The Lived Experiences of Ngā Tāne Māori with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition affecting an individual’s quality of life in multiple ways. However, little is known about about the experiences of täne (men) Māori living with OA in Aotearoa New Zealand. We aimed to explore the lived experiences of ngā tāne Māori with OA. This qualitative study was guided by tikanga and kaupapa Māori philosophies. Interviews were conducted in a semi-structured method, with seven tāne Māori living with OA. Key themes were identified and developed from the data through thematic analysis, and were informed by Tā Mason Durie’s Māori health frameworks, Te Whare Tapa Whā and Te Pae Māhutonga. Four themes developed from the data and were named: (1) The interface of masculine embodiment and mana, (2) Taha whānau and connection as central to ngā tāne Māori wellbeing, (3) The benefits of taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), and (4) Te urutau kia uru ki te punaha tiaki hauora: Adapting to access the health-care system. OA places a significant burden on ngā tāne Māori and their whānau, impacting on all aspects of hauora (health). The unique lived experiences and impact on wider whānau of Māori living with OA indicates the need to consider te ao Māori (Māori world view) when developing clinical services and a Model of Care for OA.