Browsing by Author "MacDonald C"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
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    Domestic violence, psychological distress, and physical illness among New Zealand women: Results from a community-based study
    (New Zealand Psychological Society, 2000) Kazantzis N; Flett RA; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M
    This study aimed to measure the prevalence of psychological distress and physical illness among women in New Zealand, and to identify the risk factors for psychological distress and health, with specific reference to domestic violence. A survey was carried out among a community sample of 961 women aged 19-90 years. Among all women surveyed, 25% were classified as experiencing psychological distress at the time of interview, 22% were classified as experiencing severe symptoms of physical illness, and 17% reported domestic violence by a family member at some point in their lives. Among those women who had experienced domestic violence, the perception that their life was in serious danger and the impact of the violence on their life each contributed significantly to variability in psychological distress (22% variance accounted). An estimated 12% of all cases of psychological distress and 7% of all cases of serious physical illness were attributable to domestic violence. The study underscores the need to improve policy for mental and physical health screening and care for abused women within health services in New Zealand.
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    Factors influencing individual ability to follow physical distancing recommendations in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population survey
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2021-02-14) Gray L; Rose SB; Stanley J; Zhang J; Tassell-Matamua N; Puloka V; Kvalsvig A; Wiles S; Murton SA; Johnston DM; Becker JS; MacDonald C; Baker MG
    Physical distancing (also commonly known as social distancing) is an important non-pharmaceutical strategy to minimise the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. A range of restrictions to promote physical distancing form a key part of the Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) all-of-government response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of physical distancing strategies is highly dependent on buy-in and the actions of individuals, households and communities. This NZ population survey was conducted to identify people’s views on the effectiveness of various strategies, and factors impacting on their capacity to follow physical distancing requirements during Alert Levels 4, 3, and 2 (April 24th–June 8th 2020). The majority of the 2407 participants were supportive of the public health measures implemented to promote physical distancing across Alert Levels. Few substantial differences were observed in relation to demographic characteristics, suggesting high overall levels of understanding and willingness to adhere to distancing requirements. Around half of the participants reported difficulties practicing physical distancing when in public. Reasons included being an essential worker and challenges related to the behaviour of others. These survey findings highlight the willingness of NZ’s population to play their part in eliminating COVID-19 transmission, and the way in which behavioural change was rapidly adopted in line with government requirements.
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    Gender and ethnicity differences in the prevalence of traumatic events: Evidence from a New Zealand community sample
    (John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 2004) Flett RA; Kazantzis N; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M
    One thousand five hundred community residing New Zealand adults were assessed regarding their experience of traumatic events. Sixty-one per cent of those surveyed reported exposure to a traumatic event during their lifetime. Unexpected death of a close friend or relative was the most prevalent traumatic experience for the present sample, whereas combat and natural disasters were the least prevalent traumatic events. Consistent with prior research demonstrating gender differences in exposure to traumatic events, child and adult sexual assault was more common among women, and motor vehicle accidents and combat were more common among men. The present study also found that Maori individuals (indigenous people) had experienced a number of traumatic events to a greater extent than their European counterparts. These results are discussed within the New Zealand social context. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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    National Health Emergency Plan: A framework for the health and disability sector
    (Ministry of Health, 15/10/2015) Johal SS; MacDonald C; Mitchell J
    This edition of the National Health Emergency Plan has been revised and updated to reflect current thinking on the health aspects of emergency management in New Zealand and internationally. It reflects the sophistication of a second-generation, risk-based plan developed by emergency management specialists under the leadership of the Joint Centre for Disaster Research in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The plan was developed in consultation with local and international specialists in the field of emergency management, emergency managers and planners in the health and disability sector, and other key stakeholders. A collaborative, consultative approach has been taken throughout the development of the plan, including holding workshops with health emergency management stakeholders across the nation. Constant contact has been maintained with the concurrent review of the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan Order 2015 (National CDEM Plan) to ensure consistency between the two plans. In acknowledgement of the importance of evidence-based policy and practice, an extensive international literature review formed the basis for much of the plan’s content. To maintain its alignment with the National CDEM Plan, the National Health Emergency Plan will be reviewed by the Ministry of Health within five years of its adoption. The plan will also be reviewed and updated as required following any new developments or substantial changes to the operations or organisation of New Zealand health and disability services, as a result of lessons from a significant emergency affecting the health of communities or the health and disability sector itself, if new hazards and risks are identified, or by direction of the Minister of Health or Director-General of Health. Annexes at the back of the plan are intended to provide a short document format that can be rapidly updated with new or revised guidance on specific issues as they are identified. The Ministry of Health welcomes submissions of good practice that can be incorporated into future editions.
