Acute rheumatic fever and exposure to poor housing conditions in New Zealand: A descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an important public health problem in low- and middle-income countries and in certain populations in high-income countries. Indigenous Australians, and New Zealand Māori and Pacific people, have incidence rates among the highest in the world. We aimed to investigate ARF cases’ housing conditions and sore throat treatment to identify opportunities for improving ARF prevention in New Zealand. Methods: Recently diagnosed cases and their care givers were interviewed. Information was obtained about the cases’ demographics, housing circumstances and conditions, and sore throat treatment preceding ARF. Results: We interviewed 55 cases. Most (75%) lived in rental ..