Maori Health

Question 1

What is the current health status of Māori in New Zealand?

Answer 1

Māori health status is concerning, with high rates of infectious diseases and non-communicable chronic diseases such as cancers, mental disorders, and obesity.

The disparities in health outcomes are influenced by factors outside clinical settings.

Question 2

What historical agreement is significant for Māori rights in New Zealand?

Answer 2

The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) is significant for Māori rights, ensuring protection of Indigenous rights and equal privileges as British subjects.

The Treaty was signed in 1840.

Question 3

What are the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi relevant to health and social policies?

Answer 3

• Partnership
• Protection
• Participation

These principles guide contemporary policies, including health and education.

Question 4

What was the Māori population in New Zealand in 2020?

Answer 4

Approximately 850,500, making up 17% of the total population.

46% identified as Māori only.

Question 5

What is the life expectancy for Māori males and females as of 2021?

Answer 5

73 years for males and 77 years for females.

Non-Māori life expectancy is higher at 79 years for males and 83 years for females.

Question 6

What are the primary causes of higher infant mortality in Māori?

Answer 6

Māori infants die more frequently from sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and have lower birth weights.

This contributes to overall higher mortality rates.

Question 7

Which chronic diseases are more prevalent in Māori adults compared to non-Māori?

Answer 7

• Coronary heart disease (CHD)
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Chronic pain
• Arthritis

These conditions contribute to the overall health disparities.

Question 8

How does Māori fertility compare to the national average?

Answer 8

Māori fertility rate is 2.3 births per woman, compared to the national average of 1.8.

This gap is predicted to close in the coming years.

Question 9

What are some contributing factors to reduced fertility in Māori women?

Answer 9

• High rates of gonorrhoea
• Higher rates of Chlamydia
• Increased ectopic pregnancies

Social determinants and access to contraception also play a role.

Question 10

What is the leading cause of death in New Zealand?

Answer 10

Cardiovascular diseases account for 40% of all deaths.

Māori account for 30% of these deaths.

Question 11

What are common risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Māori?

Answer 11

• Smoking
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Māori present with multiple risk factors more frequently than non-Māori.

Question 12

What disparities exist in treatment for coronary heart disease between Māori and non-Māori?

Answer 12

Māori receive fewer coronary artery procedures and wait longer for treatment than non-Māori.

This includes significantly fewer angiographies and bypass grafts.

Question 13

What trend has been observed in death rates from ischaemic heart disease for Māori and non-Māori?

Answer 13

Death rates have been declining but remain higher for Māori than non-Māori.

Question 14

What percentage more likely are Māori to die at admission compared to non-Māori?

Answer 14

40% more likely.

Question 15

List some comorbidities that contribute to increased risk for Māori in cardiac interventions.

Answer 15

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking

Question 16

What is the difference in treatment settings for Māori and non-Māori with the same cardiac condition?

Answer 16

Māori are treated in general wards rather than cardiology wards.

Question 17

What is the hospitalization rate for stroke among Māori compared to non-Māori?

Answer 17

Hospitalization rates are doubled for Māori.

Question 18

What is the incidence rate of acute rheumatic fever in New Zealand?

Answer 18

About 9 cases per 100,000 people.

Question 19

What age group is most affected by acute rheumatic fever?

Answer 19

Children aged 5–14 years.

Question 20

What is the autoimmune consequence of infection with group A beta (β)-haemolytic streptococcus?

Answer 20

Acute rheumatic fever.

Question 21

What are some factors contributing to high incidence of rheumatic fever in Māori?

Answer 21

• Poor living conditions
• Inadequate hygiene practices
• Lack of access to medical care
• Overcrowding

Question 22

What is the relationship between diabetes incidence in Māori and non-Māori?

Answer 22

Diabetes incidence is three times higher in Māori.

Question 23

What are some modifiable factors associated with type 2 diabetes?

Answer 23

• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking

Question 24

What is the main risk factor for chronic kidney disease in Māori?

Answer 24

Diagnosis of diabetes.

Question 25

What is the cancer mortality rate trend from 1999 to 2018 for Māori?

