Predictors of health care utilisation in community dwelling New Zealand Māori

Abstract

Using Andersen's behavioural model of health care use we examined the predictors of health care utilisation (visits to general practitioners/family physicians, and hospital/outpatient and emergency services) via a cross sectional survey of 502 community dwelling New Zealand Māori (the indigenous population of New Zealand). We found that the model was of limited utility in accounting for variation in health care use in this group. In line with other research findings health need and worries about health emerged as the most salient predictors. We argue that this model may be limited in its applicability to this cultural group and that some re-evaluation of the ways in which health professionals have traditionally dealt with members of the Māori population, may be necessary.