Cardiovascular Diseases in Maori Women: Health Determinants Report

This report examines cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Maori women in New Zealand, highlighting the disproportionate burden of these diseases within the community. It explores the prevalence of CVD, including ischemic heart disease, strokes, heart failure, and rheumatic heart disease, in comparison to non-Maori populations. The report delves into the socio-cultural determinants of health, such as poor living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and issues like teenage pregnancy and domestic violence, which contribute to the increased health risks faced by Maori women. It references government data and research to illustrate the severity of the problem and emphasizes the need for interventions to improve the overall health and well-being of this population. The report also discusses the impact of factors such as diabetes, obesity, and poor nutrition on the development of CVD in Maori women, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address these complex health challenges and improve the quality of life for Maori women.

Running head: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN MAORI WOMEN
Cardiovascular diseases in Maori Women
Name of Student
Name of University
Author Note

1CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN MAORI WOMEN
The paper will analyze the socio-cultural determinants of health in Maori community.
One such population in New Zealand that has suffered consistent cardiovascular issues is the
Maori Community.
Maori comprises of 14.9% of the total population of New Zealand, according to a census
report of 2013 (stats.govt.nz, 2014). The community is deprived from many necessities like poor
residential area, unsanitary habitations, unemployment, low income, cultural and racial
discriminations. Although as of late the condition of the Maori people have improved but still,
the mortality rate among Maori seems to be troubling epidemiologists (Major causes of death,
2015). The government of New Zealand has released many census data which reflect that
cardiovascular diseases and other associated respiratory disorders have been the major cause of
death among the Maori population. The population was twice more likely to be hospitalized due
to cardiovascular diseases than non Maori people. Among other cardiac issues, hospitalization
cases due to strokes were 1.5 times higher in Maori population than non-Maoris. A condition like
heart failure amongst Maori was two times higher than non-Maori populations. The cause of
death due to cardiac failure was about four times higher in Maori populations. Rheumatic heart
disease was also found to be five times more susceptibility in Maori than non-Maori populations
(Cardiovascular disease, 2015).
The women in the Maori community suffer from many health issues like; cardiovascular
diseases, ischemic heart diseases, breast cancer as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
and social issues like teenage pregnancy, single parenthood and domestic violence et cetra
(Hri.org.nz., 2015). Cardiovascular diseases are another major problem amongst Maori women,
according to annual health reposts provided by the government of new Zealand, women are
twice as more susceptible to die from cardiovascular disease than men, more so from ischemic

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heart diseases (Cardiovascular disease, 2015). Hospitalization cases due to strokes were about
two times higher than non-Maori women. Maori women are also five times more susceptible to
rheumatic heart diseases than non-Maori women. Hospitalization cases due to cardiovascular
diseases are much greater in Maori women. The other health issues like diabetes, poor nutritional
advice, obesity leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases in the women of the
community. The substandard living conditions and overcrowded population in the residential
make it difficult for them to get proper attention. The teenagers especially, girls in the Maori
community suffer from early pregnancy and are introduced to sexual activity at a very young age
(Waetford, 2008). The deprived conditions of the community make it difficult to monitor these
activities in the region and that leads to unprotected sexual activity, unwanted pregnancy and
abuse. These women then grow up to be depressed individuals left with the responsibility of
single parenthood and low nutritive habits which ultimately develops into cardiovascular
diseases.
The health risk of Maori women is very high and affects the community’s future. The
constant living standard deprivation has taken a toll on the overall health of the Maori
community. Overpopulated areas are difficult to conduct surveys where the women are in
pressure of abuse, violence and unprotected sexual activity.

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References:
Cardiovascular disease. (2015). Ministry of Health NZ. Retrieved 18 March 2018, from
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/tatau-kahukura-maori-
health-statistics/nga-mana-hauora-tutohu-health-status-indicators/cardiovascular-disease
Hri.org.nz. (2015). Heart disease in the Māori community | The Heart Research Institute - Heart
Research Institute. Retrieved 17 March 2018, from http://www.hri.org.nz/about-heart-
disease/heart-disease-in-the-maori-community
Major causes of death. (2015). Ministry of Health NZ. Retrieved 17 March 2018, from
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/tatau-kahukura-maori-
health-statistics/nga-mana-hauora-tutohu-health-status-indicators/major-causes-death#1
stats.govt.nz (2014). Māori Population Estimates: Mean year ended 31 December 2014 – tables.
Retrieved 17 March 2018, from
http://archive.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/estimates_and_projections/
MaoriPopulationEstimates_HOTPMnYrDec14.aspx
health.govt.nz (1998). The Social, Cultural and Economic Determinants of Health in New
Zealand. Retrieved 17 March 2018, from https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/social-
cultural-and-economic-determinants-health-new-zealand
Waetford, C. (2008). The knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of young Māori women in relation
to sexual health: A descriptive qualitative study (Doctoral dissertation, Auckland
University of Technology).

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