Validity and practical utility of accelerometry for the measurement of in-hand physical activity in horses.

Background: Accelerometers are valid, practical and reliable tools for the measurement of habitual physical activity (PA). Quantification of PA in horses is desirable for use in research and clinical settings. The objective of this study was to evaluate a triaxial accelerometer for objective measurement of PA in the horse by assessment of their practical utility and validity.

Could community pharmacies help to improve youth health? Service availability and views of pharmacy personnel in New Zealand.

Objectives: To investigate the availability of youth-relevant community pharmacy services in New Zealand (NZ), and the opinions of pharmacy personnel on the appropriateness of these services for young people aged 12-24.

Methods: Pharmacist and pharmacy support staff (PSS) questionnaires were developed collaboratively with a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and were mailed to 500 randomly selected community pharmacies in NZ.

Results: Response rates for questionnaires were 50.

How youth-friendly are pharmacies in New Zealand? Surveying aspects of accessibility and the pharmacy environment using a youth participatory approach.

Background: The international youth population has significant unmet health needs, and there have been many calls to increase youth health care access. Community pharmacies may be able to help address these needs, but very little research has investigated this area and it is not known whether the current community pharmacy setting is acceptable or appropriate for youth.

Objectives: 1) To obtain information on physical factors which could affect young people's use of community pharmacies in New Zealand, including accessibility, opening times and the physical youth-friendliness of the pharmacy environment.

Filling the gaps: opportunities for community pharmacies to help increase healthcare access for young people in New Zealand.

Objectives: To investigate whether there is potential for community pharmacies to help increase healthcare access and address unmet health needs of young people in New Zealand.

Methods: A descriptive secondary analysis of the Youth'07 health and wellbeing survey data was undertaken alongside discussion meetings with a youth advisory group.

Key Findings: Seventeen per cent (n = 1485) of all students had been unable to access care when required in the previous 12 months.

What do community pharmacists think about undertaking screening and brief interventions with problem drinkers? Results of a qualitative study in New Zealand and England.

Objective: Problem drinking is an increasing concern to many governments worldwide including those of England and New Zealand. Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is effective at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing escalation of hazardous drinking patterns into harmful drinking or dependence. Community pharmacy has been suggested as a potential site from which to provide readily accessible SBI services.