INTRODUCTION
In New Zealand Maori’s are facing many health related issues. This essay is about a health issue relevant to Maori population. Cardiovascular disease as the most common health issue among Maori. The essay explores the details of CVD and its relevant demographics. The importance of the Treaty of Waitangi in this context and explained the historical factors relevant to CVD. Finally, a significant health policy related to CVD is described and a community health programme is identified to implement the health strategy.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered as one of the most common disease condition among Maori. CVD is a group of diseases include ischaemic heart disease (IHD), heart failure, rheumatic
In 2000-2004 New Zealand health survey reported that, around 18% for Maori deaths are because of ischemic heart disease, whereas 23% of non-Maori (Robson & Harris, 2007).
Stroke: Robson & Harris, (2007) describes that Stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, causing damage to the brain cells is also known as ‘brain attack’. Stroke is the leading cause of mortality as well as disability in New Zealand. The main risk factors are high blood pressure and smoking. Surveys showed that around 800 Maori were admitted to hospital each year in that 140 per year die from stroke.
Heart failure: Heart failure is a disease in which the heart fails to pump enough blood, it leads to shortness of breath, fluid retention and congestion. The main causes are coronary heart disease, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, excess alcohol intake and rheumatic heart disease (Robson & Harris,
The 2002-2003 health survey stated that 1 in 7 Maori and 1 in 10 non-Maori were affected with cardiac disease and they are in the age group of 35 and more (Robson & Harris 2007). In New Zealand, health profile is different among Maori and non-Maori population. Many factors that contribute to the disparity of health profile includes education, housing, job, income, knowledge about health, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, use of tobacco and unsafe workplace. Robson & Harris, (2007) identified that the health disparity mainly depends upon age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic factors and geographical pattern. Ethnic inequality among Maori and non-Maori is considered as the main determinants of health inequality in Aotearoa.
Ischaemic heart disease is the main cause of hospital admission for Maori, in that male has more chance to be admitted in hospital than female (Robson & Harris, (2007). The prevalence of both ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke is higher in Northland within New Zealand. The prevalence of disparities between Maori and non-Maori is higher in northland (Northland DHB