Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.420605 Preventative health care

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Taking interest in versus disregarding sleep information : Qualitative study exploring the adolescent perspective : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in College of Health at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025) Ross, Isabelle Ellen Silk
    Adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) face unique biological, societal, and environmental challenges in obtaining sufficient sleep, which is essential for their overall health and well-being. Within AoNZ there is limited qualitative research exploring adolescent perspectives on sleep and their sleep behaviours. This study explored how adolescents engage with sleep-related messaging, aiming to understand their access to, interpretation of, and the impact of such information on their sleep practices. Using a qualitative design, three semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 19 adolescents (13 females, 6 males) from two schools in AoNZ. The analysis constructed two key themes: Taking interest in sleep information and Disregarding sleep information, which reflect the dynamic and individualised relationship adolescents have with sleep-related messaging. Participants reported engaging with information from both digital and real-world sources, with personal relevance and source types influencing their engagement with and acceptance of advice. Advice that resonated with their lived realities, particularly around academic and athletic commitments, as well as messaging on formats such as social media platforms were more likely to capture their interest. However, adolescents frequently dismissed messages perceived as impractical, irrelevant, or contradictory. This scepticism usually stemmed from conflicting advice or a lack of actionable strategies. While some participants demonstrated curiosity and trialled sleep advice, these efforts were generally short-lived due to perceived ineffectiveness and barriers such as school schedules, societal norms, and competing priorities. This study emphasises the interplay between personal agency, societal expectations, and environmental constraints, providing critical insights into the factors that may shape adolescent engagement with sleep health messaging. The small sample size limits the diversity of perspectives captured however this study offers initial insights on the context of adolescent sleep in AoNZ. It lays a foundation for future work exploring the nuances of engagement across different adolescent sub-groups. The findings have broader implications for the development of targeted, contextually relevant health promotion interventions to better align with adolescents' complex realities. These interventions have the potential to support adolescents navigate the challenges of maintaining healthy sleep practices while addressing structural and systemic barriers, ultimately contributing to improved adolescent sleep health outcomes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Biochemical characterisation of six novel monoamine oxidase inhibitors identified in tobacco smoke : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Hong, Sa Weon
    Background: Tobacco smoking is supposed to be the most difficult addiction to give up, and nicotine has been observed as the main addictive agent found in tobacco smoke. However, research is showing that nicotine alone does not account for tobacco dependence. One hypothesis is that monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition from non-nicotine compounds in tobacco smoke contributes to nicotine addiction. Six new MAO inhibitors in tobacco smoke have been identified before this PhD project. Overall research aim: The overall research aim for this project was to characterize these six novel monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors identified in tobacco smoke and study their interaction with MAO A and B enzymes. Methods: First, non-nicotinic components of tobacco smoke were tested for MAO inhibitory activity, using the kynuramine assay and recombinant human MAO enzymes. Next, a centrifugation-ultrafiltration method and a time-dependent assay were used as the primary tests of reversibility of the phenolic compounds. Then, Lineweaver-Burke (LB) plots were prepared to understand the kinetics and mechanism of inhibition of recombinant human MAO enzymes by the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Finally, molecular docking and in silico studies using SwissADME and PreADMET web tools were performed. Results: Catechols and hydroquinone showed potent irreversible MAO A inhibition. Among these, 4-methylcatechol displayed the highest activity for MAO A with an IC₅₀ value of 0.267 μM after 1h preincubation. Two PUFAs, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid displayed potent inhibitory effect for MAO A with IC₅₀ values of 15.74 and 23.8 μM, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed that α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are competitive inhibitors of MAO A and MAO B. Molecular docking studies suggest that ternary complexes [MAO B-linoleic acid₂ species (EII)] may be formed. Conclusions: This PhD project showed that six novel MAOIs in tobacco smoke inhibited human MAO A and MAO B isoenzymes. The catechols and hydroquinone are irreversible MAO inhibitors, suggesting they may play a role in contribution to the addictive effects of nicotine and the low incidence of Parkinson’s disease in smokers. In addition, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are found to be reversible MAO inhibitors, suggesting these PUFAs may play a role in the lower MAO levels or activity in smokers. Overall, these findings suggest that MAO inhibitors from tobacco smoke may have pharmaceutical possibilities, perhaps in smoking cessation, or in relief of anxiety or depression or in Parkinson's and Alzheimer disease.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Multidisciplinary, multiple risk factor cardiovascular disease primary prevention programme in community pharmacy : a feasibility study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MSc Programme in Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Alsford, Dave Peter
    Background: Community pharmacy cardiovascular disease (CVD) primary prevention interventions, led by pharmacists, are effective. However, the majority of these have targeted single CVD risk factors and most have not adequately assessed the impact of dietary and physical activity behaviour. A multidisciplinary and multi- risk factor approach that involves collaboration between dietitians (dietary and physical activity consultations) and pharmacists (pharmacological treatment) may provide additional risk reduction benefits for participants. Objective: To assess the feasibility of implementing a community pharmacy-based CVD primary prevention programme using a multidisciplinary approach to motivate lifestyle behaviour change in participants at risk of CVD. The primary outcome was change in estimated five-year CVD risk. Methods: A 16-week single cohort pre- and post-test study was undertaken in two community pharmacies with twelve participants aged 40-74 years who had risk factors associated with increased CVD. Participants received dietary and physical activity advice at baseline and every four weeks by a student dietitian as well as pharmacological management assessment at baseline, 16 weeks and as needed by a pharmacist. Biochemical (blood lipids, blood pressure, HbA1c) and anthropometric (body composition, weight, height, waist and hip circumference) measures were compared at baseline, eight and 16 weeks. Behavioural measures (diet, physical activity and medication use) were compared between baseline and 16 weeks. Results: Eleven participants (68±5.2 years) completed the programme. Significant reductions from baseline to 16 weeks were observed for mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-5.47, p = 0.04 and -4.06mmHg, p = 0.01 respectively) and mean total cholesterol reduced significantly from baseline to eight weeks, (-0.43mmol/L; p = 0.005) but not between baseline and 16 weeks. The average diet quality score significantly improved by 12.6% from 65.9 to 74.2 out of 100 during the intervention period (p = 0.007). Other CVD risk factor measures showed a trend towards improvement. Five-year CVD risk did not significantly improve. Conclusions: Results are comparable to existing literature on interventions to reduce CVD in the community pharmacy setting. Findings within this small cohort, particularly the improvements seen in diet, support the inclusion of dietitians for the primary prevention of CVD in community pharmacies. A larger scale, controlled study will help in determining the extent of efficacy with this approach.