The Diets of Companion Cats in Aotearoa New Zealand: Identification of Obesity Risk Factors

One in four New Zealand cats are overweight or obese, conditions associated with poor health outcomes. As part of an online survey that was conducted from January 2019 to March 2019, NZ residents aged ≥18 years were asked demographic questions along with questions related to the body condition, breed and diet of their cat/s. From the responses, possible owner-related risk factors for developing obesity were identified. Of the respondents, 65.5% (n = 1537) owned cat/s; the owners being more likely to be female, live rurally, or live with children. Most of the respondents fed their cat/s biscuits from the supermarket (63%) and wet food (57%). Almost half (45%) fed their cat/s specialised food from a pet shop or veterinary clinic and gave them treats, with 31% of respondents feeding their cat/s raw meat. Feeding cats a variety of food types may make it difficult to estimate the appropriate amount of each needed to avoid excess caloric intake. In addition, approximately 30% of the respondents did not agree with the correct body condition statement, revealing a need for owner education. These findings highlight important areas of cat nutrition requiring future research to better inform the development of healthy weight interventions for NZ cats.

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Lameness in Sheltered Cows and Its Association with Cow and Shelter Attributes

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9060360 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 360 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Arvind Sharma ◽

Clive J. C. Phillips

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

The Body ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Joint Injuries ◽

Condition Score ◽

Carpal Joint ◽

Associated Risk Factors

The sheltering of old, unproductive and abandoned cows in traditional cow shelters, known as gaushalas, has been practiced in India since ancient times. Cows are kept in these shelters until they die of natural causes. The welfare of the cows in these shelters was assessed through a cross-sectional study of 54 cow shelters in six states of India. A total of 1620 cows were examined to assess the prevalence of lameness in these cows, and the associated risk factors for lameness were identified through the measurement of animal-based and resource-based welfare indicators. The overall lameness prevalence was 4.2%. The majority (86%) had mild to moderate hock joint swellings but no or only mild carpal joint injuries. Approximately one-half had mild to moderate hock joint hair loss and most were free of hock joint ulcerations. Claw overgrowth was present in almost one half of the cows. Lameness prevalence was positively correlated with coat dirtiness, hock and carpal joint lesions, diarrhea and claw overgrowth scores. In a multivariate analysis, lameness prevalence increased as the Body Condition Score (BCS) decreased and was associated with increased udder dirtiness, the ulceration of the hock joint, carpal joint injuries and claw overgrowth. Resource-based indicators measured at the shelter level suggested that an absence of bedding in the sheds and an increase in the gradient of the shed flooring increased lameness. Addressing the principle risk factors identified for lameness in the sheltered cows (low body condition, dirty udders, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, overgrown claws, and a steep floor gradient) may help to reduce this serious animal welfare problem.

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Colony growth and pup condition of the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) on the Kaikoura coastline compared with other east coast colonies

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr05092 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 497 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

L. J. Boren ◽

C. G. Muller ◽

N. J. Gemmell

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Body Condition ◽

East Coast ◽

Colony Growth ◽

The Body ◽

Fur Seal ◽

Seal Population ◽

Condition Indices ◽

New Zealand Fur Seal ◽

Breeding Seasons

Abstract.Since its near extermination by sealing, the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) has been recolonising areas of its former range throughout New Zealand and Australia. This study examined fur seal population growth over four breeding seasons spanning 2002–05 at the Ohau Point and Lynch’s Reef colonies in Kaikoura and the Horseshoe Bay and Te Oka Bay colonies on Banks Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand. Estimates of pup numbers were made using mark–recapture techniques and condition indices were used to assess the body condition of pups in each colony. We found that the Ohau Point and Te Oka Bay colonies are growing exponentially (32% and 47% per annum respectively), reaching nearly 600 pups at Ohau Point and 300 pups at Te Oka Bay, whereas Horseshoe Bay appears stable. Pups born at Ohau Point are consistently heavier and in better condition than their Banks Peninsula counterparts despite the faster rate of growth observed at Te Oka Bay. An El Niño event in 2003 coincided with a drop in mass and condition at the Banks Peninsula colonies, but not at the Kaikoura colony. This discrepancy between colonies in response to environmental conditions suggests that colony-specific variables at Kaikoura may provide more favourable conditions for rearing pups than on Banks Peninsula.

