Children and youth in care are more likely to have experienced trauma that can affect future health. A comprehensive, trauma-informed health strategy for these children and youth is long overdue.
Overcoming the access barriers and biases that underrepresented and underserved communities face could not only improve research participation but also improve care.
Clive Aspin, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The omission of growing evidence that Māori, and Māori women in particular, have worse health outcomes after HIV infection could derail New Zealand’s elimination plans and exacerbate disparities.
During spring and summer, as more people consider exercising outdoors, a trauma- and violence-informed approach to physical activity can help ensure equity, inclusion, safety and access.
For people who struggle to meet their basic needs, it will take a lot more than simple psychological exercises to flourish. It will take systemic change.
On the surface, sober months like Dry January and Dry February are great. But we need to broaden the discussion around how privilege and policy impact one’s relationship with alcohol and other drugs.
Governance structures that provide opportunities for people to contribute to decision-making would also enhance people’s abilities to control important factors in their life.
Vaccines and medical treatments can only go so far in an unequal society. Facing the ongoing history of racial discrimination and bias in the US would help end the pandemic.
Dougal Sutherland, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Lockdowns can exacerbate existing mental illness, but people without a history of mental illness can also find themselves feeling low, unmotivated and lacking a sense of purpose.
After the CDC changed course in late July, recommending universal masking indoors, Nevada became the first state to adopt a flexible masking policy that can quickly adjust to changing COVID-19 rates.
Socio-economic factors are major barriers to physical activity. New research suggests this is one more reason why disadvantaged people were at increased risk for COVID-19.
People who haven’t gotten vaccinated for COVID-19 often have complex reasons for their relunctance or may face other barriers. Lumping them all together undercuts the vaccination campaign.
Age and education level are the main factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. While this affects Māori and Pacific communities, basic access to health care and information is more important.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University