Te maramataka - an indigenous system of attuning with the environment, and its role in modern health and well-being
Authors: Warbrick I et al.
Summary: A conceptual paper has highlighted an indigenous way of understanding the environment, te maramataka, and its connection to health. The paper discusses connections between te maramataka and scientific research on health and the environment, and introduces current and potential applications of te maramataka in improving health and wellbeing. The authors argue that aspirations of good health and wellbeing will not be achieved for Māori unless there is a (re)connection to the natural cycles and rhythms of the environment.
Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(3):2739
Abstract
Indigenous knowledge and the microbiome - bridging the disconnect between colonized places, peoples, and the unseen influences that shape our health and well-being
Authors: Warbrick I et al.
Summary: Increasing cross-talk between Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists and knowledge holders will ensure that the study of the microbiome and its role in improving health has greater reach and more equitable effects. This was the conclusion of a recent paper from Māori health researchers. The paper explores an Indigenous perspective of the microbiome as an unseen influence on health and wellbeing by framing the importance of the natural environment, Indigenous knowledge and leadership, and future research directions that can contribute to this domain. It is intended that the concepts discussed can relate to Indigenous peoples globally.
Reference: mSystems. 2023;8(1):e0087522.
Abstract
Ethnic differences in stroke outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Denison H et al.
Summary: A national cohort study has shown that Māori are more likely to have unfavourable outcomes following stroke than NZ Europeans, after adjusting for traditional risk factors (baseline characteristics, socioeconomic deprivation and stroke characteristics). The study included 5394 NZ Europeans, 762 Māori, 369 Pasifika peoples and 354 Asians who were admitted to hospital with a first stroke between November 2017 and October 2018. The odds of an unfavourable outcome (death, change in residence, or unemployment if working pre-stroke) and of death was increased in Māori vs NZ Europeans at all time points, as was the odds of unemployment at 12 months. There was also evidence of ethnic differences in post-stroke secondary prevention medication. The study authors noted that their findings raise concerns of unconscious bias and institutional racism in stroke services.
Reference: Int J Stroke. 2023:17474930231164024.
Abstract