Twelve-month post-injury outcomes for Māori and non-Māori: findings from a New Zealand cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of key outcomes among Māori and non-Māori 12 months post-injury, and to estimate the risk of these outcomes for Māori compared to non-Māori.

METHODS

The Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study recruited 2,856 New Zealand residents from five regions of New Zealand. This paper examines outcomes at 12 months post-injury for the Māori (n=405) and non-Māori (n=1,875) groups.

RESULTS

High levels of adverse outcomes at 12 months post-injury were observed in both groups. A greater proportion of Māori than non-Māori were experiencing disability, problems with mobility and psychological distress 12 months post-injury. After controlling for pre-injury and injury-related characteristics, Māori were found to be at greater risk of disability, problems with mobility, having trouble performing usual activities, psychological distress and reporting 'barely/not enough' household income at 12 months compared to non-Māori.

CONCLUSION

Explanations for higher risk of these poor outcomes are unclear. Future research to identify potential explanations will include experiences with health services and rehabilitation support following injury, subsequent injury and illness, and major life events post-injury.

IMPLICATIONS

Adequate post-injury care focused on physical and psychological health and financial security is required to reduce the burden experienced by Māori due to injury.