Browsing by Author "Firestone J"

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    A feasibility study investigating the risk of prediabetes among children in New Zealand
    (Springer Nature Limited, 2025-08-26) Tupai-Firestone R; Cheng S; Corbin M; Lerwill N; Pulu T; Latu L; Dunn H; Pulu V; Firestone J; Fuge K; Tapu-Ta’ala S; Gokhale P; Matheson A; Read D; Borman B; Henry A; Krebs J; Samoa R; Kingi TK; Aitaoto N
    Prediabetes is a non-communicable disease (NCD) that is common in New Zealand (NZ), and it can lead to poor health. The aim of this study was to identify whether there is an increased risk of developing prediabetes among 11–13-year-olds, outside an organised screening programme. Consenting school aged children and their parents completed a series of screening questionnaires including dietary patterns, anthropometrics and socio-economic characteristics. Adapted Australasian Paediatric Endocrinology Guidelines (APEG) criterion was used to identify children at risk of developing prediabetes or have new onset prediabetes. Of the 276 participants, significant differences between Pacific, Māori and non- Māori non-Pacific children were evident among those who: were obese (BMI > 95th percentile); lived in overcrowded homes and in deprived areas. In our study, a large proportion of children (35%) were at risk of developing prediabetes. From our dietary analyses, we identified two distinct dietary patterns from among the children: (1) a diverse diet that included a wide range of foods, but was particularly high in sweet and savoury snacks, takeaway foods, and sugary drinks; and (2) a predominantly vegetarian diet rich in legumes. The study prevalence of prediabetes risk is indicative of childhood lifestyles, and we recommend early screening and better resourcing for promotion of healthy nutrition as preventative measures.
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    Pasifika prediabetes youth empowerment programme: evaluating a co-designed community-based intervention from a participants’ perspective
    (Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 4/02/2021) Firestone R; Faeamani G; Okiakama E; Funaki T; Henry A; Prapaveissis D; Filikitonga J; Firestone J; Tiatia-Seath J; Matheson A; Brown B; Schleser M; Kaholokula JKA; Ing C; Borman B; Ellison-Loschmann L
    This paper provides insights from a community-centre intervention study that was co-designed by youth, health providers and researchers. The aims of the paper were to highlight the effectiveness of a co-designed community centred diabetes prevention intervention, and to determine whether a culturally tailored approach was successful. The study participants (n = 26) were at risk of developing prediabetes and represented the working age group of Pasifika peoples in NZ (25–44-year olds). The community-centre intervention consisted of 8 weeks of community physical activity organised and led by the local youth, a community facilitator, and the community provider. Semi-structured interviews with each of the intervention participants using a Pasifika narrative approach (talanoa) was carried out. Each interview was transcribed, coded and analysed and compared using thematic analyses. The study highlights four major themes illuminating positive successes of the community-centre intervention programme, and conclude that co-designing interventions for Pasifika peoples, should be culturally tailored to meet the realities of the communities and require strong support from associated community providers.