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Investigating risk factors that predict a dog’s fear during veterinary visits

10.1101/598417 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Petra T. Edwards ◽

Susan J. Hazel ◽

Matthew Browne ◽

James Serpell ◽

Michelle L. McArthur ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Behavioral Assessment ◽

Future Research ◽

Veterinary Clinic ◽

Companion Dogs ◽

Risk Of Injury ◽

Breed Group ◽

Chi Squared ◽

History Of ◽

First Time

AbstractAttending the veterinary clinic is an integral part of the physical welfare of every companion dog. However, some dogs experience their veterinary visits negatively, which poses a risk of injury to the veterinary staff, their guardian (owner) and themselves during veterinary examinations. It may also influence the regularity of non-urgent veterinary appointments. To date there has been conflicting data on the proportion of dogs that are fearful during their veterinary visits. In this study, we explored the risk factors associated with fear during veterinary examination and in novel situations (including first time at the veterinary clinic) from 26,555 responses in the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire database. According to their guardians, over half (55%) of companion dogs displayed some form of fearful behaviour (mild-extreme) when examined by a veterinarian, while 14% of dogs exhibited severe or extreme fear. A similar trend was observed with dogs responding fearfully in unfamiliar situations, including the dog’s first time at the veterinary clinic. Chi-squared tests showed every bivariate relationship was significant (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of fear in a veterinary examination were, in order: the dog’s breed group (27.1%), their history of roles or activities (16.7%), where they were sourced (15.2%), their weight (12%), the age of other dogs in the household (9.5%) and dog owner experience (6.3%). However, these risk factors accumulate to explain a total of 7% of variance of fear observed during veterinary examination. Results demonstrate that fear of veterinary visits is common in dogs, but that other factors (including the environment or human-animal interactions) are likely to contribute more to prevalence and severity of this problem than the demographic factors measured here. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future research aimed at facilitating less stressful veterinary visits for dogs and their guardians.

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Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Victimisation

10.26686/wgtn.16958860 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Fleur McLaren

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

New Zealand ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

The Body ◽

Complex Survey ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

Key Variables ◽

Research Questions

<p>Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant issue in New Zealand. Reported rates of IPV for New Zealand over a lifetime are estimated at 26% for women 18% for men. Over a 12 month period reported rates of IPV was reported at three percent for women and one point eight percent for men (Morris and Reilly, 2003). This thesis set out to answer the following research questions:1. What factors are strong predictors for intimate partner violence victimisation? 2. Is victim ethnicity factored out when variables such as SES, income and/or employment status are taken into account? This thesis analysed complex survey data from New Zealand National Survey of Crime and Victimisation Survey 2001 (NZNSCV). Logistic regression analysis was use to investigate the risk factors for victimisation reported over a lifetime and reported in the previous 12 month period (2000). Explanatory variables were selected from existing research that identified key variables for analysis. In answer to the research questions: 1. The strong predictors for IPV over a lifetime were Maori, people aged 25-39 years, females, solo parents, over-crowded households, those on socialwelfare benefits, and those divorced orseparated. For 12 month prevalence of IPV strong predictors were those aged 15-24 years, Maori, lower NZSEI groups, solo parents with children, those in defacto relationships and those who do not own or rent a house. 2. Ethnicity is strongly significant in explaining victimisation even when other variables are factored into the model. In particular Maori reported to be twice as likely to be victims of IPV over a lifetime and three-and-a-half times more likely over the past 12 month period (Morris and Riley). This difference in reporting was not as large when other factors where factored in, however Maori remained at a significantly higher rate of reporting IPV than other ethnic groups, even when other variables are factored in. This thesis adds to the body of evidence on risk factors and strengthens the New Zealand data available, as well as highlighting factors for prevention and areas that policy should be aimed at.</p>

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Evaluating the effects of cardiometabolic exposures on circulating proteins which may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 severity

10.1101/2020.09.10.20191932 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tom G Richardson ◽

Si Fang ◽

Ruth E Mitchell ◽

Michael V Holmes ◽

George Davey Smith

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Multiple Testing ◽

Interleukin 1 ◽

The Body ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Future Research ◽

Current Case ◽

Regulatory Variants ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Antibody Class

