Health and well-being of secondary school students in New Zealand: Trends between 2001, 2007 and 2012

Terryann Clark*, Theresa Fleming, Pat Bullen, Sue Crengle, Simon Denny, Ben Dyson, Roshini Peiris-John, Elizabeth Robinson, Fiona Rossen, Janie Sheridan, Tasileta Teevale, Jennifer Utter, Sonia Lewycka

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

72 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim 

To describe indicators of health and well-being for New Zealand secondary school students; explore changes between 2001, 2007 and 2012; and compare these findings to international estimates. 

Methods 

Three national health and well-being surveys of randomly selected New Zealand secondary school students were conducted. Data are presented as prevalence and variation over time (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)). Comparisons with international estimates were made with subsets of the data. 

Results 

Between 2001 and 2012, students reported reductions in cigarette use (aOR 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23-0.32), alcohol use (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.33-0.46), marijuana use (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.31-0.43), sexual abuse (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.46-0.58), fighting (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55-0.73), seatbelt use (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.31-1.65) and risky driving behaviours (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.33-0.45). Positive connections to school (perception that the school cares, aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.35; liking school, aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.33-1.82) and family (good family relationship, aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.70-1.97) also improved. Indicators that did not improve and compared poorly with international estimates were protected sex (condom use at last sexual intercourse, aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68-0.87) and healthy life-style (daily physical activity, aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.99; overweight/obese, aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.92-1.31). Exposure to family violence (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11-1.68) and depressive symptoms (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.91-1.17) also did not improve. 

Conclusions 

There have been important improvements in the health and well-being of New Zealand adolescents over a relatively short period. These findings demonstrate that population rates of adolescent risk behaviours are amenable to change. Current policy efforts should not lose momentum, while identified priority areas must be adequately resourced to ensure young people have opportunities to thrive now and in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)925-934
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health
Volume49
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2013
Externally publishedYes

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