Mei-Ling Blank

2026

Journal - Research Article

Blank, M.-L., & McNoe, B. (2026). A census of sun protective shading at outdoor school pools in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 56, e70020. doi: 10.1002/snz2.70020

2025

Journal - Research Article

Teddy, L., Ozarka, E., Blank, M.-L., Waa, A., & Hoek, J. (2025). A hopeful journey: Responses to efficacy labels from people using RYO tobacco in Aotearoa New Zealand. Tobacco Control. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1136/tc-2024-059164

Blank, M.-L., Donald, S., & Parkin, L. (2025). Small for gestational age coded diagnoses in Aotearoa New Zealand's administrative health datasets: A validation study. Health Science Reports, 8, e70610. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70610

Ozarka, E., Teddy, L., Blank, M.-L., Waa, A., & Hoek, J. (2025). Managing fear responses: A qualitative analysis of pictorial warning labels five years post-plain packaging. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 27, 1059-1065. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntae112

2024

Chapter in Book - Other

Egan, R., & Blank, M.-L. (2024). A framework for understanding spirituality and healthy ageing: Perspectives from Aotearoa New Zealand. In E. MacKinlay & A. Harrington (Eds.), Changing cultures of ageing and spirituality. Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003433996

Journal - Research Article

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2024). Smoking, vaping and drinking: A qualitative analysis of Aotearoa New Zealand young adults who tried e-cigarettes to stop smoking tobacco. Addiction, 119, 686-695. doi: 10.1111/add.16413

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Graham-DeMello, A., Teddy, L., Ozarka, E., Blank, M.-L., Waa, A., & Hoek, J. (2024). Moving beyond fear to hope: A qualitative analysis of responses to efficacy labels from people who smoke. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT-O) Oceania Chapter Conference. 2A-2. Retrieved from https://srnt.org/srnt-o

2023

Journal - Research Article

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2023). E-cigarette flavours and vaping as a social practice: Implications for tobacco control. Critical Public Health, 33(5), 518-527. doi: 10.1080/09581596.2023.2226806

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2023). Navigating social interactions and constructing vaping social identities: A qualitative exploration with New Zealand young adults who smoke. Drug & Alcohol Review, 42, 268-276. doi: 10.1111/dar.13542

2022

Journal - Research Article

Robertson, L., Hoek, J., & Blank, M.-L. (2022). A qualitative analysis of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) uptake and use among young adult never-smokers in New Zealand. PLoS ONE, 17(5), e0268449. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268449

2021

Journal - Research Article

Conner, T. S., Zeng, J., Blank, M.-L., He, V., & Hoek, J. (2021). A descriptive analysis of transitions from smoking to electronic nicotine delivery system (Ends) use: A daily diary investigation. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 18(12), 6301. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18126301

Blank, M.-L., Hoek, J., & Gendall, P. (2021). New Zealand roll-your-own smokers' reaction to novel roll-your-own tobacco packaging warning labels. Drug & Alcohol Review, 40, 1092-1100. doi: 10.1111/dar.13280

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2021). Choice and variety-seeking of e-liquids and flavour categories by New Zealand smokers using an electronic cigarette: A longitudinal study. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 23(5), 798-806. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa248

Egan, R., & Blank, M.-L. (2021). A framework for understanding spirituality and healthy ageing: Perspectives from Aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 33(2), 112-126. doi: 10.1080/15528030.2020.1843588

Strickett, E., Robertson, L., Waa, A., Blank, M.-L., Erick, S., & Hoek, J. (2021). A qualitative analysis of Māori and Pacific people's experiences of using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 23(3), 550-556. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa087

Blank, M.-L., Hoek, J., & Gendall, P. (2021). Roll-your-own smokers' reactions to cessation-efficacy messaging integrated into tobacco packaging design: A sequential mixed-methods study. Tobacco Control, 30, 405-412. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055570

Haggart, K., Robertson, L., Blank, M.-L., Popova, L., & Hoek, J. (2021). It's just steam: A qualitative analysis of New Zealand ENDS users' perceptions of secondhand aerosol. Tobacco Control, 30, 30-35. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055368

