Medical Research & Journals | Free Research Review Medical Studies Publications

ISSN ISSN 1178-6191

In this issue:

Barriers to early diagnosis of lung cancer in Māori
Affirmative action programmes in specialist training
Priorities for midwifery education
Ethnic disparities in diabetes morbidity and mortality
Policies for Māori infant mortality
Indigenous perspectives on breaking bad news
Māori and Pacific people’s experience of vaping
Human papilloma virus self-testing in Māori women
Understanding oceanhuman relationships
Indigenous autonomy and streetscape enhancement
Global eye health

Tēnā koutou katoa

Nau mai, haere mai ki a Māori Health Review. We aim to bring you top Māori and Indigenous health research from Aotearoa and internationally. Ngā mihi nui ki Manatu Hauora Māori for sponsoring this review, which comes to you every two months. Ko te manu e kai i te miro nōna te ngahere, Ko te manu kai i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.

Welcome to the 90th issue of Māori Health Review.

In this issue, we feature a convincing paper showing that human papilloma virus self-testing significantly increases screening rates in Māori women compared with conventional smear testing. We also include the Lancet Global Health Commission on global eye health, a very extensive report which argues for eye health as an essential component of universal health coverage.

We hope you find this issue informative and of value in your daily practice. We welcome your comments and feedback.

Nga mihi
Dr Matire Harwood
matire@maorihealthreview.co.nz

Hā Ora: secondary care barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer for Māori communities

Authors: Kidd J et al.

Summary: Improved communication and understanding of cultural needs is needed within healthcare services involved in the secondary care of lung cancer in Māori communities. A kaupapa Māori approach was used to carry out 9 community hui and 9 primary healthcare provider hui in 5 rural localities in the Midland region of New Zealand. Barriers and enablers in specialist services and treatment related to access to care, engagement with specialists, communication with specialist services and cultural values and respect. Barriers and enablers in the whānau journey related to agency and the impact on whānau. Findings also highlighted the active efforts made by whānau to foster health literacy in future generations.

Comment: There is more research targeted at improving lung cancer outcomes for Māori and whānau. This is really good to see, particularly when studies such as these focus on building a responsive system, and on whanau strengths, to achieve equity.

Reference: BMC Cancer. 2021 Feb 4;21(1):121.

Abstract

www.maorihealthreview.co.nz a Research Review Publication

Affirmative action programmes in postgraduate medical and surgical training – A narrative review

Authors: Koea J et al.

Summary: To date, affirmative action programmes have not been used in specialist medical or surgical training schemes to select ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. This thematic analysis of 45 published studies found that affirmative action programmes are most successful when associated with a comprehensive programme of candidate preparation, support and mentorship beginning prior to application, and support and mentorship throughout training and into the post-training period. The overall aim must be graduation of significant numbers of minority and indigenous trainees into practice, including appointment to faculty member and leadership positions.

Reference: Med Educ. 2021 Mar;55(3):309-316.

Abstract

Identifying the priorities for midwifery education across Australia and New Zealand: A Delphi study

Authors: Sidebotham M et al.

Summary: A 2-round Delphi study involving 85 then 105 midwifery experts from Australia and New Zealand has identified 5 priority themes for strengthening midwifery education. The themes are: (1) enabling success of First Peoples/Māori midwifery students; (2) increasing the visibility and influence of midwifery within regulation, accreditation and university governance; (3) determining how best to deliver the clinical practicum component of programmes; (4) reviewing midwifery programmes to enhance design, content and delivery; and (5) ongoing education and support for the midwifery workforce. Collaborative work is needed to design and action projects addressing these priorities.

Reference: Women Birth. 2021 Mar;34(2):136-144.

Abstract

Infant mortality inequities for Māori in New Zealand: a tale of three policies

Authors: Rutter C & Walker S.

