemic outbreak. Some policy recommendations include (pp. 4-5):
Develop a well-functioning data ecosystem to understand outbreak and transmission for ethnicities;
Research and innovative program;
Invest adequately in culture-based community preparedness;
Improve risk communication;
Encourage neighbour-for-neighbour action;
Ensure appropriate psychosocial therapy;
Provide community fund/interest-free micro-credit;
Increase social cohesion.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2018
Ecological studies show that sun or ultraviolet (UV) exposure have inverse associations with bloo... more Ecological studies show that sun or ultraviolet (UV) exposure have inverse associations with blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, recent meta-analyses of clinical trials have not reported a beneficial effect from vitamin D supplementation on BP or CVD. Sunlight may have beneficial effects independent of vitamin D. We carried out a systematic review to appraise the extent and quality of the evidence from human studies. Observational and interventional studies that measured sun or UV exposure, along with BP or CVD, were selected after searching databases. Identified studies could not be combined quantitatively in meta-analysis because of different exposure measures. Solar exposure was inversely associated with BP in 3 out of 4 cross-sectional publications, and with CVD and/or total mortality in 5 out of 6 publications of cohort studies. Two of the cohort studies reported inverse associations between sun exposure and CVD, after adjusting for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Five clinical trials with an appropriate control group were identified, the outcome being BP. Two trials compared UVB with UVA (as control), with only one finding a significant reduction in BP (after 6 weeks). Three trials compared short-term UVA exposure (<30 minutes) with placebo (or crossover control), of which two reported short-term lowering of BP. This review has identified a small body of evidence that suggests sun exposure protects against high BP and CVD, but further research is required to determine if this is independent of vitamin D.
Annals of Global Health, 2016
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015
The aim of this project was to explore whether an improved alcohol screening tool for older adult... more The aim of this project was to explore whether an improved alcohol screening tool for older adults could be integrated within primary health care settings.
This report describes the development and implementation of this tool, which is designed to help health professionals identify and manage older adults at risk of alcohol-related harm.
The report details the training provided to health professionals on the use of this enhanced algorithm. Alcohol use by older adults contributes to the burden of disease and injury in Aotearoa New Zealand and should be addressed.
This tool presents an opportunity to help change the way drinking is perceived and discussed by health professionals, and uses a health focus rather than drinking focus.
This research was produced by University of Auckland, Massey University and Health Solutions Trust, and funded by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand (previously Te Hiringa Hauora | Health Promotion Agency) as part of the 2018-2019 Research Investment for Priorities in Alcohol for research addressing ‘The impact of alcohol on others’.
International Medical Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2024
Covid-19 is associated with an increased incidence of VTE (venous thromboembolism). Use of thromb... more Covid-19 is associated with an increased incidence of VTE
(venous thromboembolism). Use of thromboprophylaxis with
Enoxaparin has been recommended in “Clinical management
of Covid-19 in hospitalised adults” guideline published by the
Ministry of Health (1). In contrast to the modest compliance to
VTE thromboprophylaxis in hospital settings, there was
evidence of high (80-90%) adherence to VTE prophylaxis
prescription in Covid-19 patients (2).
The primary aim of this retrospective audit is to assess the
proportion of hospitalised patients with Covid-19 appropriately
prescribed VTE thromboprophylaxis.
Accumulating evidence from observational studies has shown inverse associations between vitamin D... more Accumulating evidence from observational studies has shown inverse associations between vitamin D status and risk of many diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer ₁,₂. While many recent randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation have reported null results, interest remains in possible beneficial health effects from sun exposure, a primary determinant of vitamin D status ₃. However, little is known about what characteristics are related to sun exposure ₄. Understanding these factors may provide insights into disease prevention strategies, particularly if these factors include some known harmful factors, such as alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking and physical inactivity.