The authors critique a paper titled Skin infections of the limbs of Polynesian children which was published in the New Zealand Medical Journal on 23 April 2004 (http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/11 7-11 92/847/). A number of issues were identified. These included a lack of description of how ethnicity was determined; failure to identify New Zealand Mäori as a distinct ethnic group, instead using the blanket term ‘Polynesian’; an inadequate analysis of the results which did not consider potentially key factors such as socioeconomic status and differential access to healthcare; and a suggestion that genetic factors might affect infection rates in Polynesian children. The authors find that the article “falls well short of the standard required of publication in a peer-reviewed journal” and question the rigour of the peer-review process. They conclude by providing a positive example of how a more comprehensive approach can address the same issues, citing a collaboration between Capital & Coast DHB, Hutt Valley DHB and Regional Public Health.
Although a ‘Letter to the Editor’ rather than journal article, I have included this reference for a number of important reasons. Firstly, it is an excellent example of critiquing research from a Kaupapa Mäori stance. Secondly, it illustrates the importance of informing the appropriate audience (such as the editor of the journal and potential readers) about problems with the original research. Finally, it may be appropriate to work as a group when confronting issues such as these.
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood
Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.
Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.
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.
