Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Māori Asthma Hospitalisation Rates Fall
Emma
Andrews, Henare te Ua Māori Journalism
Intern
18 December 2024
Asthma hospitalisations among Māori have decreased, according to a new study, but experts warn there is still a long way to go.
Asthma - the condition that causes airways to swell and narrow - affects one in eight New Zealanders. An asthma attack causes coughing, wheezing, and difficulty with breathing.
The study - conducted by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) - shows a 32 percent drop in asthma-related hospital discharges of Māori, and a 23 percent decrease amongst non-Māori, due to the increased use of inhalers.
MRINZ director Professor Richard Beasley said there was a 111 percent increase in budesonide/formoterol two-in-one inhaler use among Māori within the past four years.
He said it highlighted the quality of primary care in New Zealand.
"This evidence exemplifies how GPs are adapting their prescribing practices in line with evidence-based recommendations, ensuring patients benefit from advances in treatment."
The two-in-one inhaler acts as a preventer and a reliever - used for regular scheduled maintenance and as relief when attacks happen.
Beasley said the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation's guidelines - implemented in 2016/17 - helped with the 'heartening' progress.
"These results are encouraging and show that improved asthma treatment regimens can have a real impact in reducing the risk of life-threatening asthma attacks among Māori."
Despite the positive findings, the study revealed that there was much to do to bridge the health equity gap between Māori and non-Māori.
"There remains a two-and-a-half-fold disparity in hospitalisation rates between Māori and non-Māori, stressing the need to address broader health barriers."
Asthma remains a prevalent health challenge among Māori, often worsened by limited healthcare access, environmental disparities, and socioeconomic factors. The study's authors said safe housing, healthcare literacy, and reduced healthcare costs are crucial for equity.
GP and study investigator Dr Matire Harwood (Ngāpuhi) said persisting inequities showed the urgent need to address the root of these health disparities.
"Solutions that empower Māori through accessible, culturally safe care and systemic change will help create sustainable improvements in respiratory health outcomes."
She said progress happened when evidence-based treatments were implemented in a way that resonated with Māori health needs.
The study's findings offered a model that can benefit indigenous communities around the world, she said.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
LAWA: “Know Before You Go” – Check Summer Swimming Water Quality Online
Official Aotearoa Music Charts: 2024 End Of Year Charts Have Been Published
Nielsen Book NZ: Nielsen BookData Announces 'In Too Deep' Is The Official New Zealand Number 1 Christmas Bestseller
PHARMAC: Pharmac Consulting On Six Medicines For New Zealanders
Athletics New Zealand: Funding Boost Propels Athletics NZ Toward LA 2028 Success
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand: Large Numbers Of RSE Workers Get Immunised To Protect Pacific Island Nations