A new NZ study using the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), a secure national database linking health and census data, looked at real-world treatment patterns for over 5,300 people with MS. While some people do not qualify for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), the research found evidence of ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in access among those who do.
Key findings (2014–2021):
- 12.9% were dispensed high-efficacy treatments (natalizumab or ocrelizumab)
- Māori patients had 33% lower odds of receiving high-efficacy DMTs (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–0.90)
- Asian patients had 37% lower odds (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39–0.98)
- Pacific patients were 67% less likely to receive any DMT (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.78)
- European patients were 60% more likely to receive high-efficacy DMTs (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17–2.22)
- Higher education, income, and living in less deprived areas were strongly associated with better access
What does this mean?
People identifying as Māori, Pacific Peoples, and Asian ethnic groups, and those with lower socioeconomic position appear to have worse access to DMTs and high-efficacy treatments. These inequities mirror patterns seen in other health conditions and highlight the need for culturally safe, equity-focused solutions.
Why it matters:
These patterns show that ethnicity and socioeconomic status appear to influence MS care in NZ. International evidence suggests that prioritising early treatment and equity-focused policies can help close these gaps.
Read the full study here and join the conversation about making MS care equitable for everyone.