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Teah, G., Hoek, J., Blank, M.-L., & Ferguson, S. (2021). Exploring young adults' psycho-social experiences of ENDS use: A qualitative systematic review. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) 27th Annual Meeting. (pp. 224). Retrieved from https://www.srnt.org

Blank, M.-L., Hoek, J., Conner, T., & Teah, G. (2021). E-liquid flavour choices by New Zealand adult smokers using an electronic nicotine delivery system: A longitudinal exploration over 12-20 weeks. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) 27th Annual Meeting. (pp. 223). Retrieved from https://www.srnt.org

Conner, T., He, V., Zeng, J., Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2021). Visualizing transitions from smoking to vaping: An intensive daily diary investigation using smartphone surveys. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) 27th Annual Meeting. (pp. 221-222). Retrieved from https://www.srnt.org

2020

Journal - Research Article

Marsh, L., Cameron, C., Quigg, R., Wood, S., Blank, M.-L., Venter, N., Thomas, L., Robertson, L., Hoek, J., & Sullivan, T. (2020). Is the tobacco 'footfall' argument justified for tobacco purchases in New Zealand convenience stores? Tobacco Control. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056032

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2020). Roll-your-own loose tobacco packaging warning labels: A qualitative study using a novel elicitation method. Tobacco Control, 29, 672-678. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055284

Hoek, J., Gendall, P., Blank, M.-L., Robertson, L., & Marsh, L. (2020). Butting out: An analysis of support for measures to address tobacco product waste. Tobacco Control, 29, 131-137. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-054956

Journal - Research Other

Haggart, K., Hoek, J., & Blank, M.-L. (2020). Flavour capsule variants' performance in a "dark market": Implications for standardised packaging. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 22(5), 853-856. doi: 10.1093/ntr/nty158

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2020). Enhancing roll-you-own loose tobacco packaging warning labels with self-efficacy and response efficacy messages: A qualitative exploration. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 36). [Abstract]

2019

Journal - Research Article

Hoek, J., Gendall, P., Eckert, C., Louviere, J., Blank, M.-L., & Thrasher, J. F. (2019). Young adult susceptible non-smokers' and smokers' responses to capsule cigarettes. Tobacco Control, 28, 498-505. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054470

Blank, M.-L., Hoek, J., George, M., Gendall, P., Conner, T. S., Thrul, J., … Langlotz, T. (2019). An exploration of smoking-to-vaping transition attempts using a "smart" electronic nicotine delivery system. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 21(10), 1339-1346. doi: 10.1093/ntr/nty093

Robertson, L., Hoek, J., Blank, M.-L., Richards, R., Ling, P., & Popova, L. (2019). Dual use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and smoked tobacco: A qualitative analysis. Tobacco Control, 28(1), 13-19. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-054070

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2019). Roll-your-own smokers as tobacco pouch designers. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 34). [Abstract]

Blank, M.-L., & Hoek, J. (2019). Creating RYO-specific warnings: A qualitative exploration. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 27-28). [Abstract]

Haggart, K., Hoek, J., & Blank, M.-L. (2019). Patterns of transition: Cigarette and ENDS use in smoking cessation attempts. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 14-15). [Abstract]

Hoek, J., & Blank, M.-L. (2019). A longitudinal qualitative analysis of smoking to vaping transitions. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 274). [Abstract]

Hoek, J., Blank, M.-L., & Tauai, E. (2019). Pacific young adults' relationship with smoking: A Talanoa-informed investigation. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 259). [Abstract]

Hoek, J., O'Donnell, M., & Blank, M.-L. (2019). How do vaping practices evolve: A qualitative analysis. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 167). [Abstract]

Hoek, J., Haggart, K., Blank, M.-L., & Marsh, L. (2019). Butting out: A qualitative analysis of responses to tobacco product waste. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 130). [Abstract]

Hoek, J., Gendall, P., Eckert, C., Louviere, J., Blank, M.-L., & Thrasher, J. F. (2019). Smokers' and susceptible non-smokers' responses to flavour capsule variant cigarettes: An online survey. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 29). [Abstract]

