The physical health and premature mortality of Indigenous Māori following first-episode psychosis diagnosis: A 15-year follow-up study.

Abstract

Background: People experiencing psychosis are at greater risk of physical health conditions and premature mortality. It is likely that Indigenous Māori youth, who experience additional systemic inequities caused by settler-colonisation, face even greater physical health and mortality risks following a diagnosis of first-episode psychosis.

Objective: Compare Māori and non-Māori for risk of hospitalisation and mortality for up to 15 years following first-episode psychosis diagnosis.

Methods: A cohort (N = 14,122) of young people (16-24 years) with first-episode psychosis diagnosis between 2001 and 2019 were identified. Using crude Kaplan-Meier and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, Māori (n = 5211) and non-Māori (n = 8911) were compared on hospitalisation and mortality outcomes for up to 15 years.

Results: In the 15 years following first-episode psychosis diagnosis, Māori had higher adjusted risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval = [1.01, 1.45]), hospitalisation with diabetes (hazard ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = [1.15, 1.79]), injury/poisoning (hazard ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval = [1.05, 1.16]), general physical health conditions (hazard ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = [1.02, 1.13]) and also appeared to be at greater risk of cardiovascular hospitalisations (hazard ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = [0.97, 1.86]). Kaplan-Meier plots show hospitalisation and mortality inequities emerging approximately 4-7 years following first-episode psychosis diagnosis.

Conclusions: Māori are at greater risk for hospitalisation and premature mortality outcomes following first-episode psychosis. Early screening and intervention, facilitated by culturally safe health service delivery, is needed to target these inequities early.