2011 News Release Archives
Children from lower-socioeconomic area more likely to be exposed to smoke in cars
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Children from a lower socio-economic area in Wellington, Wainuiomata, are 11 times more likely to be exposed to cigarette smoking in cars than in the wealthier suburb of Karori, according to recent research.
Brief mental health intervention programme assists patients and GPs
Thursday, 10 November 2011
A big difference to the mental health of New Zealanders could be achieved by introducing a promising brief guided self-help intervention programme administered by GPs.
Action on climate change policy falls well short
Friday, 4 November 2011
A review of Government policy and action on climate change by researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington and Victoria University shows they fall well short of what is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet even weak targets.
Killing house dust mites on children’s soft toys
Monday, 17 October 2011
Infestations of house dust mites on children’s soft toys can be eradicated by freezing, hot tumble drying or washing with eucalyptus oil and detergent according to new research by the University of Otago, Wellington.
The influence of the internet on suicidal behaviour
Monday, 10 October 2011
A recent study by the University of Otago, Wellington into internet pro-suicide and support sites indicates that significant improvements need to be made in this area to help prevent suicidal behaviour.
Removing retail displays: the next steps in tobacco control
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Health researchers collaborating to support a tobacco-free New Zealand under the banner of ASPIRE 2025 are holding an inaugural seminar this week to learn how Australian States have handled the removal of tobacco retail displays, and to consider the next steps against the tobacco epidemic in this country.
Big increase in potentially fatal necrotising fasciitis disease
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
There has been a significant increase in necrotising fasciitis (NF) or ‘flesh-eating disease’ in New Zealand between 1990 and 2006 according to the first ever nation-wide assessment of the incidence of this disease.
Lack of trained interpreter use may affect patients and doctors
Friday, 9 September 2011
Two studies by the University of Otago, Wellington, have shown that the use of trained interpreters by doctors and health professionals in New Zealand is inadequate, and needs more funding.
Otago rewards up-and-coming researchers
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Six highly promising academic staff members have been recognised through the University of Otago’s latest Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research.
Decision-makers back concept of tobacco-free NZ by 2025
Monday, 5 September 2011
Research led by the University of Otago, Wellington shows that senior officials, health practitioners, decision-makers and opinion-leaders support bold new ways of thinking being explored to achieve a tobacco-free New Zealand.
Some improvements but stark differences remain in children’s wellbeing
Monday, 29 August 2011
The annual Children’s Social Monitor Update shows that although there have been some improvements over the last year, there are still serious concerns about the wellbeing of New Zealand’s children, with stark differences in the levels of ill health, abuse and neglect for different groups of children.
Doctors and public health researchers say shocking diabetes rates can be reduced
Friday, 12 August 2011
Leading medical specialists, public health researchers and nutritionists warn that not enough is being done to prevent the rapidly increasing diabetes rates, largely caused by significant increases in obesity in adults and children in recent years.
Long-acting contraception methods reduce repeat abortions
Monday, 25 July 2011
Repeat abortions are significantly reduced if women use long-acting reversible contraceptive methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) after an abortion.
New national research collaboration aims for tobacco-free NZ
Thursday, 21 July 2011
The University of Otago, together with Massey University and partners Whakauae Research, and Tala Pasifika, is launching ASPIRE 2025, a new research collaboration designed to help achieve a tobacco-free New Zealand.
World expert raises concerns about health inequalities
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Renowned UK epidemiologist Sir Michael Marmot will be the keynote speaker at a wide-ranging symposium on health equity and the social determinants of health being held at the University of Otago, Wellington this Wednesday and co-hosted by the New Zealand Medical Association.
Much still to be done to reduce ethnic and socio-economic health inequities
Friday, 8 July 2011
Although progress has been made in reducing health inequities, an editorial in today's New Zealand Medical Journal proposes the next ten most important actions needed to further reduce significant health "gaps‟ based on ethnicity and socio-economic status in New Zealand.
Health risk from solvent use by lab technicians
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Exposure to solvents by medical laboratory workers may be a health risk according to a new study from the University of Otago, Wellington just published in The Journal of Rheumatology.
Campylobacteriosis cases halved following controls on chicken meat
Monday, 16 May 2011
New Zealand’s success in reducing its food borne campylobacteriosis epidemic is receiving international attention. In a paper just published in the journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, NZ scientists report how both notified and hospitalised cases of campylobacteriosis declined by more than 50% following interventions to reduce campylobacter contamination of fresh chicken meat.
Serious skin infection rates double in children since 1990
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Serious skin infection rates in New Zealand children have increased markedly over the last two decades according to new research from the University of Otago, Wellington.
Rural pubs follow smokefree law
Friday, 15 April 2011
Rural pubs appear to be following the current smokefree law according to a new study. The research by the University of Otago, Wellington has just been published in the latest issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal.
Food insecurity and psychological distress in NZ
Monday, 4 April 2011
Food insecurity appears to be a growing problem in New Zealand and according to latest research from the University of Otago, Wellington is associated with elevated levels of psychological distress amongst thousands of adults. Food insecurity or the lack of access to safe, nutritious, affordable food, not only affects nutrition and physical health, but also the mental health of New Zealanders.
Action needed on poor Māori oral and dental health
Friday, 25 March 2011
Much more needs to be done to improve the oral health of Māori according to a publication launched at the Copthorne Hotel, Waitangi on Friday March 25 at the annual conference of Te Ao Marama, the New Zealand Māori Dental Association.
Maori women have biggest increase in breast cancer rates
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Maori women have had the highest rates and the largest increase in breast cancer over the last two decades according to new research from the University of Otago, Wellington.
Top international clinicians attend cancer symposium
Friday, 11 February 2011
The University of Otago, Wellington is hosting a major Inaugural International Cancer Symposium which will see a stellar cast of overseas and New Zealand cancer experts in the capital city over the coming week, from Sunday 13 to Saturday February 19.
Research finds economic sector uninterested in reports about social and health inequalities
Thursday, 3 February 2011
A report just published by the World Health Organisation from a public health researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington shows that while New Zealand has developed innovative annual Social Reports, these have had varied uptake in addressing health inequities over the last decade.
Public support for smokefree shopping streets
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
A study of attitudes to outdoor smoking on Wellington’s ‘Golden Mile’ of shopping streets has found that 56% of those interviewed believe this area should be completely smokefree.
University of Otago announces new Wellington campus Dean
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
The University of Otago has appointed Associate Professor Sunny Collings as the next Dean and Head of Campus at the University of Otago, Wellington.