Increased use of inhalers is leading to a fall in the number of asthma hospitalisations. File photo. Photo: Asthma & Respiratory Foundation NZ
Asthma hospitalisations among Māori have decreased, according to a new study, but experts warn there is still a long way to go.
Asthma - the condition that causes airways to swell and narrow - affects one in eight New Zealanders. An asthma attack causes coughing, wheezing, and difficulty with breathing.
The study - conducted by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) - shows a 32 percent drop in asthma-related hospital discharges of Māori, and a 23 percent decrease amongst non-Māori, due to the increased use of inhalers.
MRINZ director Professor Richard Beasley said there was a 111 percent increase in budesonide/formoterol two-in-one inhaler use among Māori within the past four years.
He said it highlighted the quality of primary care in New Zealand.
"This evidence exemplifies how GPs are adapting their prescribing practices in line with evidence-based recommendations, ensuring patients benefit from advances in treatment."
The two-in-one inhaler acts as a preventer and a reliever - used for regular scheduled maintenance and as relief when attacks happen.
Dr Richard Beasley co-authored the Medical Research Institute study in Wellington. Photo: Otago University Wellington / Supplied
Beasley said the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation's guidelines - implemented in 2016/17 - helped with the 'heartening' progress.
"These results are encouraging and show that improved asthma treatment regimens can have a real impact in reducing the risk of life-threatening asthma attacks among Māori."
Despite the positive findings, the study revealed that there was much to do to bridge the health equity gap between Māori and non-Māori.
"There remains a two-and-a-half-fold disparity in hospitalisation rates between Māori and non-Māori, stressing the need to address broader health barriers."
Asthma remains a prevalent health challenge among Māori, often worsened by limited healthcare access, environmental disparities, and socioeconomic factors. The study's authors said safe housing, healthcare literacy, and reduced healthcare costs are crucial for equity.
Matire Harwood Photo: Supplied
GP and study investigator Dr Matire Harwood (Ngāpuhi) said persisting inequities showed the urgent need to address the root of these health disparities.
"Solutions that empower Māori through accessible, culturally safe care and systemic change will help create sustainable improvements in respiratory health outcomes."
She said progress happened when evidence-based treatments were implemented in a way that resonated with Māori health needs.
The study's findings offered a model that can benefit indigenous communities around the world, she said.
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