The Contributions of Culture and Ethnicity To New Zealand Mental Health Research Findings

Abstract

While the methodologies used and the actual results gained differed across studies, there do seem to be differences in phenomenological profiles at presentation, in the diagnostic patterns, the cost of care, and the therapeutic experiences between Mâori and non-Mâori New Zealanders. These differences may reflect actual differences between certain ethnic groups, which then explain the differences in the experiences of those users, or they may reflect inadequacies on the parts of non-MAori clinicians, their diagnostic tools and the services in which they operate, in catering for Mâori patients.

Investigating Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life of Greeks and Albanian Immigrants with the Generic EQ-5D Questionnaire

“…Albanian ethnicity has been previously related to better HRQoL as assessed by another generic tool, the SF-36 questionnaire, but its impact was mediocre and is counteracted by SES in this immigrant population [8]. Previous reports on the association of HRQoL according to ethnicity have identified that blacks value their health state higher than other members of the U.S. population [12], Maori value their health similarly than non-Maori in New Zealand [13], whereas in other countries immigrants report more problems with self-care and depression/anxiety and usually assess pain more dramatically [14]. It is evident therefore that ethnicity and immigrant's health states among countries may differ significantly and reference standards among immigrants might be influenced not only by the country, but also by personal or cultural beliefs about health [15] and possibly by differences in health needs.…”

Health Advocacy- Counting the Costs

“…This is despite the fact New Zealand has a public tax funded health system, which allocates resources on basis of need defined by way of health evidence and principles of equity and equality to achieve equal health outcomes Maori the indigenous population of New Zealand experience discrimination within and outside mental health services even though this pattern and experience is not publicly acknowledged in any significant way. Information also shows that this experience occurs in other health areas and reinforces the need to have in place effective and appropriately funding health advocacy services for mental health and other health and disability consumers, (Harris et al 2006;Robinson and Harris 2007;Tapsell and Mellsop 2007).…”

“…Consequently, the proportion of Maori compared to non-Maori who experience adverse health events in the mental health services and in particular, specialist services, such as forensic where Maori are over represented, is unknown. However, it is known that Maori experience different mental health outcomes than nonMaori for the same mental health condition and treatment, (Tapsell and Mellsop 2007).…”

“…consequences of poorer health outcomes than the dominant population (Simpson et al 2003;Tapsell et al 2007). This is despite the fact New Zealand has a public tax funded health system, which allocates resources on basis of need defined by way of health evidence and principles of equity and equality to achieve equal health outcomes Maori the indigenous population of New Zealand experience discrimination within and outside mental health services even though this pattern and experience is not publicly acknowledged in any significant way.…”

Which family – What therapy: Maori culture, families and family therapy in New Zealand

“…Importantly, there are also a number of culturally specifi c fi ndings in such research which have become matters for speculation rather than empirical knowledge (Wells et al, 2006;Mellsop & Tapsell, 2011;Tapsell & Mellsop, 2007). The role of families in decision-making in relation to service access have been highlighted in the research of McClintock (2011b) and are refl ected in relation to diagnostic perceptions contained in the views of both services users and their families (Laird et al, 2010;MoekeMaxwell et al, 2008).…”