title: The neuropsychosocial sequelae of multiple sclerosis and the impact for familial caregivers

authors: Brassington, Jan Christie

abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurodegenerative disease diagnosed in young adults. Many people live with the disease throughout their early, middle and late adulthood. It has far-reaching effects for individuals, families, and social networks. The study of its impact is an important precursor to the design of effective, efficient interventions for all concerned. This research sought to examine the physical, cognitive, and psychological effects of MS in a New Zealand community-based sample. Its impact on familial caregivers was also investigated. 

One hundred and two people with MS were assessed over a 14-month period. In comparisons with a demographically-matched control group, the cognitive performance of the MS sample was found to be impaired on psychometric measures of current intellectual functioning, learning, retention, delayed recall, recognition memory, and areas of attention/concentration and executive functioning. The MS sample also reported significantly more psychological difficulties than the control group. No statistically significant relationship was found between the cognitive functioning of the MS sample and their physical functioning, time since symptom onset, disease course, level of fatigue, or medication use. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between the sample’s cognitive functioning and both their psychological functioning and the time since their MS diagnosis. 

Analyses were undertaken with a subset of participants with MS whose cognitive performance was worse than the remainder of the MS sample in relation to the control group. This subset was found to require significantly more changes to their homes and more community services, and they experienced more social handicap than the rest of the MS sample. 
Familial caregivers of the participants with MS reported significantly more symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, significantly higher levels of burden, and significantly less satisfaction with the quality of social support that they received, compared to a demographically-matched control group. The caregivers’ appraisals of the functional impairments of their family members with MS made the most consistently significant unique contribution to the prediction of these areas of caregiver functioning. The significance of these results for people with MS, their familial caregivers, and society at large are discussed.

text: The neuropsychosocial sequelae of multiple sclerosis and the impact for familial caregivers Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurodegenerative disease diagnosed in young adults. Many people live with the disease throughout their early, middle and late adulthood. It has far-reaching effects for individuals, families, and social networks. The study of its impact is an important precursor to the design of effective, efficient interventions for all concerned. This research sought to examine the physical, cognitive, and psychological effects of MS in a New Zealand community-based sample. Its impact on familial caregivers was also investigated. 

One hundred and two people with MS were assessed over a 14-month period. In comparisons with a demographically-matched control group, the cognitive performance of the MS sample was found to be impaired on psychometric measures of current intellectual functioning, learning, retention, delayed recall, recognition memory, and areas of attention/concentration and executive functioning. The MS sample also reported significantly more psychological difficulties than the control group. No statistically significant relationship was found between the cognitive functioning of the MS sample and their physical functioning, time since symptom onset, disease course, level of fatigue, or medication use. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between the sample’s cognitive functioning and both their psychological functioning and the time since their MS diagnosis. 

Analyses were undertaken with a subset of participants with MS whose cognitive performance was worse than the remainder of the MS sample in relation to the control group. This subset was found to require significantly more changes to their homes and more community services, and they experienced more social handicap than the rest of the MS sample. 
Familial caregivers of the participants with MS reported significantly more symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, significantly higher levels of burden, and significantly less satisfaction with the quality of social support that they received, compared to a demographically-matched control group. The caregivers’ appraisals of the functional impairments of their family members with MS made the most consistently significant unique contribution to the prediction of these areas of caregiver functioning. The significance of these results for people with MS, their familial caregivers, and society at large are discussed.

year: 2000

title: Health invaders in New Zealand primary schools

authors: Burrows, Lisette

subjects: health policy

abstract: Escalating concern over childhood obesity rates, children’s eating habits and their physical activity regimes has fuelled the development of multiple health policies and resources. Many of these are reaching into primary schools, contouring pedagogical opportunities and influencing how young people may come to understand themselves as healthy (or not). In this paper, we map the health policy/resource context in New Zealand emergent over the past two decades, examining the form and content of health messages circulating and their incursions into primary school environments. We also consider the potential effects for teachers and students of enduring health ‘invasions’ in the primary school space.

text: Health invaders in New Zealand primary schools Escalating concern over childhood obesity rates, children’s eating habits and their physical activity regimes has fuelled the development of multiple health policies and resources. Many of these are reaching into primary schools, contouring pedagogical opportunities and influencing how young people may come to understand themselves as healthy (or not). In this paper, we map the health policy/resource context in New Zealand emergent over the past two decades, examining the form and content of health messages circulating and their incursions into primary school environments. We also consider the potential effects for teachers and students of enduring health ‘invasions’ in the primary school space.

year: 2015

title: Harakeke (Phormium tenax) ecology and historical management by Maori: The changing landscape in New Zealand

authors: Wehi, Priscilla M.

