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Individual, household structure, and socioeconomic predictors of COVID-19 testing and vaccination outcomes

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 118
Authors:
  • Satherley N & Sporle A
Summary:

A whole-population linked data analysis assessing COVID-19 health outcomes (infection, hospitalisation, mortality and vaccination status) in New Zealand between 2020 and 2023 revealed persistent ethnic inequity that was partly explained by modifiable social factors. Most COVID-19 outcomes were worse for Māori and Pacific peoples compared with non-Māori, non Pacific peoples. Factors associated with worse outcomes were high housing mobility, poor quality housing, household crowding, disability, no primary health care enrolment, lower household income and older age. Ethnic inequities were reduced but not eliminated after adjustment for household structure and socioeconomic factors.

Comment:
This study helps our understanding about the structural drivers of COVID-19 inequities including testing, vaccination, and mortality/deaths – and how these disproportionately affected Māori and Pacific communities. Importantly, inequities are not inevitable – they reflect modifiable, policy amenable determinants such as housing, primary care access, and income security, as well as the value in resourcing Māori-led solutions. Thanks, Andrew for sending this paper through!
Reference: Int J Popul Data Sci. 2025;10(1):2930.
Abstract
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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.

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