Is the current approach to H. pylori testing & treatment equitable?

Free Webinar: Wednesday 13 November 2024

Is the current approach to H. pylori testing & treatment equitable?

There are up to sixfold differences in gastric cancer mortality by ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand, and H. pylori is the major modifiable risk factor. This study investigated whether current H. pylori testing and treatment approaches are equitable.

This retrospective cohort analysis of linked administrative health data, linked laboratory testing data and pharmacy dispensing to the Northern region health user population dataset (1.9 million) 2015–2018. Ethnic differences were examined in rates of H. pylori testing, infection, treatment, and retesting, adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year.

Ethnic inequities were present across the clinical pathway. Compared to sole-European, testing rates were lowest in Māori and Pacific, and highest in Middle-Eastern/Latin American/African (MELAA) and Asian. Positivity rates were highest in MELAA and Pacific, followed by Asian, and Māori. Treatment rates were similar for Asian, MELAA, and Māori compared to sole-European, but lower in Pacific. Māori and Pacific were half as likely to be retested as sole-European.

Despite higher prevalence of H. pylori and gastric cancer, Māori and Pacific are relatively underserved, with lower rates of testing and treatment than sole-European. Improved and consistently applied guidelines are needed, and an equity-focused test and treat programme is likely to be particularly beneficial for Māori and Pacific, to address existing inequities. This study was funded by the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge.

Join us for this comprehensive talk, the latest in our series of Virtual Health Information Network webinars. Email vhin@auckland.ac.nz to be notified about upcoming webinars.

Speakers: Dr Andrea Teng & Associate Professor Melissa McLeod

Andrea Teng is a Public Health Physician and Senior Research Fellow in the

Department of Public Health, University of Otago. Andrea’s research focus is on the prevention of non-communicable disease inequities, with a focus on stomach cancer H. pylori test and treat approaches, and fiscal policies in the Pacific for improved nutrition. Andrea is a member of the VHIN Executive and has led several projects using StatsNZ IDI.

Melissa McLeod (Ngāi Tahu) is a Public Health Physician & Associate Professor working at Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pōmare, University of Otago. She is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine and a member of Te ORA (Māori Medical Practitioners’ Association). Melissa’s research interests include Māori health, epidemiology, and investigation and elimination of ethnic health inequalities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

JOIN US AT

https://tinyurl.com/VHIN-webinars

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/93684427709pwd=Nkx4c25Ba1UyL0RIYWsrSU16SWlRdz09

Wednesday 13 November, 12PM

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