The Perspectives of Māori and Pasifika Mate Kirikōpū (Endometriosis) Patients in Aotearoa New Zealand

Katherine Ellis (), Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith, Deborah Munro and Rachael Wood
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Katherine Ellis: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith: Te Whatu Ora Waitaha, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Deborah Munro: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Rachael Wood: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand

Societies, 2024, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-21

Abstract: Experiences with endometriosis have been understudied in indigenous and people of colour populations. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of Māori and Pasifika endometriosis patients in Aotearoa New Zealand. Twenty-seven Māori endometriosis participants from 21 iwi (tribes), and 10 Pasifika participants from 8 different island nations participated in online, asynchronous, anonymous text-based discussions about their endometriosis journeys. Their explanations were analysed qualitatively with an inductive thematic approach. The average delay from symptom onset to a confirmed or suspected endometriosis diagnosis was 11.6 ± 7.8 years in the Māori cohort and 12.4 ± 6.2 years in the Pasifika cohort. There were high levels of dissatisfaction with the availability of treatment, with 66.7% of Māori participants and 60.0% of Pasifika participants feeling that endometriosis treatment was not readily available to them. Poor experiences with the medical profession might dissuade Māori and Pasifika patients from seeking care, exacerbating a culture of distrust and perpetuating healthcare inequities. This could potentially be improved by increasing the capacity to take time for relationship building within general practice or through the incorporation of cultural advisors to support relationship establishment that emphasises holistic consideration of patient well-being and culturally safe care.

Keywords: M?ori; Pasifika; endometriosis; perspectives; experiences; inequities; diagnostic delay; chronic pain; bias; qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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