Mapping the themes of Maori talk about health.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reports the findings of a qualitative research project that investigated: how Maori talk about health; Maori health; and Maori experiences of interacting with both mainstream and Maori providers of healthcare.


METHODS
Twenty eight self-identified Maori were recruited from urban, marae-based healthcare services. Rich descriptions of commonly occurring themes were used to examine participants' experiences, explanations and ideas.


RESULTS
Twelve themes provide an overview of how Maori health is conceptualised, the importance of 'traditional' concepts, the experiences of Maori within mainstream healthcare, and Maori health promotion mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Providing holistic healthcare to Maori in a respectful and collaborative way will provide opportunities for health professionals to have a positive impact on the health of individuals, their whanau and, in turn, their communities, hapu and Iwi.
Cram
Fiona
F
International Research Institute for Maori and Indigenous Education, University of Auckland, Auckland. f.cram@auckland.ac.nz
Smith
Linda
L
Johnstone
Wayne
W
D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003144:Communication Barriers; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D009520:New Zealand; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D019037:Urban Health Services