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

Abstract

Objective: To describe the health status of Māori secondary school students in New Zealand over time compared to New Zealand European (NZE) students. Methods: Anonymous representative health surveys of New Zealand secondary school students were conducted in 2001, 2007 and 2012 (total n=27,306 including 5747 Māori). Results: Compared to 2001, Māori students in 2012 experienced improved health, family and school connections. However, considerable inequity persists with Māori students reporting; poorer health, greater exposure to violence and socio-economic adversity compared to NZE students. When controlling for socio-economic deprivation, inequity was substantially reduced, although Māori worse outcomes remained for; general health, mental health, contraceptive use, healthy weight, substance use, access to health care and exposure to violence. There was some evidence of convergence between Māori and NZE students on some indicators. Conclusions: There have been significant improvements for Māori youth in areas of health where there has been investment. Priority areas identified require adequate resourcing alongside addressing systematic discrimination and poverty. Implications for Public Health: Socio-economic contexts, discrimination, health care access and identified priority health areas must be addressed to improve equity for Māori youth. Building on these gains and hastening action on indicators which have not improved/worsened is required.