Health Disparities Between Maoris and Non-Maoris

Health Disparities Between Maoris and Non-MaorisIntroductionThe first inhabitants of New Zealand came from the islands nearby. The locals or what they call themselves, Maoris, traveled across the pacific some thousand years ago. It was withal thought that the Maoris arrived in the island by groups. The initial meetings between the pakehas (the whites) and the Maoris was recorded to have been in the 1700s headed by James Cook, an expedition advent from Britain.In the middle of the 1800s, an agreement was written between the British colony and the local settlers in the prepare of the Treaty of Waitangi. Agreed and signed by Maori chiefs and individuals that stood in behalf of the British crown. This agreement came nigh as the mediating factor between the foreigners and in particular the protection of the interests of Maoris. The conformity gave way to more migrants from Britain up to a point where pakehas already outnumber the locals.With new methods of living introduced by the wh ites, the locals were not subject to adapt slowly constituting the increase in Maori death strides. It was believed firearms and new contagious illnesses were among the top cause of mortality for the locals. Moreover, history is telling us that after New Zealand was colonized, locals were losing their lands which contributed much of the Maoris wellness issues. It was noted that incidence of death was not as high as compared to those indigenous groups who were able to get hold and not surrender their lands as in the case of the Tongans and Samoans. (Kunitz, 1994)The various challenges the Maori people faced were not limit to confiscation of their lands. This included putting restrictions with their rights and discouraging the use of Maori language in the land of study which paved way to adding more insult to the wellness of the Maoris.The signed Treaty of Waitangi has its chief(prenominal) purpose which is to protect the rights of the locals of New Zealand particularly the Maor is. However, realization of the main purpose of the treaty remained only in writing which resulted in disparities in health access between the whites and the Maoris.In this paper, I will be discussing the disparity and how it has put the Maoris in the disadvantage which was clearly the opposite intention of the Treaty of Waitangi. The aim here is to demote understand the Maoris and where they are coming from so we, the future health conduct providers in this country, would be able to perform our duties properly.Health DisparitiesVarious studies have been done and scholars cited numerous reasons why thither are inequalities particularly in health between the pakehas and the Maoris. Genetic factors and environmental influences are among the suspects for the disparity but really does not play as the key variables when it comes to public health concerns.For the purpose of this study, we try to dissect the nongenetic factors for the disparities in health between the pakehas and the Ma oris. These include socioeconomic variables, lifestyle, discrimination, and accessibility to health deal. Noting that, although, these may be four areas to consider, they are all somewhat correlated with each other.Socioeconomic FactorThe loss of land by approximately of the Maoris be to their poor placement. The locals have lost their ability to care for their lands which led to low production of fruit crops. Inability to rear animals such as pigs, sheep and cows collect to drop of space also contributed to their lessening power to trade. Without much power in trade resulted to low income which forced them to live in the outskirts where there is limited supply of the basic needs. As a result, the Maoris, being unable to acquire the necessities in life, were subjected to poor health conditions.LifestyleTobacco use and alcohol manipulation were introduced to the locals by the colonizers to help pass time or to keep them pre-occupied. However, with their poor state of life, Ma oris resorted more to these vices to combat depression. Unknowingly, it had grown in them and fell slave to these addictive elements. Excessive intake of these products created more problems for the Maoris. They became more depressed and elicited unruly behaviours which certainly did not help in promoting good health practices.The lack of knowledge with proper food preparations also added to the Maori health issues. Maoris also believed that when an individual has gained weight that it is a sign of being healthy. Unfortunately, with the wrong perception, high rate of obesity and cardiovascular related diseases are not uncommon to them.DiscriminationThe locals or the Maoris have been long a subject to racism and have experient discrimination at all levels for most of their lives. The incidence happening within the health care areas, may it be conscious and unintentional attitudes of people providing health care, have caused the Maoris to be doubtful when seeking health check assis tance until it is already in its worst stage. Maoris also have encountered disempowerment coming from health care professionals. GPs were reported to not likely support when it comes to measures to prevent health conditions to Maoris as compared to the non-Maoris.Access to Health CareLiving in far flung areas not only inhibits the Maoris accessibility to health care but it also limits them in getting proper assistance from any health care provider. quiet in connection with the socioeconomic factor, some, if not most, of the Maoris are still illiterate when it comes to using the internet due to either lack of service in the area or the lack of capability to get the service. Transportation also plays an important role when it comes to accessing health care. Most Maoris do not have the bureau for them to bring themselves to the nearest health care institution. Mostly happening, if a person coming from a specific cultural minority will seek medical assistance, one would want to find out if there is a medical staff of the same cultural background so it would be easy to bewilder their real condition. Being able to talk to an individual of the same culture will help ease the patient in opening his or her issues.Combating DisparitiesIn recent time, a health disparity model has been formulated by the government under the Ministry