Home > Review Articles > Ethnic disparities > Rates of Māori women receiving surgical treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in Southern District Health Board

Rates of Māori women receiving surgical treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in Southern District Health Board

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From Māori Health Review Issue 95
Authors:
  • Anderson R et al.
Summary:

Although rates of surgery for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse were similar between Māori and non-Māori in a New Zealand study, the greater prevalence of these conditions in Māori women means this likely represents inequity of access. The study reviewed women who underwent gynaecological surgery between 2015 and 2019 in the Southern DHB area. Unadjusted results suggested that there was a difference in access to gynaecological surgery for Māori and non-Māori. However, standardisation for differences in the age structures of the two populations showed that Māori and non-Māori women access this surgery at very similar rates.

Comment:
There is some interesting work coming from Southern DHB – the strong Iwi Māori leadership there may be driving the focus on research that is responsive to Māori. I’ve included this paper as a good reminder on how to report that equal process does not necessarily translate as equity.
Reference: N Z Med J. 2021;134(1546):38-46.
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.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

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