Aims: To describe the reasons for, and rates of, hospital admissions for Pacific children, compared with Maori and 'Other' (non Maori, non Pacific) children in Auckland over the six year period 1992 to 1997.
Method: Analysis was carried out of the New Zealand National Health Information Service database for Auckland domiciled children to show diagnostic codes and hospital admission rates for 0-14 year old children, using the 1996 Census population as the denominator population. Age standardised rates were calculated using the 'Other' group of children as the standard population.
Results: All-cause admission rates were higher among Pacific Children, compared with Maori and 'Other' children. Pacific Children were over-represented in admissions for acute respiratory infections, pneumonia and asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, compared with both Maori and 'Other' children.
Conclusion: Pacific children had the highest hospital admission rates, the main reason being preventable respiratory tract conditions. These findings suggest that Pacific children should be a priority group for intervention at various levels. Improvements in socio-economic circumstances, access to early primary health care and community education supported by comprehensive ambulatory paediatric services (particularly with respect to respiratory conditions) need to be implemented urgently. Qualitative research is needed to determine why ethnic differences exist and to identify effective interventions for Pacific children.