Home > Review Articles > Māori experience > The perspectives of Māori and Pasifika mate kirikōpū (endometriosis) patients in Aotearoa New Zealand

The perspectives of Māori and Pasifika mate kirikōpū (endometriosis) patients in Aotearoa New Zealand

Making Education Easy

Authors:
Summary:

Experiences with endometriosis have been understudied in Indigenous populations, according to a qualitative study of 27 Māori and 10 Pasifika women with the condition. The average time from symptom onset to a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of endometriosis was 11.6 ± 7.8 years for Māori women and 12.4 ± 6.2 years for Pasifika women. Overall, 66.7% of Māori women and 60.0% of Pasifika women felt that endometriosis treatment was not readily available to them. The authors note that poor experiences with the medical profession may dissuade Māori and Pasifika patients from seeking care, perpetuating healthcare inequities. They suggest emphasis is placed on relationship building within general practice, focusing on patient wellbeing and culturally safe care.

Comment:
It still surprises me when I meet wāhine for the first time in clinic who have experienced painful heavy periods for years, yet the idea of endometriosis was never raised with them. Sadly, this research confirms my experience, with Māori and Pacific women waiting 11-12 years for diagnosis from symptom onset. Hopefully this publication helps to raise awareness.
Reference: Societies. 2024;14(4):46.
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.

Related Articles

A cross-sectional survey of Māori found that participants generally supported using blood samples in lung

A meal replacement intervention delivered in a specialist service achieved clinically meaningful weight loss and

A qualitative study has highlighted ontological approaches to aging-in-place for Indigenous peoples, as a strategy

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.