Abstract
Objective: To examine the prevalence of key outcomes among Maori and non-Maori 12 months post-injury, and to estimate the risk of these outcomes for Maori compared to non-Maori.
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 Maori (n=405) and non-Maori (n=1,875) groups.
Results: High levels of adverse outcomes at 12 months post-injury were observed in both groups. A greater proportion of Maori than non-Maori were experiencing disability, problems with mobility and psychological distress 12 months post-injury. After controlling for pre-injury and injury-related characteristics, Maori 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-Maori.
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 Maori due to injury.