Willemijn De Bruin

Ms. Willemijn De Bruin


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 August 2020 in Appetite
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MJMichelle R Jospe
Michelle R Jospe
WBWillemijn De Bruin
Willemijn De Bruin
JHJillian Haszard
Jillian Haszard
JMJim Mann
Jim Mann
MBMark Brunton
Mark Brunton
Rachael TaylorRachael Taylor
Rachael Taylor

30 October 2018 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
WBWillemijn De Bruin
Willemijn De Bruin
CSCherie Stayner
Cherie Stayner
MLMichel De Lange
Michel De Lange
Rachael TaylorRachael Taylor
Rachael Taylor
There is an urgent need for strategic approaches to address the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes in New Zealand. Such approaches rely strongly on input from multiple actors in the diabetes and obesity policy space. We conducted a social network analysis to identify influential actors involved with shaping public opinion and/or policy regarding obesity and diabetes in New Zealand. Our analysis revealed a diverse network of 272 individuals deemed influential by their peers. These individuals represented nine professional categories, particularly academics (34%), health service providers (22%), and government representatives (17%). The network included a total of 17 identified decision-makers. Relative capacity of professional categories to access these decision-makers was highest for representatives of the food and beverage industry (25%), compared with nongovernment organisations (9%) or academics (7%). We identified six distinct brokers, in academic (n = 4), government (n = 1), and nongovernmental (n = 1) positions, who could play a key role in improving communication and networking activities among all interest groups. Such actions should ultimately establish effective networks to foster evidence-based policy development to prevent and reduce the burden of diabetes and obesity.