Using GCH to understand rural-urban sociodemographic differences in NZ
Whitehead, J., Atkinson, J., Davie, G., De Graaf, B., Eggleton, K., Crengle, S., Miller, R., Blattner, K., Crampton, P., and Nixon, G. (2023) Comparison of the Sociodemographic Composition of Rural and Urban Aotearoa New Zealand: Insights from Applying the Geographic Classification for Health to the 2018 Census. New Zealand Population Review, 49: 27-69
2024-05-14
OPEN ACCESS: here
Abstract
Generic rurality classifications in Aotearoa New Zealand lack adequacy for health research and policy, hindering understanding of rural-urban sociodemographic differences. To address this, we utilise the fit-for-purpose and novel Geographic Classification for Health. Responses to the 2018 Census are analysed at the SA2 level to describe and compare sociodemographic characteristics of rural and urban residents at national and regional scales. The rural-urban distribution of socio-economic deprivation is also examined using NZDep2018. This research establishes a baseline for understanding health care needs and sociodemographic changes in Aotearoa’s rural and urban communities, including disparities by ethnicity and Te Whatu Ora Health region.