Stability and change in the mental health of New Zealand secondary school students 2007–2012: Results from the national adolescent health surveys. (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fleming, Theresa M; Clark, Terryann; Denny, Simon; Bullen, Pat; Crengle, Sue; Peiris-John, Roshini; Robinson, Elizabeth; Rossen, Fiona V; Sheridan, Janie; Lucassen, Mathijs
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry. Volume 48:Number 5(2014:May)
• Page Start: 472
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Adolescent -- depression -- deliberate self-harm -- mental health -- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire -- suicide attempts -- wellbeing; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Australia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/0004867413514489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8674

Abstract

Objective: To describe the self-reported mental health of New Zealand secondary school students in 2012 and to investigate changes between 2007 and 2012. Methods: Nationally representative health and wellbeing surveys of students were completed in 2007 ( n =9107) and 2012 ( n =8500). Logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between mental health and changes over time. Prevalence data and adjusted odds ratios are presented. Results: In 2012, approximately three-quarters (76.2%, 95% CI 74.8–77.5) of students reported good overall wellbeing. By contrast (also in 2012), some students reported self-harming (24.0%, 95% CI 22.7–25.4), depressive symptoms (12.8%, 95% CI 11.6–13.9), 2 weeks of low mood (31%, 95% CI 29.7–32.5), suicidal ideation (15.7%, 95% 14.5–17.0), and suicide attempts (4.5%, 95% CI 3.8–5.2). Between 2007 and 2012, there appeared to be slight increases in the proportions of students reporting an episode of low mood (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.23, p =0.0009), depressive symptoms (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.30, p =0.011), and using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - emotional symptoms (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.23–1.54, p <0.0001), hyperactivity (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.29, p =0.0051), and peer problems (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09–1.49, p =0.0022). The proportion of students aged 16 years or older reporting self-harm increased slightly between surveys, but there was little change for students aged 15 years or less (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.15–1.44 and OR 1.10, 95% 0.98–1.23, respectively, p =0.0078). There were no changes in reported suicidal ideation and suicide attempts between 2007 and 2012. However, there has been an improvement in self-reported conduct problems since 2007 (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70–0.87, p <0.0001). Conclusions: The findings suggest a slight decline in aspects of self-reported mental health amongst New Zealand secondary school students between 2007 and 2012. There is a need for ongoing monitoring and for evidence-based, accessible interventions that prevent mental ill health and promote psychological wellbeing.