The goal of this study was to review Maori oral health services utilising a kaupapa Maori framework.
The aims of the study were to identify the issues in the development, implementation and operation of Maori dental health services within each of the three types of Maori health providers (mainstream, iwi-based, partnership). The three Maori oral health services are: (i) Te Whare Kaitiaki, University of Otago Dental School, Dunedin. (ii) Te atiawa Dental Service, New Plymouth. (iii) Tipu Ora Dental Service, in partnership with the School Dental Service, Lakeland Health, Rotorua.
Method: A literature review of kaupapa Maori research was undertaken to provide the Maori framework under which this study was conducted. The kaupapa Maori methodology utilised the following criteria: (i) Rangatiratanga: The assertion of Maori leadership; (ii) Whakakotahitanga: A holistic approach incorporating Te Whare Tapa Wha; (iii) Whakapapa: The origins and development of oranga niho; (iv) Whakawhanuitanga: Recognising and catering for the diverse needs of Maori; (iv) Whanaungatanga: Culturally appropriate forms of relationship management; (v) Maramatanga: Raising Maori awareness, health promotion and education; and (vi) Whakapakiri: Recognising the need to the build capacity of Maori health providers.
Ethical approval was granted by the Otago, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki Ethics Committees to undertake interviews and focus groups with Maori oral health providers in Dunedin, Rotorua and New Plymouth. Information was also sought from advisors and policy analysts within the Ministry of Health. A valuable source of information was hui korero (speeches and/or discussion at Maori conferences). An extensive literature was undertaken including an historical search of material from private archives and the now defunct Maori Health Commission.
Results: An appropriate kaupapa Maori methodology was developed which provided a Maori framework to collate, describe, organise and present the information on Maori oral health.
In te ao tawhito (the pre-European world of the Maori) there was very little if any dental decay. In te ao hou (the contemporary world of the Maori) Maori do not enjoy the same oral health status as non-Maori across all age groups. The reasons for this health disparity are multifactorial but include the social determinants of health, life style factors and the under-utilisation of health services. In order to address the disparities in Maori oral health, Maori providers have been very eager to establish kaupapa Maori oral health services. The barriers to the development, implementation, and operation of a kaupapa Maori oral health service are many and varied and include access to funding, and racism. Maori health providers have overcome the barriers through two strategies: firstly, the establishment of relationships within both the health sector and the Maori community; and secondly, through their passion and commitment to oranga niho mo te iwi Maori (oral health for all Maori). The outcome of this review will contribute to Maori health gain through the recognition of appropriate models and strategies which can be utilised for the future advancement of Maori oral health services, and hence to an improvement in Maori oral health status.
Conclusion: This review of Maori oral health services has found that there are oral health disparities between Maori and non-Maori New Zealanders. In an effort to overcome these disparities Maori have sought to provide kaupapa Maori oral health services. Whilst there is a diversity in the provision of Maori oral health services, kaupapa Maori services have been developed that are appropriate, effective, accessible and affordable. They must have the opportunity to flourish.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/217503 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Broughton, John, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Otago. Dunedin School of Medicine |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://policy01.otago.ac.nz/policies/FMPro?-db=policies.fm&-format=viewpolicy.html&-lay=viewpolicy&-sortfield=Title&Type=Academic&-recid=33025&-find), Copyright John Broughton |
Page generated in 0.002 seconds