Summary: A commentary on a series of policies aimed at reducing Māori infant mortality in New Zealand demonstrated that consideration of differential risks associated with disadvantaged groups is necessary for policy to successfully address inequities. Prior to 1994, health policy did not account for the differential risks of Māori populations, and although infant mortality decreased on a national level, inequities increased. After policy was adjusted to account for Māorispecific risks, inequities in infant mortality significantly declined. Consideration of differential risks was highly associated with the decrease in corresponding inequities.

Comment: As I’ve suggested elsewhere in this issue, it’s really important to monitor the impact of political action, and inaction, on equity and outcomes. Having said that, I was surprised to see that colonisation hadn’t been listed as a ‘differential risk’.

Reference: Reference: Int J Equity Health. 2021 Jan 6;20(1):10.

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Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Ethnic differences in mortality and hospital admission rates between Māori, Pacific, and European New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes between 1994 and 2018

Authors: Yu D et al.

Summary: This retrospective, population-based, longitudinal cohort study found that poorer health outcomes for Māori and Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes, compared with European patients, have persisted for more than 20 years. Between January 1994 and July 2018, 45 072 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the Diabetes Care Support Service in Auckland and followed up for a median of 9.7 years. Although mortality decreased and hospital admissions increased across the three ethnic groups, hospital admissions were consistently higher in Māori and Pacific patients than European patients. Māori patients also had higher rates of all-cause mortality (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.96; 95% CI 1.80- 2.14), cardiovascular mortality (IRR 1.93; 95% CI 1.63-2.29) and cancer mortality (IRR 1.64; 95% CI 1.40-1.93) compared with European patients. There is an urgent need for new policies supporting prevention and more intensive management of type 2 diabetes in Māori and Pacific patients.

Comment: A recent report regarding the economic cost of type 2 diabetes was disturbing (PwC. Healthierlives.co.nz); but these statistics are devastating. I hope we are all (safely) prescribing empagliflozin, as appropriate, for Māori with type 2 diabetes; and that the impact of the ethnicity/rights-based policy for funding (special authority criteria) will be monitored/reported.

Reference: Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Feb;9(2):e209-e217(erratum:e119).

Abstract

www.maorihealthreview.co.nz a Research Review Publication

Indigenous perspectives on breaking bad news: ethical considerations for healthcare providers

Authors: Cassim S et al.

Summary: The experiences of Māori patients with lung cancer and their whānau in receiving bad news were collected via 23 semi-structured interviews and 9 focus groups in 4 districts in the Midland region of New Zealand. Best practice included understanding the centrality of the healthcare provider-patient relationship and whānau ties in the healthcare journey, as well as providing patients with the full range of viable treatment options including hope, clear advice and guidance. The study findings hold implications for providing culturally safe and humanistic cancer care when breaking bad news to Māori and indigenous patients.

Comment: A really important paper. For me it highlights that clinical ‘best practice’ in Aotearoa has been inherited from elsewhere. However, when there is meaningful engagement with Māori, there is an opportunity to deconstruct the ‘old’ and reconstruct something new/better for everyone.

Reference: J Med Ethics. 2021 Jan 8. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106916. Epub ahead of print.

Abstract

A qualitative analysis of Maori and Pacific people’s experiences of using Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Authors: Strickett E et al.

Summary: The factors that assist transitions from smoking to vaping among Māori and Pacific peoples in New Zealand were examined via in-depth interviews of 16 participants aged ≥18 years who had smoked ≥100 cigarettes and were current ENDS users. Key challenges to ENDS uptake were the search for a satisfying ENDS experience, and resisting social cues that could trigger relapse. Supportive factors that facilitated and reinforced smoking to vaping transitions were improved financial and physical wellbeing, and feeling connected to vaping communities. The inequities in smoking prevalence faced by indigenous people could potentially be reduced by measures to support transitions from smoking to vaping.

Comment: A reminder that this study focussed on people trying to quit cigarettes and not people taking up vaping. Therefore, the lessons for smoking cessation – financial benefits and connection to ‘community’ – could be applied to other cessation interventions.

Reference: Nicotine Tob Res. 2021 March;23(3):550-556.

Abstract

Reaching under-screened/never-screened indigenous peoples with human papilloma virus self-testing

Authors: MacDonald EJ et al.

Summary: A community-based cluster randomised controlled trial has demonstrated that human papilloma virus (HPV) self-testing could potentially halve the number of under-screened/never-screened Māori women, thereby decreasing cervical morbidity and mortality. The study involved Northland Māori women aged 25-69 years who were last screened ≥4 years ago. In the intervention arm (HPV self-test), 59.0% of 500 eligible women were screened. In the control arm (cervical smear), 21.8% of 431 eligible women were screened. Māori women in the intervention arm were 2.8 times more likely to be screened than women in the control arm after adjusting for age, time since last screen, and deprivation index (95% CI 2.4-3.1; p <0.0001). These findings may be generalisable to indigenous peoples in other high-income countries.

Comment: What more is there to say on this? Except perhaps to suggest that you please consider signing the petition!

Reference: Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021 Feb;61(1):135-141.

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www.maorihealthreview.co.nz a Research Review Publication

Coastal communities, leisure and wellbeing: advancing a trans-disciplinary agenda for understanding ocean-human relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand

Authors: Wheaton B et al.

Summary: This case study examined relationships between coastal ecosystems and human wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand, drawing on one oceanbased leisure activity, surfing. It showed that surfing creates strong bonds between practitioners and coastal places, linking the health of marine environments and people. The study demonstrated the value of a transdisciplinary place-based approach that integrates research across the humanities and social sciences and engages with indigenous knowledge (Mātauranga Māori). A deeper appreciation of place, wellbeing, and long-term sustainable relationships with marine ecosystems can be gained from understanding indigenous perspectives.

Comment: Just reading this paper lifted my spirits and made me want to get out on the water. I wonder if I could use this to make the case for a day off to go surfing!

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 8;18(2):450.

Abstract

Local-indigenous autonomy and community streetscape enhancement: learnings from Māori and Te Ara Mua – Future Streets Project

Authors: Raerino K et al.

Summary: The Te Ara Mua – Future Streets project demonstrated that co-design has critical potential in the reclamation of indigenous autonomy, increases local-indigenous presence and revitalises cultural identity. This study used a Kaupapa Māori research approach to focus on the workings and perspectives of mana whenua and community stakeholder engagement in Te Ara Mua. An indigenous theoretical framework, Te Pae Mahutonga, was utilised in the data analysis to explore perspectives of indigenous collective agency, empowerment, and wellbeing. The findings of this study have broader implications for indigenous sovereignty, spatial justice, and health equity.

Comment: There are some parts of the rebuild in Christchurch that demonstrate excellent iwi collaboration in urban re-design. Whakapapa and mātauranga have informed the development of buildings and parks that are not only beautiful but promote wellbeing and indigeneity.

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 20;18(3):865.

Abstract

The Lancet Global Health Commission on global eye health: vision beyond 2020

Authors: Burton MJ et al.

Summary: This extensive report presents evidence for the importance of global eye health, and supports the case for urgent action. It examines approaches to enabling the delivery of eye healthcare services within universal health coverage. The report argues that eye health is crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, including the reduction of poverty and improvement of work productivity, general and mental health, and education and equity. Eye health is considered an essential component of universal health coverage. However, despite the availability of highly cost-effective vision-restoring interventions such as cataract surgery and provision of spectacles, high quality eye health services are not universally delivered, and costs prevent many people from accessing essential eye care services.

Comment: A really important and excellent piece of research regarding eye health. The Commission have taken a rights-based approach to the work. Dr Wil Cunningham and I were invited to comment on the paper from an indigenous and equity perspective. Hopefully, we can implement some of the recommendations here in Aotearoa, the first step being an eye survey by ethnicity, to better understand the problem.

Reference: Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Apr;9(4):e489-e551.

Abstract

www.maorihealthreview.co.nz a Research Review Publication