Abstract: The aim of this research study is to explore factors that older women living with comorbid chronic illnesses identify as key to maintaining or improving their quality of life. This study uses a qualitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with three women over the age of 80 who had been diagnosed with more than one chronic illness. These interviews were audiotaped, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. What emerged from this analysis of older women was the need for them to create meaning in their life, which is further explicated through three main themes: (1) coping with changing health, (2) the impact of family, and (3) attitude. Attitude to life and having a positive outlook were all factors these participants expressed as being essential to maintaining their quality of life. The quality of life of these participants is enhanced by the ability of these women to create meaning in their life. They do this by integrating their wealth of past experience into their present, reflecting back on their lives, but still gaining enjoyment from the here and now.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to gain a more complete understanding of cigarette smoking and cessation during pregnancy by examining the men's role in supporting smoking cessation of their pregnant partners. A search of online databases was made for studies published in the last 10 years, in English, that included three phenomena; pregnancy, male partners, and cigarette smoking. Data were identified and organised according to theoretical, descriptive, and intervention methods of research. A growing body of literature indicates an interaction between pregnancy, male partners, and smoking behaviors. Explicating relationships between these phenomena is necessary for understanding and encouraging behaviours that promote maternal, child, and family health. The researchers conclude that current research highlights a need to further investigate the potential relationships, interactions, and health consequences of smoking behaviours of men and women during pregnancy.

Abstract: In this paper, the author explores the concept of 'professional terrorism'. He exposes discrimination against male nurses as being a form of professional terrorism, primarily as it is enacted through use of language. He presents the concept of horizontal violence as a way to understand why nurses, as a marginalised group, perform oppressive acts towards male nurses, who are similarly oppressed. He outlines the cost of such a culture on nursing practice and presents strategies for change.

Abstract: This article offers a literature review of selected factors influencing the health and well-being of older people, with a particular emphasis on the older male. Implications for nursing practice in New Zealand are discussed.

Abstract: This thesis is about caring for males, especially those males who could be considered “difficult” to care for through their use of behaviours such as silence, anger or defensive humour. This thesis is positioned in the view that these behaviours are often expressions of distress, which typically distance males from those who attempt to care for them. The author suggests that the word “distress” more accurately reflects the theme of the thesis, and it is used throughout the work. This thesis explores the interface between gender issues, nursing practice and caring for males. It is informed by a review of relevant literature and data gathered from a focus group of nine registered nurses. The analysis is framed by questions that are developed from a series of reflections on my personal and professional life. Critical social theory, with its emphases on dominant dialogue, power and emancipation is used to inform and guide this analysis. What is most obvious is the contrast between themes arising from the literature and those arising from the focus group. It appears that the literature, in the main, is critical of males in regard to concepts of masculinity, issues related to gender, and men's health. Males are portrayed as arbitrators of their own misfortune, as deliberately choosing a lifestyle that reflects poorly on their health, their self-expression, and communication with others. Concepts such as power and control over others, both at a societal and individual level, often feature. Conversely, the literature is noticeably lacking in regard to information about the health related experiences of males and about caring for males. In contrast, the participants of the focus group frame their discussion in the positive. For example, they suggest that males are interested in their health but require an environment that supports this expression of interest. They support this by identifying a range of behaviours they believe are effective in caring for males. The participants also suggest that it is the registered nurse rather than the male who manages issues to do with power and control. The thesis concludes that creating and sustaining an environment supportive of, and sensitive to the needs of males, is an activity that requires considerable thought, skill and experience. These areas are not adequately addressed in academic dialogue, research activity, or in the education of registered nurses. The thesis suggests that this situation is inconsistent with an ethic of care and that nursing should make a priority of broadening its research and knowledge base to better understand and care for males.

Abstract: This article describes the role of men in the nursing profession in New Zealand from colonial times to the 1970s. It considers attitudes towards male nurses, the provision of training for men and the various laws and regulations dealing with the issue.

Abstract: This article, drawn from a larger study, reports on the factors that have influenced the choice of a group of New Zealand male nurses' clinical career pathways. Using discourse analysis, interview data from 18 participants were analysed and related to existing literature on male nurses. The analysis revealed that the predominance of men in selected areas of nursing can be attributed to multiple factors including: socialisation pressures that are grounded on gender stereotyping, a desire for challenge, homosocial tendencies, and the belief that multiple work experience equips them to be better nurses. The results challenge essentialist readings of masculinity within the context of nursing and identifies challenges for nursing education and the profession to enable men to contribute more widely to nursing.