subjects: ethnobotany

abstract: Harakeke (Phormium tenax: Phormiaceae) is an important weaving resource for the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. This research project investigates Maori knowledge of harakeke ecology and management practices prior to the early 20th century within the context of a study of relevant environmental parameters that limit its natural distribution. Ecological information referring to harakeke was analysed from interviews with elders and ancestral sayings (whakatauki). As well, documents from the late 181h to the early 20th century were examined, and environmental parameters for both harakeke and wharariki (Phormium cookianum) were quantified and analysed using correlative models. 
Interviews with 11 elders (from Waikato and Northland) identified key issues in harakeke management, including 'correct' harvesting procedures, use of natural harakeke stands, and specific use of different varieties. Planting practices varied regionally. Three different methods of excess harakeke disposal were reported, including burning. The 15 whakatauki analysed emphasise the interconnectedness of ecosystems, including pollinator-plant relationships for kaka and bellbirds. Four whakataukirefer to environmental tolerances for harakeke and two to the use of fire to stimulate harakeke growth. Others refer to competition between shoots, nutrient requirements, and the growth and multiplication of harakeke offsets. 
Numerous early reports indicate that harakeke has been cultivated throughout much of New Zealand, with cultivations ranging in size from a few bushes to at least several acres. Thirty six varieties were linked to specific weaving uses. Twenty varieties were cultivated, but ten prized fibre varieties were also harvested from natural stands. Numbers of recorded varieties varied between districts, with 31 recorded in Taranaki but only two recorded by name for Northland. Valued varieties, including raumoa and oue, were dispersed throughout the North Island. Mapping different varieties revealed a wide spatial spread for varieties such as rataroa and oue. Specific management techniques included seed germination as well as vegetative propagation. Early records of harakeke pests were not found. Records of harakeke irrigation and the use of fire indicate that Maori created suitable conditions for new cultivations or pii harakeke, which may also have prevented insect infestation. Cumulatively, there is evidence of extensive active management of harakeke. Wharariki and harakeke were found to have distinct environmental niches, with wharariki better able to withstand cooler temperatures, higher rainfall and greater frequency of ground frost than harakeke.
Predictive mapping of harakeke for the northern region of New Zealand shows a low probability of naturally occurring harakeke in much of the Northland and Waikato interior, and a high probability in coastal areas with warm temperatures. It seems likely that Maori transported harakeke into areas where it was unlikely to have occurred naturally and that some apparently 'natural' stands ofharakeke were created and maintained by Maori.
Maori cultivation, dispersal and active management of harakeke, as well as possible creation of wetland areas, emphasises the importance of harakeke as an economic resource prior to European colonisation, and indicates how the New Zealand landscape may have been transformed. Maori ecological knowledge can contribute new perspectives to restoration ecology and ecosystem research.

text: Harakeke (Phormium tenax) ecology and historical management by Maori: The changing landscape in New Zealand Harakeke (Phormium tenax: Phormiaceae) is an important weaving resource for the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. This research project investigates Maori knowledge of harakeke ecology and management practices prior to the early 20th century within the context of a study of relevant environmental parameters that limit its natural distribution. Ecological information referring to harakeke was analysed from interviews with elders and ancestral sayings (whakatauki). As well, documents from the late 181h to the early 20th century were examined, and environmental parameters for both harakeke and wharariki (Phormium cookianum) were quantified and analysed using correlative models. 
Interviews with 11 elders (from Waikato and Northland) identified key issues in harakeke management, including 'correct' harvesting procedures, use of natural harakeke stands, and specific use of different varieties. Planting practices varied regionally. Three different methods of excess harakeke disposal were reported, including burning. The 15 whakatauki analysed emphasise the interconnectedness of ecosystems, including pollinator-plant relationships for kaka and bellbirds. Four whakataukirefer to environmental tolerances for harakeke and two to the use of fire to stimulate harakeke growth. Others refer to competition between shoots, nutrient requirements, and the growth and multiplication of harakeke offsets. 
Numerous early reports indicate that harakeke has been cultivated throughout much of New Zealand, with cultivations ranging in size from a few bushes to at least several acres. Thirty six varieties were linked to specific weaving uses. Twenty varieties were cultivated, but ten prized fibre varieties were also harvested from natural stands. Numbers of recorded varieties varied between districts, with 31 recorded in Taranaki but only two recorded by name for Northland. Valued varieties, including raumoa and oue, were dispersed throughout the North Island. Mapping different varieties revealed a wide spatial spread for varieties such as rataroa and oue. Specific management techniques included seed germination as well as vegetative propagation. Early records of harakeke pests were not found. Records of harakeke irrigation and the use of fire indicate that Maori created suitable conditions for new cultivations or pii harakeke, which may also have prevented insect infestation. Cumulatively, there is evidence of extensive active management of harakeke. Wharariki and harakeke were found to have distinct environmental niches, with wharariki better able to withstand cooler temperatures, higher rainfall and greater frequency of ground frost than harakeke.
Predictive mapping of harakeke for the northern region of New Zealand shows a low probability of naturally occurring harakeke in much of the Northland and Waikato interior, and a high probability in coastal areas with warm temperatures. It seems likely that Maori transported harakeke into areas where it was unlikely to have occurred naturally and that some apparently 'natural' stands ofharakeke were created and maintained by Maori.
Maori cultivation, dispersal and active management of harakeke, as well as possible creation of wetland areas, emphasises the importance of harakeke as an economic resource prior to European colonisation, and indicates how the New Zealand landscape may have been transformed. Maori ecological knowledge can contribute new perspectives to restoration ecology and ecosystem research.

year: 2005