Early Diagnosis Is Key For Pacific Health

Early Diagnosis Is Key For Pacific Health

Arthritis is responsible for higher number of hospital visits for Pacific people according to recently released research. Lupus, along with high rates of gout, is causing elevated numbers of hospital stays. Lupus and gout are both forms of arthritis that occur more frequently in the Pacific population. Arthritis New Zealand calls for greater awareness of these conditions by doctors to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.

Arthritis New Zealand emphasises the impact arthritis has on the Pacific community’s health with the new research that the Public hospital discharge data from July 2000 to December 2002 and population data from the 2001 Census shows that Pacific peoples were six times more likely to have a diagnosis of gout and four to five times of lupus.

Gout is very common, it is estimated that 14% of Pacific men experience gout. This compares with a reported 1 to 5% prevalence of gout in populations of European origin. Men with gout have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Although lupus and gout are completely different forms of arthritis, the message remains the same, early diagnosis and treatments are highly important for both forms.

Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand urges the Pacific community to come forward: “It is well known that Pacific people have poorer health outcomes than other people in New Zealand, we need to take steps to rectify this urgently.”

The role of the GP and primary health are also important. “Our GPs and primary care organisations also need to take responsibility for our Pacific people’s health by checking for symptoms of gout and lupus amongst Pacific clients.”

There are treatments available to help arthritis conditions like lupus and gout. “Gout, in particular, can be effectively managed by taking medications and implementing healthy changes to a person’s diet and lifestyle.”

Notes to editors:
- Arthritis New Zealand appointed their first Pasifika Arthritis Educator, George Vea this year. George, who speaks fluent Tongan, will provide advice alongside other Arthritis New Zealand educators, to those who suffer from arthritis and their families about medication, exercise and diet whilst providing on-going support.
- Arthritis New Zealand provides a range of their information leaflets translated into various different Pacific Island languages such as Tongan, Nuiean, Māori and Samoan.
- Of the 530,000 living with arthritis, over half are female and are of working age (15-64 years).
- It is estimated that there are over 1000 children and young people under the age of 20 years affected by arthritis in New Zealand
- In addition, the burden of disease – the years of healthy life lost because of arthritis – is estimated as 21,491 Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in 2010.
- People with arthritis are 5% less likely to be employed than those without arthritis, based on New Zealand Health Survey data.
- Over 25,000 New Zealanders will not work in 2010 due to arthritis, costing around $1.48 billion in lost productivity in 2010.
- Health sector costs of arthritis are estimated to be $695m in 2010, 22% of total financial costs.
- Hospital costs represent around one third of health sector costs ($237m).
- Public inpatient costs are 42% of hospital costs, and are dominated by osteoarthritic knee and hip surgeries.
- Pathology and imaging together are estimated to be 12% of health sector costs.
- The indirect costs of arthritis ($2.50bn) outweigh health costs around 3.6 to 1
- For more information on Arthritis New Zealand, please visit www.arthritis.org.nz

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