2018

Journal - Research Article

Robertson, L., Hoek, J., Blank, M.-L., Richards, R., Ling, P., Popova, L., & McMillan, L. (2018). A qualitative exploration of information-seeking by electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users in New Zealand. BMJ Open, 8(10), e023375. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023375

Blank, M.-L., Parkin, L., Zeng, J., & Barson, D. (2018). Proton pump inhibitors and infant pneumonia/other lower respiratory tract infections: National nested case-control study. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, 67(3), 335-340. doi: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001984

Blank, M.-L., Wood, S., & Egan, R. (2018). Layers of engagement: Staff perceptions of spiritual care in residential aged care. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 30(1), 78-98. doi: 10.1080/15528030.2017.1301844

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Hoek, J., Gendall, P., Eckert, C., Blank, M.-L., Louviere, J., & Thrasher, J. F. (2018). Marketing of smoked tobacco in a smokefree world. In J. Conduit, C. Plewa & D. Wilkie (Eds.), Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (ANZMAC): Connect, Engage, Transform. (pp. 360-363). Adelaide, Australia: University of Adelaide. [Full Paper]

Hoek, J., Gendall, P., Blank, M.-L., Robertson, L., & Marsh, L. (2018). Butting out: Strategies addressing tobacco product waste. In J. Conduit, C. Plewa & D. Wilkie (Eds.), Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (ANZMAC): Connect, Engage, Transform. (pp. 356-359). Adelaide, Australia: University of Adelaide. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Blank, M.-L., Parkin, L., Zeng, J., & Barson, D. (2018). Proton pump inhibitor use and pneumonia in infants: Is there a relationship? Proceedings of the 4th Pharmacoepidemiology Research Network Symposium. (pp. 19-20). Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/pharmacoepidemiology

Robertson, L., Hoek, J., Blank, M.-L., & Richards, R. (2018). “It didn’t fill the void”: Reasons for e-cigarette and tobacco dual use. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 16(Suppl. 1), A259. doi: 10.18332/tid/84065

Hoek, J., Robertson, L., Blank, M.-L., & Richards, R. (2018). Vaping-related stigma and dual use: A qualitative analysis. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) 24th Annual Meeting. (pp. 305-306). Retrieved from http://www.srnt.org/

Blank, M.-L., Hoek, J., George, M., Gendall, P., Conner, T., Thrul, J., … Langlotz, T. (2018). Real-time vaping recorded by a "smart" e-cigarette during smoking cessation attempts: A feasibility study. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) 24th Annual Meeting. (pp. 281). Retrieved from http://www.srnt.org/

Hoek, J., Robertson, L., Blank, M.-L., & Richards, R. (2018). Regulation of vaping spaces: A qualitative analysis of vapers' perceptions. Proceedings of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) 24th Annual Meeting. (pp. 147). Retrieved from http://www.srnt.org/

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Blank, M.-L. (2018, November). RYO packaging and improving cessation efficacy. Verbal presentation at the Smokefree 2025 Research Symposium, Wellington, New Zealand.

Robertson, L., Marsh, L., Hoek, J., Richards, R., Cameron, C., Blank, M.-L., Thornley, L., & Bateman, J. (2018, November). A qualitative exploration of tobacco retailers' suitability to sell electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) amid legislative change in New Zealand. Verbal presentation at the Smokefree 2025 Research Symposium, Wellington, New Zealand.

2017

Journal - Research Article

Parkin, L., Sharples, K. J., Barson, D. J., & Blank, M.-L. (2017). Simvastatin dose and acute kidney injury without concurrent serious muscle injury: A nationwide nested case-control study. PLoS ONE, 12(7), e0182066. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182066

Blank, M.-L., & Parkin, L. (2017). National study of off-label proton pump inhibitor use among New Zealand infants in the first year of life (2005-2012). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, 65(2), 179-184. doi: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001596

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Hoek, J., & Blank, M.-L. (2017). Smokefree pregnancy interventions and non-smoking identities. In L. Robinson, L. Brennan & M. Reid (Eds.), Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC) Conference: Marketing for Impact. (pp. 769). Melbourne, Australia: RMIT University. [Abstract]

