CVD risk assessment by ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Selak V et al.

November 14, 2025

Summary:

Māori and Pacific peoples experience inequities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment, according to a national observational study. People aged 25-74 years living in New Zealand on 31 March 2018 who were eligible for CVD risk assessment (n = 1,476,747) were analysed. Between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2023, 67.1% of men and 65.5% of women had CVD risk assessment tests. After adjustment for socioeconomic deprivation and residential district, the odds of CVD risk assessment was lower in Māori men (aOR 0.77 [95% CI 0.72-0.83] with diabetes; 0.73 [95% CI 0.72-0.74] without diabetes) and Māori women (aOR 0.93 [95% CI 0.87-0.99] with diabetes; 0.89 [95% CI 0.87-0.91] without diabetes) compared with Europeans. The odds of CVD risk assessment was also lower in Pacific men (aOR 0.86 [95% CI 0.78-0.94] with diabetes; 0.72 [95% CI 0.70-0.74] without diabetes), and Pacific women without diabetes (aOR 0.95 [95% CI 0.92-0.98]) compared with Europeans.

Comment:

With CVD being a leading cause of avoidable premature death for Māori, this study has importantly quantified an often-invisible step in the CVD prevention continuum. Targeted strategies that redress equity in the wider determinants, in system design and in clinical practice, rather than simply increase screening overall, are needed.

Reference: BMC Glob Public Health. 2025;3(1):94.

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.