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    Strategies for Implementing a One Welfare Framework into Emergency Management
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-11-03) Squance H; MacDonald C; Stewart C; Prasanna R; Johnston DM; Peli A
    Responding to emergencies requires many different individuals and organisations to work well together under extraordinary circumstances. Unfortunately, the management of animal welfare in emergencies remains largely disconnected from emergency management overall. This is due predominately to professional silos and a failure to understand the importance of human-animal-environment (h-a-e) interdependencies. One Welfare (OW) is a concept with these interrelationships at its core. This paper argues that by adopting an OW framework it will be possible to achieve a transdisciplinary approach to emergency management in which all stakeholders acknowledge the importance of the h-a-e interdependencies and work to implement a framework to support this. Acknowledging that such a transformational change will not be easy, this paper proposes several strategies to overcome the challenges and optimise the outcomes for animal welfare emergency management (AWEM). These include legislation and policy changes including h-a-e interface interactions as business as usual, improving knowledge through interprofessional education and training, incorporating One Welfare champions, and recognising the role of animals as vital conduits into communities.
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    Supporting community recovery: COVID-19 and beyond
    (Massey University, 2021-06-30) MacDonald C; Mooney M; Johnston D; Becker J; Blake D; Mitchell J; Malinen S; Naswall K
    The rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented health, social and economic crisis, the long-term effects which are still unknown. It is clear, however that successful recovery will require strong community mobilisation, engagement and participation. Recovery is about regeneration, building back smarter and better following a disaster event, while providing opportunities to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable community for the future. Successful recovery recognises that both communities and individuals have a range of complex and interrelated recovery needs. These can be addressed within a holistic framework emphasising seven ‘community capitals’ (natural, social, financial, cultural, political, built and human). This summary document is provided for further discussion and to support agencies in their recovery planning and actions in the current COVID crisis as well as other disasters.
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    Supporting older adults in pandemics.
    (Massey University, 2022-12-01) MacDonald C; Mooney M; Johnston D; Tassell-Matamua N; Alefaio S; Stevenson B; Alpass F; Stephens C
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    The impact of childhood sexual abuse on psychological distress among women in New Zealand.
    (2012-02) Flett RA; Kazantzis N; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M; Clark B; Edwards H; Petrik AM
    PROBLEMS: In order to better understand the long-term impact of child sex abuse, this study examined the association between women's experience of abuse, health symptoms, and psychological distress in adulthood. There is limited information about child abuse outside the United States. METHODS: Nine hundred sixty-one women participated in a structured interview. RESULTS: Participants who had experienced abuse (13%) were significantly more vulnerable to psychological distress in adulthood if they were younger, less satisfied with their standard of living, and resided in urban areas. CONCLUSION: Dissemination and evaluation of therapies for the treatment of sex abuse in the New Zealand context is warranted.
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    Traumatic events and physical health in a New Zealand community sample
    (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, 2002) Flett RA; Kazantzis N; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M
    Traumatic event exposure and physical health were examined in a community-residing sample of 1,500 New Zealand adults. Half (51%) reported past traumatic event exposure, 9% reported recent (past 12 months) trauma exposure, and 40% reported no exposure. After adjusting for gender, ethnic, and age differences, those experiencing crime and accident trauma exhibited significantly deteriorated physical health, as measured by current physical symptoms, chronic medical conditions, and chronic limitations in daily functioning. Further research is required to assess the influence of traumatic events on the physical health among adults from other countries, and to evaluate the factors that may mediate or moderate this relationship for different subgroups of the New Zealand population. Limitations of this study are outlined.
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    Updated psychosocial support: Evidence base in the COVID-19 context
    (Massey University, 2021-06-30) Mooney M; MacDonald C; Becker J; Blake D; Gibbs L; Johnston D; Malinen S; Naswall K; Tassell-Matamua N; Alefaio S
    This report summarises the emerging evidence base for psychosocial impacts and psychosocial support interventions in the COVID-19 pandemic in the following areas: The psychosocial and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to date The evidence base for the effectiveness of psychosocial support services in the response and recovery to COVID-19 in supporting individual and community adaptation and well-being A brief overview of psychosocial interventions related to COVID-19 pertinent to the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Emerging impacts from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic include impacts to physical and mental health, exacerbation of disparities, secondary impacts from public health measures (e.g. social distancing), and negative economic consequences. Several groups appear to be more at risk. Evidence suggests that ensuing psychosocial needs are immediate and are likely to continue long term. Psychosocial recovery plans and interventions need, as much as possible, to be evidence informed, flexible enough to stay relevant to the evolving context, address disparities, and adapt to and reflect different cultural and community contexts