Injury to Maori. II: Serious injury.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the significance of serious injury in Maori relative to other health problems, to describe the leading causes, and to determine age specific rates for major classes of injury.


METHODS
We used New Zealand Health Information Services' public hospital inpatient data files. The New Zealand Census classification of 'Sole-Maori' was used to determine injury mortality rates.


RESULTS
On average, one in every eight admissions in Maori, was for injury. Injury was the leading reason for admission for those 5-44 years old. Unintentional injury accounted for 85% of injuries, with those ages 1-14 and 15-24 years having the highest numbers and rates. Falls, followed closely by motor vehicle traffic crashes, were the leading causes, accounting for 23% and 20% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to address the priorities identified here, appropriate partnerships between crown agencies and social agencies, both Iwi and/or community based, must be established.
Broughton
J
J
Injury Prevention Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin.
Langley
J
J
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011114:Polynesia / Q000208:ethnology; D014754:Violence / Q000208:ethnology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology