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Variation in clinical presentation, complications and outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples among hospitalised adults with COVID-19 in 2022

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 117
Authors:
  • Maze MJ et al.
Summary:

Among adults (≥16 years) hospitalised with COVID-19 at 11 New Zealand hospitals between January and May 2022, Māori and Pacific individuals were younger at presentation, and had a lower vaccination rate and a higher risk of complications than non-Māori, non-Pacific (NMNP) individuals. Median age was 52, 57 and 63 years for Māori, Pacific and NMNP individuals, respectively. Corresponding rates of vaccination (≥2 doses) were 73.4%, 76.7% and 84.8%. Māori had a greater risk of acute kidney injury, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest and acute respiratory distress syndrome compared with NMNP individuals, while Pacific individuals had a greater risk of acute kidney injury and pneumonia, and a lower risk of thromboembolism and myocarditis/pericarditis. There were no differences in age-standardised mortality between ethnic groups.

Comment:
As someone working in primary care and seeing so many people unwell with respiratory infections these last few months, with more people requiring hospitalisation than I would have seen 6 years ago, I think these three papers provide several timely reminders. They highlight the importance of monitoring health by ethnicity, of targeted vaccination and other prevention activities and of addressing the wider determinants for respiratory infections for hauora Māori.
Reference: Intern Med J. 2025 Aug;55(8):1339-1349.
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.

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.

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