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Injury to Maori. II: Serious injury
1Injury Prevention Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin.
Aims:
To determine the significance of serious injury in Maori relative to other health problems, to describe the leading causes, and to determine age specific rates for major classes of injury.
Method:
We used New Zealand Health Information Services' public hospital inpatient data files. The New Zealand Census classification of 'Sole-Maori' was used to determine injury mortality rates.
Results:
On average, one in every eight admissions in Maori, was for injury. Injury was the leading reason for admission for those 5-44 years old. Unintentional injury accounted for 85% of injuries, with those ages 1-14 and 15-24 years having the highest numbers and rates. Falls, followed closely by motor vehicle traffic crashes, were the leading causes, accounting for 23% and 20% respectively.
Conclusions:
In order to address the priorities identified here, appropriate partnerships between crown agencies and social agencies, both Iwi and/or community based, must be established.