Financial (in)security and personal income are key determinants of participant experiences and outcomes among Māori men undergoing cardiac investigation and treatment at Waikato Hospital, according to a case-comparative study. The study involved three 1- to 3-hour interviews with four Māori men, with the first interview taking place 5-16 weeks after surgery/ discharge. Kaupapa Māori Research practices were used. Rather than medical problems, major financial disruptions were at the forefront of concerns for participants with financial insecurity. Financial hardship impacted access to care, and access to funding contributed to psychological distress for several participants. Positive treatment experiences and recovery were facilitated by economic security and reciprocal relationships between employers and employees.