of Health. This is to address the issues pertaining to inequalities in health for Maoris. This model recognises the root of the disparities in a community and outlines procedures than can be performed to combat situations that cause the disparities. Areas that the model wants to achieve include finding ways on how to improve an individual/family income, the grandeur of employment, providing education and health access for the locals. In this model, it is also addresses Maoris to have more control in the land/communities they are currently living in. It is also supported that health services including stultification assistance be given wh en obligatory. An example of this is when a local is discriminate due to sickness or disability will be provided sufficient income assistance and support against social, ethnic and racial discrimination. (Ministry of Health, 2002)Case 1A case study was done about(predicate) a Maori banker who sought medical attention as he was not feeling well. During consultation, the GP was not able to get the whole picture about the status of his patient. The GP tried to explain his thoughts about the situation and asked for further details. The patient started to get frustrated. The patient mentioned that she went to a urupa (graveyard) and smoked and thought it could be the reason of his condition. The GP, having no idea of the significance asked for its relevance. The banker revealed that graveyards are considered sacred and that by smoking in it is against their culture. The GP elicited if the patient had any idea on how to fix it. by and by a sigh, the patient replied that he needed a pr iest. For the GP, although he knew the act had nothing to do about his condition, out of respect of the individuals belief, he acknowledged about the violation of their culture and that he would be able to give medicine to take care of his breathlessness.In this case, the Maori patient really believed that the cause of his being peaked(predicate) is rooted from him violating the Maori culture. Although the GP could have easily corrected the wrong notion, it would have been really difficult to have an argument especially if it contradicts ones cultural beliefs as it would blotto for them as a sign of disrespect. The GP in this case was able to show signs that he respected their cultural system while presenting complementary solution from modern medicine which in turn helped hastens the intervention. The GP being comfortable with the disease attribution of the patient and by following the culture protocols while go supportive assistance to deal with the patients breathlessness gav e way for the Maori patient to be also comfortable in accepting treatment for twain Maori and modern method of treating the condition.Case 2Another case involving a 47 year old man of Maori descent who have encountered an injury from a crash at his work place as a driver. The health provider handling the patient had difficulty because the man is rude and unfriendly when they ab initio spoke on the phone. The issue was then brought up in a team meeting. Fortunately, one member is also a Maori who then suggested that a ain meeting is necessary between the health provider, his employer, client and his family.The meeting was then set and everyone was present including the clients employer and whanau. During the meeting, the patient spoke that it was his first time to meet most who were in attendance. The patient also expressed his dismay about the different treatment plan suggested by different providers and that there was no clear cultivation on when he is able to return to work. T he patient is also concerned about the rehabilitation process as it might interfere with his duties in their cultural group. In this case, since all the variables that can be affected during the procedure were all present, it made easy to formulate a care plan. By doing this, a betting and significant recovery was experienced sooner than expected since everyone was motivated and at the same time very cooperative performing the planned care.ConclusionAs a future health care provider in New Zealand, understanding the Maoris is very critical in providing health service and someways will help fulfil what the Treaty of Waitangi is really for. Our aim as health care practitioners is not to change an individuals beliefs or customs. We should be advocates particularly to the disadvantaged for them to have control of their lives and be able to improve their ways of living most specially with their health. We should then encourage Maoris to look after their health and be able to support thei r own well-being.Caring for them is not limited to those who are sick only but also to their whanau where making right choices about maintaining good health practices should be inculcated fully. In order to be successful with such model, the Maoris and health care providers should be able to access the necessary resources. It should also be readily available, accepted and is in line with the maori culture.As most of us do, it is a must that we trust our own health care provider to let them handle any of our health conditions. Same with the Maoris, if they are satisfied and accept the treatment given then it gives them confidence that the health care provider understands where they are coming from and what they really need.For this, it is a must for all health care providers to increase their knowledge about the history of the Maori culture and better understand what the real intentions of the Treaty of Waitangi. This move will definitely make the health care provider be culturally c ompetent and be able to effectively communicate with Maori individuals and their whanau. In addition, this will also encourage patients to seek help early and be able to provide pertinent clinical details.BibliographyKunitz, S. J. (1994). disease and Social Diversity The European Impact on the Health of Non-Europeans. New York Oxford University Press Inc.Muri Ora Associates. (2006, October). Best health outcomes for Maori Practice Implications. Retrieved April 2, 2015, from Medical Council of New Zealand https//www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/News-and-Publications/Statements/Best-health-outcomes-for-Maori.pdfMinistry of Health. (2002). trim back Inequalities in Health. Wellington Ministry of Health.