Maclennan B, Wyeth EH, Hokowhitu B, Wilson S, Derrett S. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2013; 126(1379): 39-49.
Affiliation
Te Roopu Rakahau Hauora Maori a Kai Tahu/ Ngai Tahu Maori Health Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. emma.wyeth@otago.ac.nz.
AIMS: To examine the prevalence of health and social outcomes pre- and 3 months post-injury, and the association between New Injury Severity Scores (NISS) and 3-month outcomes, for the Maori cohort of the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study.
METHODS: New Zealand residents were recruited from the Accident Compensation Corporation's entitlement claims register and participants interviewed at 3 months post-injury. Those who reported Maori ethnicity (n=566) were included in the Maori cohort.
RESULTS: States indicative of favourable health were less prevalent among the cohort post-injury than pre-injury for all measures examined. Approximately half the cohort were experiencing difficulties walking 3 months after their injury, over two-thirds a level of pain or discomfort, and more than half a level of psychological distress. The prevalence of disability was 49%. The prevalence of some adverse outcomes increased with increasing NISS but a high level of problems were still experienced by those classified as having a 'minor' injury. Nonetheless, a majority of the cohort were satisfied with life and they considered themselves to be of good to excellent overall health.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings emphasise the importance of injury prevention and appropriate post-injury care to reduce the burden experienced by Maori due to injury.