Background: Developing insight into the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is of critical importance to overcome the global pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19). In this study, we have applied Mendelian randomization (MR) to systematically evaluate the effect of 10 cardiometabolic risk factors and genetic liability to lifetime smoking on 97 circulating host proteins postulated to either interact or contribute to the maladaptive host response of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We applied the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach and several robust MR methods in a two-sample setting to systemically estimate the genetically predicted effect of each risk factor in turn on levels of each circulating protein. Multivariable MR was conducted to simultaneously evaluate the effects of multiple risk factors on the same protein. We also applied MR using cis-regulatory variants at the genomic location responsible for encoding these proteins to estimate whether their circulating levels may influence SARS-CoV-2 severity. Findings: In total, we identified evidence supporting 105 effects between risk factors and circulating proteins which were robust to multiple testing corrections and sensitivity analyses. For example, body mass index provided evidence of an effect on 23 circulating proteins with a variety of functions, such as inflammatory markers c-reactive protein (IVW Beta=0.34 per standard deviation change, 95% CI=0.26 to 0.41, P=2.19x10-16) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IVW Beta=0.23, 95% CI=0.17 to 0.30, P=9.04x10-12). Further analyses using multivariable MR provided evidence that the effect of BMI on lowering immunoglobulin G, an antibody class involved in protecting the body from infection, is substantially mediated by raised triglycerides levels (IVW Beta=-0.18, 95% CI=-0.25 to -0.12, P=2.32x10-08, proportion mediated=44.1%). The strongest evidence that any of the circulating proteins highlighted by our initial analysis influence SARS-CoV-2 severity was identified for soluble glycoprotein 130 (odds ratio=1.81, 95% CI=1.25 to 2.62, P=0.002), a signal transductor for interleukin-6 type cytokines which are involved in the bodys inflammatory response. However, based on current case samples for severe SARS-CoV-2 we were unable to replicate findings in independent samples. Interpretation: Our findings highlight several key proteins which are influenced by established exposures for disease. Future research to determine whether these circulating proteins mediate environmental effects onto risk of SARS-CoV-2 are warranted to help elucidate therapeutic strategies for covid-19 disease severity.

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COVID-19 and Immigrant Essential Workers: Bhutanese and Burmese Refugees in the United States

Public Health Reports ◽

10.1177/0033354920971720 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (1) ◽

pp. 117-123

Author(s):

Mengxi Zhang ◽

Ashok Gurung ◽

Philip Anglewicz ◽

Katherine Yun

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Strategy ◽

The United States ◽

Community Leaders ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Asian Immigrant ◽

Related Risk ◽

Increased Risk

Objectives Immigrants are believed to be at high risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A leading suspected risk factor is their role in the essential workforce. We aimed to describe COVID-19–related risk factors among Bhutanese and Burmese refugees in the United States. Methods We administered an anonymous online survey in May 2020 among community leaders of Bhutanese and Burmese refugees. Using a snowball sampling strategy, we invited community leaders to complete the survey and share the link with others who met inclusion criteria (English proficient, aged ≥18, currently living in the United States). We compared respondents with and without recent COVID-19 and identified risk factors for infection. Results Of 218 refugees in 23 states who completed the survey from May 15 through June 1, 2020, fifteen (6.9%) reported infection with COVID-19. Being an essential worker during the pandemic (odds ratio [OR] = 5.25; 95% CI, 1.21-22.78), having an infected family member (OR = 26.92; 95% CI, 5.19-139.75), and being female (OR = 5.63; 95% CI, 1.14-27.82) were risk factors for infection. Among 33 infected family members, 23 (69.7%) were essential workers. Conclusion Although we had a small snowball sample, we found that working in essential industries was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection among Bhutanese and Burmese refugees. We call for larger studies that include Asian immigrant subgroups, as well as immediate attention to protecting immigrant essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A Cross-Sectional Description of Parental Perceptions and Practices Related to Risky Play and Independent Mobility in Children: The New Zealand State of Play Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16020262 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 262 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Charlotte Jelleyman ◽

Julia McPhee ◽

Mariana Brussoni ◽

Anita Bundy ◽

Scott Duncan

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Future Research ◽

Emotional Wellbeing ◽

Independent Mobility ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Risky Play ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Stranger Danger

The potential for risky play and independent mobility to increase children’s physical activity, and enhance cognitive development and emotional wellbeing has been recognised for some time. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes of New Zealand parents towards such risky play practices and independent mobility, the barriers preventing them from allowing their children to participate, and how often their children engaged in risky play activities. An online survey comprised mostly of validated scales and standardised questions was completed by a nationally representative sample of 2003 parents. We found that parents had neutral feelings about the risk of injury to their child through play, rather they were concerned about road safety and “stranger danger”. There was strong agreement that there are multiple benefits to be gained from exposure to risk and challenge, and that health and safety rules are too strict. However, 73% of respondents stated that their 5–12 year old child seldom or never engaged in four or more risky activities, and only 14.3% engaged in four or more often or always. While parents agree that their child is likely to benefit from risky play, they do not have the confidence to allow their children to engage in such activities. Future research should address barriers and fears when implementing strategies to facilitate risky play.