Blank, M.-L., Hoek, J., George, M., Gendall, P., Conner, T., Thrul, J., … Langlotz, T. (2017). Smart technology: Insights into smoking and “vaping”. In L. Robinson, L. Brennan & M. Reid (Eds.), Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (ANZMAC): Marketing for Impact. (pp. 208). Melbourne, Australia: RMIT University. [Abstract]

Hoek, J., McMillan, L., Robertson, L., Latu, A., Blank, M. L., & Richards, R. (2017). Information seeking by ends users: A qualitative analysis. Proceedings of the 23rd Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. (pp. 29). Retrieved from http://www.srnt.org/

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Robertson, L., Hoek, J., McMillan, L., Blank, M.-L., & Richards, R. (2017, October). Information-seeking by ENDS users: What do they look for and what do they find? Verbal presentation at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference, Hobart, Australia.

Blank, M.-L. (2017, November). An exploration of transitions from smoking to vaping using a “smart” electronic nicotine delivery system. Verbal presentation at the Smokefree 2025 Research Symposium, Auckland, New Zealand.

Robertson, L., Hoek, J., Blank, M.-L., & Richards, R. (2017, October). “It didn’t fill the void”: Reasons for e-cigarette and tobacco dual use. Verbal presentation at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference, Hobart, Australia.

Blank, M.-L. (2017, October). Changing identities: How do smokers become vapers? Verbal presentation at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference, Hobart, Australia.

Blank, M.-L. (2017, October). “Smart” e-cigarettes and smartphones: Real-time data collection among smokers attempting to quit using an e-cigarette. Verbal presentation at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference, Hobart, Australia.

Blank, M.-L. (2017, November). Key findings from the smart e-cigarette study. Verbal presentation at the Achieving a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 Seminar, Christchurch, New Zealand.

2016

Journal - Research Article

Blank, M.-L., Connor, J., Gray, A., & Tustin, K. (2016). Alcohol use, mental well-being, self-esteem and general self-efficacy among final-year university students. Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(3), 431-441. doi: 10.1007/s00127-016-1183-x

2015

Journal - Research Article

Blank, M.-L., Connor, J., Gray, A., & Tustin, K. (2015). Screening for hazardous alcohol use among university students using individual questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption. Drug & Alcohol Review, 34(5), 540-548. doi: 10.1111/dar.12272

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Blank, M.-L. (2015, November). Proton pump inhibitors and infants. Verbal presentation at the Inaugural Pharmacoepidemiology Research Network Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2014

Journal - Research Article

Blank, M.-L., Parkin, L., Paul, C., & Herbison, P. (2014). A nationwide nested case-control study indicates an increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis with proton pump inhibitor use. Kidney International, 86, 837-844. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.74

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Blank, M.-L., Parkin, L., Paul, C., & Herbison, P. (2014). Proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of interstitial nephritis: A record linkage study using routinely collected data from New Zealand. Australasian Epidemiologist, 21(3), (pp. 44). [Abstract]

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Blank, M.-L., Parkin, L., Paul, C., & Herbison, P. (2014, August). Proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of interstitial nephritis: A nationwide nested case-control study using routinely collected data from New Zealand. Verbal presentation at the International Epidemiological Association's (IEA) World Congress of Epidemiology: Global Epidemiology in a Changing Environment: The Circumpolar Perspective, Anchorage, USA.

2013

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Blank, M.-L. (2013, September). Spirituality in a Dunedin rest home. Verbal presentation at the Ageing and Spirituality One-Day Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

Blank, M.-L. (2013, October). Spirituality and aging. Verbal presentation at the Spirituality in Healthcare Evening Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Awarded Masters Degree

Blank, M.-L. (2013). Proton pump inhibitors and interstitial nephritis (MPH). University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/3947

2012

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Noble-Adams, R., Egan, R., & Blank, M.-L. (2012). Evaluation of the Cancer Connect New Zealand service. Cancer Society. 94p.