He Mate Huango: an update on Maori asthma

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Disproportionate asthma mortality and morbidity in Maori prompted a 1990 Ministerial Review.
• The Maori Asthma Review identified needs for reduced healthcare costs, enhanced patient education, asthma management plans, and increased Maori participation in services.
• A key finding was Maori underutilization of asthma services, leading to increased asthma severity, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the Maori Asthma Review's work and conclusions.
• To assess developments in asthma research and policy for Maori since the 1991 Review.
• To examine the impact of New Zealand's health reforms on asthma services for Maori.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of asthma prevalence, mortality, and morbidity studies among Maori post-1991.
• Analysis of health policies and government initiatives related to the Review's recommendations.
• Examination of the influence of health sector funding changes since 1993.

Main Results:

• Asthma prevalence is similar between Maori and non-Maori children, but severity is greater in Maori children.
• Asthma prevalence and severity are higher in Maori adults compared to non-Maori adults.
• Health reforms and funding changes have impacted the development and implementation of asthma services for Maori.

Conclusions:

• Asthma management and education require substantial improvement with significant Maori involvement.
• Lack of dedicated, ongoing funding hinders effective long-term planning and implementation of asthma services for Maori.
• Addressing disparities in asthma care for Maori necessitates sustained investment and policy focus.