Answer 25

Dropped by 8.9%.

Question 26

What type of cancer has a higher incidence in Māori women compared to non-Māori?

Answer 26

Cervical cancer.

Question 27

True or False: Māori children are less likely to take asthma medication compared to non-Māori children.

Answer 27

False.

Question 28

What is a significant risk factor for asthma in New Zealand?

Answer 28

Living in deprived areas.

Question 29

What age range is most affected by asthma?

Answer 29

2–14 years ## Footnote Rates are higher among boys and Māori children living in the most deprived areas.

Question 30

What is the hospitalization rate for Māori compared to non-Māori due to asthma?

Answer 30

Three times more likely

Question 31

What gene mutation has been confirmed in the McLeod whānau related to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

Answer 31

E-cadherin (CDH1) gene

Question 32

What is the role of E-cadherin in normal cells?

Answer 32

It provides protection against cancer by keeping neighboring cells adhered to each other.

Question 33

What percentage of people diagnosed with diffuse gastric carcinomas express the CDH1 mutation?

Answer 33

50%

Question 34

What is the anticipated lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among Māori?

Answer 34

Over half

Question 35

What are the most common mental health disorders experienced by Māori?

Answer 35

* Anxiety * Substance abuse * Mood disorders

Question 36

Māori children have higher rates of _______ compared to non-Māori children.

Answer 36

Infection

Question 37

What are the common infectious diseases affecting Māori?

Answer 37

* Rheumatic fever * Meningitis * Tuberculosis * Sexually transmitted infections

Question 38

What bacterium causes meningococcal disease?

Answer 38

Neisseria meningitidis

Question 39

Which groups of meningococcal bacteria are most likely to cause disease in New Zealand?

Answer 39

* B * W

Question 40

What was the vaccine introduced to combat a meningococcal epidemic in New Zealand?

Answer 40

MeNZBTM

Question 41

What are common dental issues faced by Māori?

Answer 41

* Untreated decay * Tooth removal due to decay

Question 42

What is the impact of poor oral health on overall health?

Answer 42

Increased risk of bacterial endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and heart failure.

Question 43

Māori children are _____ times more likely to present with chronic conditions requiring intervention.

Answer 43

Higher rates

Question 44

What are the common causes of skin infections among Māori children?

Answer 44

* Cellulitis * Impetigo * Scabies * Eczema

Question 45

What is the leading cause of death for Māori in the first three decades of life?

Answer 45

Injury

Question 46

List some obesity-related diseases that Māori are at risk of.

Answer 46

* Cardiovascular disease * Type 2 diabetes * Myocardial infarction * Hypertension

Question 47

What are some dietary risk factors for Māori related to obesity?

Answer 47

* Socioeconomic determinants * High consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fat * Low access to fresh meat and vegetables

Question 48

What initiatives have been introduced to promote healthy eating among Māori?

Answer 48

* Subsidising healthy foods * Junk food marketing restrictions * Promotion of active transport

Question 49

What is the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand?

Answer 49

Tobacco usage

Question 50

True or False: Māori smoking rates are lower than non-Māori across all age groups.

Answer 50

False

Question 51

What health issues are directly related to smoking among Māori?

Answer 51

* Respiratory diseases * Cardiovascular diseases * Early mortality

Question 52

What is the average number of standard drinks consumed by binge drinkers among Māori?

Answer 52

10 or more drinks on their most recent occasion

Question 53

What are some chronic health problems linked to alcohol consumption?

Answer 53

* Cirrhosis of the liver * Fetal alcohol syndrome * Mental health disorders * Cancers

Question 54

What are some social determinants of Māori health?

Answer 54

* Education * Income * Unemployment * Housing

Question 55

What impact does poverty have on cognitive development and educational outcomes?

Answer 55

Starts in utero, with higher risks of low birth weight and low IQ

Question 56

What are some health issues associated with overcrowding in Māori households?

Answer 56

* Meningococcal disease * Tuberculosis * Acute rheumatic fever

Question 57

What has been the trend in crowding for Māori households over the past two decades?

Answer 57

Decline, but disparity with non-Māori persists