title: Stability and change in the mental health of New Zealand secondary school students 2007-2012: results from the national adolescent health surveys.
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.
authors: University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors: Theresa M
authors: TM
authors: Fleming
authors: Terryann
authors: T
authors: Clark
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Denny
authors: Pat
authors: P
authors: Bullen
authors: Sue
authors: S
authors: Crengle
authors: Roshini
authors: R
authors: Peiris-John
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Robinson
authors: Fiona V
authors: FV
authors: Rossen
authors: Janie
authors: J
authors: Sheridan
authors: Mathijs
authors: M
authors: Lucassen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008603:Mental Health / Q000639:trends*; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012574:Schools; D057566:Self Report; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000639:trends
keywords: Adolescent; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; deliberate self-harm; depression; mental health; suicide attempts; wellbeing