Lay summary
Arthritis (pona kakā) is a common and debilitating chronic disease and one of the leading causes of disability in New Zealand. In 2018, Deloitte Access Economics estimated the cost of arthritis to be around $12.2bn. Māori have inequitable rates of various forms of arthritis. The project will utilise a range of modalities including massage, podiatry, health literacy and gentle exercise. The primary aim is to test the effectiveness of a marae-based holistic and Kaupapa Māori intervention for Māori arthritis sufferers for pain management, improved quality of life, and the impact on individual co-morbidities (if any – e.g., pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity). A secondary aim is to identify the importance of Kaupapa Māori health interventions for Māori, particularly in relation to arthritis, but which will have relevance for other Māori-focused health interventions. We will also conduct a regional survey regarding the impact of arthritis on Māori over 50.