Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand have a higher risk of hospitalisation for COVID-19

Abstract

Aims: We aim to quantify differences in clinical outcomes from COVID-19 infection in Aotearoa New Zealand by ethnicity and with a focus on risk of hospitalisation.

Methods: We used data on age, ethnicity, deprivation index, pre-existing health conditions and clinical outcomes on 1,829 COVID-19 cases reported in New Zealand. We used a logistic regression model to calculate odds ratios for the risk of hospitalisation by ethnicity. We also considered length of hospital stay and risk of fatality.

Results: After controlling for age and pre-existing conditions, we found that Māori have 2.50 times greater odds of hospitalisation (95% CI 1.39-4.51) than non-Māori non-Pacific people. Pacific people have three times greater odds (95% CI 1.75-5.33).

Conclusions: Structural inequities and systemic racism in the healthcare system mean that Māori and Pacific communities face a much greater health burden from COVID-19. Older people and those with pre-existing health conditions are also at greater risk. This should inform future policy decisions including prioritising groups for vaccination.