ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2689-4474
Current Organisation
The University of Auckland
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Publisher: Bristol University Press
Date: 26-10-2016
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-03-2007
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-12-2020
Abstract: Participants were 5,831 women in their third trimester of pregnancy, part of a large, longitudinal, pre-birth national cohort study. Women reported on their experience of pushing and shoving, throwing or breaking objects within their relationship over the past month. Univariable regression models examined the association of a large number of potential risk and protective factors. Those significant at the univariable level were carried forward into final multivariable analyses, stratified by New Zealand’s four main ethnic groups: European, Māori, Pacific, and Asian peoples. Relationship commitment, reduced family cohesion, and perceived stress were associated with increased risk across ethnic groups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.INFBEH.2019.101388
Abstract: The determinants of talking delay alone or its comorbidity with behavioural difficulties was examined in 5768 two-year-old members of the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study. Using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development inventories and the total difficulties score from the preschool Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, a composite measure was created so that children were categorised as showing no language or behavioural concerns (72.5%), behavioural only difficulties (6.1%), language only difficulties (18.1%), and comorbid language and behavioural difficulties (3.3%). Analyses revealed that antenatal factors such as maternal perceived stress, inadequate folate intake, vitamin intake, alcohol consumption during the first trimester and maternal smoking all had a significant effect on child outcomes. In particular, low multivitamin intake and perceived stress during pregnancy were associated with coexisting language and behavioural difficulties. These findings support international research in showing that maternal factors during pregnancy are associated with developmental outcomes in the early childhood period, and demonstrate these associations within a NZ context. Interventions which address maternal stress management and health behaviours during pregnancy could be beneficial to offspring development.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-05-2022
DOI: 10.1017/S0954579422000311
Abstract: Mind-mindedness (MM) is a caregiver’s tendency to appreciate their infant’s internal mental states. This longitudinal study investigated whether maternal MM (10 months) was linked with children’s later behavioral problems (51 months) and the moderating role of maternal parenting distress (PD 36 months) in a s le of 91 mother–infant dyads. Appropriate MM comments were coded from video-recorded, semi-structured play interactions between mothers and their infants PD was obtained from maternal completion of the PD subscale of the Parenting Stress Index – Short Form (PSI-SF) and child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were gathered from maternal report on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Moderated regression analyses revealed higher early appropriate MM was associated with significantly fewer internalizing emotional problems at 51 months among mothers with lower PD at 36 months, and higher early appropriate MM was associated with lower conduct problems at 51 months in mothers with higher PD at 36 months. Findings demonstrated the importance of considering nuanced contexts such as at-risk mothers and differential presentations of child difficulties in the analysis of the relationship between MM and child behavioral difficulties and the development of MM interventions.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 07-2006
DOI: 10.1037/0012-1649.42.4.613
Abstract: According to autobiographical memory theorists, past event conversations provide children with a framework for evaluating and connecting past events into a coherent autobiography (R. Fivush, 1994 K. Nelson, 1993 M. K. Welch-Ross, 1995). Two studies were conducted to empirically examine the association between past event conversation style and an independent measure of children's self-concept consistency. In Study 1, 50 New Zealand mothers discussed everyday past events with their children at 51 and 65 months of age. In Study 2, 51 New Zealand parents discussed 1 positive and 3 negative past events with their 5- and 6-year-old children. The consistency of children's self-views was assessed in both studies using the Children's Self-View Questionnaire (R. Eder, 1990). Children's self-concept consistency was moderately associated with greater explanation of the causes and consequences of children's negative emotions, resolution through social contact, and evaluation of positive events but not with simple attributions of emotion. These findings implicate parent-child conversations as a medium through which children can begin to understand the personal meaning of past experiences.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-05-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-04-2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-01-2012
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYR206
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.12557
Abstract: To examine prospectively multiple indicators of pregnancy health and associations with adverse birth outcomes within a large, erse s le of contemporary women. A cohort of pregnant women who gave birth during 2009-10. We enrolled a s le of 6822 pregnant New Zealand (NZ) women: 11% of all births in NZ during the recruitment period. We analysed a number of maternal health indicators and behaviours during pregnancy in relation to birth outcomes using multivariable logistic regression. Associations were described using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Three birth outcomes, low birth weight (LBW), pre-term birth (PTB) and delivery type, were measured via linkage with maternity hospital perinatal databases. Small for gestational age (SGA) was then defined as below the 10th percentile by week of gestation. Modelling of birth outcomes after adjusting for confounders indicated patterns of increased risk of LBW and PTB for women who smoke, have elevated pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), or with insufficient pregnancy weight gain. SGA was associated with maternal smoking, alcohol use, insufficient weight gain and nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Risk of caesarean section was associated with having a diagnosed illness before pregnancy, elevated BMI, greater pregnancy weight gain and less pregnancy exercise. Number of risk factor variables were then used to model birth outcomes. Women with multiple risk factors were at increased risk compared with those who had no risk factors. Women with multiple health risks are at particular risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-09-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-03-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2017.04.007
Abstract: To determine whether maternal exposure to green space during pregnancy is associated with birth weight and gestational age, and whether these associations are modified by demographic and residential factors. Data describing 5091 mother-newborn pairs with residential address during pregnancy linked to data describing their green space exposure. Independent associations determined using linear mixed effects models. Maternal exposure to green space during pregnancy was not associated with birth weight and gestational age for the entire cohort. For pregnant women who have not acquired secondary school education, increased exposure to green space was associated with increased gestational age. The provision of green space might prove to be beneficial in terms of increasing gestational age for pregnant women who have not acquired secondary school education qualifications.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/HC18102
Abstract: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONPacific women in New Zealand (NZ) have higher rates of antenatal depression than women from other ethnic groups. AIMTo identify factors that are significantly associated with depression symptoms in pregnant Pacific women living in NZ. METHODSData were collected from 5657 pregnant women, 727 of whom identified their ethnicity as Pacific Island. Antenatal depression symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Depression Scale with scores above 12 indicating elevated antenatal depression symptoms (ADS). RESULTSPacific women had significantly higher rates of ADS than non-Pacific women, with 23% of pregnant Pacific women experiencing ADS. Factors associated with ADS for Pacific women included age & years, moderate to severe nausea during pregnancy, perceived stress, family stress and relationship conflict. Not seeing the importance of maintaining one’s Pacific culture and traditions and negative feelings towards NZ culture were also significantly associated with ADS in Pacific women. One in three Pacific women aged & years experienced ADS. Pregnant Pacific women without a family general practitioner (GP) before their pregnancy were 4.5-fold more likely to experience ADS than non-Pacific women with a regular GP. DISCUSSIONFurther attention is required to providing appropriate primary health care for Pacific women of child-bearing age in NZ. Better screening processes and a greater understanding of effective antenatal support for Pacific women is recommended to respond to the multiple risk factors for antenatal depression among Pacific women.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2006
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2016
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/HC18043
Abstract: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONAsians living in Western countries have a higher incidence of mental health and lifestyle issues, but are less likely to disclose these to health-care professionals due to stigma. Instead, they tend to present to primary care with somatic concerns. AIMTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of a well-validated electronic screening and stepped-care support tool (eCHAT) to identify mental health and lifestyle issues among Asian patients. METHODSA mixed-methods (interviews and survey) co-design approach explored patient and clinic staff perspectives on a translated version of eCHAT (AsiaCHAT). Recruitment was through a large primary care organisation with a high proportion of Asian patients. Of the 307 approached, 277 participated (92% acceptance rate). RESULTSProblems of depression (n = 12) and anxiety (n = 69) were identified among patients, as were sexual health concerns (n = 22) among younger participants. Overall, participants and clinic staff rated AsiaCHAT as a useful and acceptable tool for disclosing and discussing patient concerns. Problems of finances, time constraints and competing demands made long-term implementation challenging. DISCUSSIONAsiaCHAT is a promising tool for identifying mental health and lifestyle concerns among Asians presenting to primary care. The electronic screener supports patient and provider discussion of sensitive topics and the stepped-care support function helps direct care. Its flexible functionality means that there is potential to integrate it into busy clinic settings as well as online patient portals, and the programme aligns with current policy to improve Asian health in New Zealand.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-03-2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 12-2016
Abstract: Exposure to green space has been associated with increased physical activity. However, it is not clear whether this association is because active people preferentially live in greener areas. Relationships between exposure to green space and physical activity during pregnancy are not well defined. Our objective was to determine whether exposure to green space was associated with physical activity in pregnant women. The current study was completed within the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study of 6772 pregnant women. The proportion of green space in each census area unit was determined and geocoded to residential address. The association between exposure to green space and physical activity was determined using logistic regression analyses after controlling for confounding variables. Exposure to green space was not associated with participation in physical activity during first trimester and the remainder of pregnancy once preference for living in greener neighborhoods was taken into account. The lack of association between green space and physical activity found in this study does not necessarily mean that living in green space will not translate into better pregnancy health. Preference for living in greener neighborhoods should be considered when investigating relationships between green space and physical activity.
No related grants have been discovered for Amy Bird.