Mate Aaraikore A Muri Ake Nei: Experiences of Maori New Zealanders living with HIV
Jeffrey Grierson A , Marian Pitts A F , Te Herekiekie Herewini B , Geoff Rua’ine B , Anthony J. Hughes C , Peter J. W. Saxton D , Matt Whyte D , Sebastian Misson A and Mark Thomas EA Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
B Maori Health Promotion, New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand.
C Research, Analysis and Information, New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand.
D Gay Men's Health Unit, New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand.
E Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
F Author for correspondence; email: m.pitts@latrobe.edu.au
Sexual Health 1(3) 175-180 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH03008
Submitted: 13 September 2003 Accepted: 14 May 2004 Published: 23 September 2004
Abstract
Background: This paper is drawn from the first comprehensive study in New Zealand of the health and social experiences of HIV positive people and specifically addresses the experiences of HIV positive Maori. Methods: A total of 226 HIV positive men and women completed an anonymous, self-administered HIV Futures New Zealand questionnaire. Twenty-five Maori completed the survey (17 male, 7 female, 1 transgendered). The majority identified as takataapui (Maori and homosexual) five were heterosexual women, and four identified with other sexualities. Results: Seven respondents indicated that they had received pre-test counselling, and 18 that they had received post-test counselling. The mean CD4 count at most recent test was 462.4 cells/µL. The mean HIV viral load result at most recent test was 558.1 copies/mL. Two-thirds of respondents were currently using antiretroviral treatments, and half had taken a break from them. The most commonly cited source of social support was their doctor. Eight respondents were in full-time work; most received benefits or a pension as their main income source; five were living below the poverty line. Only two respondents did not personally know another person with HIV. All had disclosed their status to someone; fifteen said that unwanted disclosure had occurred. Eight reported experiencing discrimination concerning accommodation, nine in a medical setting and seven in relation to employment. Conclusions: Maori people in New Zealand have access to a comprehensive health care system, nonetheless it is of concern that a number report discrimination and unwanted disclosure of their HIV status, most particularly within health care settings.
[1] Broughton J He taru tawhiti: Maori people and HIV/AIDS.
[2] Durie M. The health of indigenous peoples. BMJ 2003; 326 510–1.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |
[3] Aspin C, Reid A, Worth H, Saxton P, Hughes T, Robinson E Male Call/Waea Mai, Tane Ma Report No. 3: Maori men who have sex with men/ Tane Moea Tane.
[4] Durie M. Whaiora Maori Health Development. 2nd edn.Auckland: Oxford University Press; 1999 p. 135.
[5] Paul C, Wilson M, Dickson M, Sharples K, Skegg DCG. Enhanced surveillance of HIV infections in New Zealand, 1996–1998. N Z Med J 2000; 113 390–4.
| PubMed |
[6] Statistics New Zealand Available online at: (accessed 24 March 2003)
www.statsnz.govt.nz
[7] Mills G, Yardley A, Thomas M, Blackmore T, Pithie A, Schroeder B, et al. New Zealand’s HIV infected population under active follow-up during 2000. N Z Med J 2002; 115 173–6.
| PubMed |
[8] AIDS Epidemiology Group Confidential Report. Dunedin: AIDS Epidemiology Group, University of Otago; 2003 2003; February.
[9] Health Canada HIV/AIDS among Aboriginal persons in Canada: a continuing concern, HIV/AIDS epi updates, April 2003.
[10] Holmes W, Stewart P, Garrow A, Anderson I, Thorpe L. Researching Aboriginal health: Experience from a study of urban young people's health and well-being. [Elsevier Science, US.] Soc Sci Med 2002; 54(8): 1267–79.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |
[11] Weaver HN. Through indigenous eyes: Native Americans and the HIV epidemic. [National Assn of Social Workers, US.] Health Soc Work 1999; 24(1): 27–34.
| PubMed |
[12] Health Research Council of New Zealand / Te Kaunihera Rangahau Hauora o Aotearoa Rangahau Hauora Maori Portfolio Strategy. Auckland: Health Research Council of New Zealand/Te Kaunihera Rangahau Hauora o Aotearoa; 2003
[13] Grierson J, Pitts M, Whyte M, Misson S, Hughes T, Saxton P. HIV Futures New Zealand (Mate Aaraikore A Muri Ake Nei): Monograph Series No. 32. Melbourne, Australia: The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, Latrobe University; 2002
[14] Te Puni Kokiri Mate Ketoketo/Aarai Kore: a report about HIV/AIDS and Maori. Wellington: Te Puni Kokiri; 1994
