New Research Reveals Alarming Surge in Appendicitis Cases Among Māori and Rural Children

Māori and rural children are at a significantly greater risk of developing severe paediatric appendicitis, according to new research. A recent study has found that one in 10 children will get appendicitis, with severe cases linked to poor health literacy and longer delays in getting to a hospital.

The Alarming Reality

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, and pain with movement. Rural children are four times more likely to suffer from severe appendicitis compared to those living in urban areas, while Māori children are double the rate than non-Māori.

Causes of Inequity

Research lead Dr. Brodie Elliot told Midday Report about the alarming situation. “The risk of perforation occurs before reaching the hospital. We’ve got an unequal outcome based on socioeconomic factors that occur before a prompt hospital response.” This highlights the critical need for accessible and timely medical care, particularly in rural areas.

Parental Decision-Making

Dr. Elliot emphasized the importance of parental decision-making when it comes to seeking medical attention. “As soon as you add in rurality, travel distance, [having] multiple children, and previous bad experiences with the hospital, your threshold as parents is going to be higher to access hospital. And that sneaks in inequities, I believe, occur in paediatric appendicitis.”

Podcast Available

For more information on this topic, listen to our podcast “Maori and Rural Children Most at Risk from Appendicitis” available now.

A Call to Action

The findings of this study underscore the need for urgent attention to be given to improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural areas. As Dr. Elliot noted, “the bad side effects of appendicitis and the mortality is associated with complicated or perforated appendicitis.” Let us work together to create a more equitable healthcare system for all.