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Masculinity Constructs as Protective Buffers and Risk Factors for Men’s Health

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988313494408 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 110-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Ronald F. Levant ◽

David J. Wimer

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Care Practice ◽

Health Care Practice ◽

Complex Relationships ◽

Traditional Masculinity

This study was designed to replicate the study of Levant, Wimer, and Williams (2011), which reported complex relationships between masculinity and health behaviors using a more diverse sample and updated measures. A sample of 589 college and community-dwelling men responded to an online survey consisting of five scales. Levant et al.’s (2011) study was partially replicated—some masculinity constructs were identified as protective buffers for some health behaviors and others as risk factors. The vast majority of the findings that were replicated were risk factors, suggesting that traditional masculinity is more of risk than a buffer, and occurred in the analyses involving Avoiding Anger and Stress and Avoiding Substance Use subscales, suggesting that these health behaviors are most closely associated with masculinity. The results are discussed in terms of limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for health care practice.

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Associations between gestational weight gain and preterm birth in Puerto Rico

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-020-03292-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stephanie M. Eick ◽

Michael Welton ◽

Mechelle D. Claridy ◽

Skarlet G. Velasquez ◽

Nicholas Mallis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Puerto Rico ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Preterm Birth ◽

Gestational Weight Gain ◽

Body Mass ◽

Future Research ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Gestational Weight

Abstract Background Preterm birth (PTB; gestational age < 37 weeks) is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have been previously cited as risk factors for PTB, however the magnitude of association varies across populations. No studies have examined low and excessive GWG as modifiable risk factors for PTB in Puerto Rico, an area with inexplicably high PTB rates. Methods To examine the relationship between GWG and PTB, we conducted a retrospective analysis using birth certificate data files from the Puerto Rico Department of Health from 2005 to 2012. GWG was standardized to a 40-week gestational duration and was categorized into low, adequate, or excessive for each category of pre-pregnancy body mass index using American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Logistic regression was used to determine the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between GWG and PTB. Results There were 320,695 births included in this analysis; 40.6% with high GWG and 27.3% with low GWG. A greater percentage of women with low GWG were less than 20 years of age, had less than a high school education, and were underweight compared to women with adequate and excessive GWG. Women with low compared to adequate GWG had increased odds of PTB (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.30–1.37). However, excessive compared to adequate GWG was not associated with PTB (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.97–1.02). Conclusions Among women in Puerto Rico, low GWG was associated with increased odds of PTB. With the exception of obesity, these associations persisted within all strata of pre-pregnancy body mass index, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy. Future research should examine other factors that may contribute to GWG, such as dietary nutrients, and explore pathways through which GWG may be contributing to PTB.

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Libraries of Babel: exploring library language and its suitability for the community

Library Review ◽

10.1108/lr-04-2017-0034 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 66 (8/9) ◽

pp. 612-627

Author(s):

Michael Alexander Fauchelle

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Information Access ◽

The Body ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Body Of Knowledge ◽

Community Recommendations ◽

Analyse Data ◽

Language Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the different aspects of language that are present in the signage, handouts and websites of public libraries. It discusses the extent to which this language reflects the varying demographics of library clients. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on a qualitative study, which took a document analysis approach and utilised an inductive-coding technique to analyse data collected from four lower North Island libraries in New Zealand. Findings Five language aspects were identified from the collected data: monolingual, bilingual and multilingual language; language context; welcoming and prohibitive language; language consistency; and jargon. The nature and incidence of these aspects were evaluated for each of the four libraries. In some cases, the libraries achieve an accurate reflection of client demographics through their language. However, each library could make some changes to their use of language to better accommodate their distinct communities. Practical implications This paper suggests that modifying library language to better reflect client demographics will contribute to an atmosphere of inclusion, welcome and acceptance. Such an atmosphere will promote information access for all members of the community. Recommendations for change are made, as well as suggestions for future research. Originality/value This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on communication and language in libraries, particularly in a New Zealand context where there is a paucity of research on this topic. This paper benefits libraries and clients by identifying patterns, contrasts and potential improvements.

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