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The validity of Maori mortality statistics
P Graham1, R Jackson, R Beaglehole
1Department of Community Health, University of Auckland School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|March 22, 1989
Summary
New Zealand
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mortality Statistics
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality statistics are crucial for public health.
- Accurate ethnicity data is vital for understanding health disparities in New Zealand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of Maori mortality statistics for coronary heart disease (CHD) in Auckland.
- To identify discrepancies between a CHD register and national death registration data.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of CHD deaths (1983-1984) aged 35-64 in Auckland.
- Utilized data from an Auckland CHD register and national death registration.
- Analyzed ethnicity classification between the two data sources.
Main Results:
- 804 CHD deaths identified; 791 with ethnicity data.
- CHD register identified 80 Maori deaths; national data identified 44.
- Maori CHD mortality in Auckland was understated by 82% in national statistics.
Conclusions:
- National Maori mortality statistics for CHD in Auckland are significantly understated.
- Incomplete ethnicity information on death registration forms is the primary cause.
- Improving ethnicity data collection on death certificates is essential.