The Health of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand

The Health of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand: 2007 Overview Report

One of the concerning themes emerging from the NZ Child and Youth Epidemiology Services' annual DHB Reports, as well as the Indicator Handbook, were the large disparities in health status experienced by Pacific children and young people. As a consequence, in 2007 the Ministry of Health commissioned a report on the Health of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand. This report adapts the NZCYES’ 2007 Report Template to focus specifically on the health needs of Pacific children and young people. In doing so it provides a comprehensive overview of Pacific child and youth health across a range of domains including individual health outcomes, risk and protective factors, and the socioeconomic and cultural determinants of health. Key features include a series of Viewpoints, written by Pacific academics and health professionals, who each consider how the health sector might better respond to the health needs of Pacific children and young people. Additional indicators (e.g. Pacific Language Retention, Religious Affiliation) of relevance to Pacific children and young people have also been added, and more detailed analyses by Pacific group (e.g. Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Maori, Niue, Tokelauan, Fijian, Other Pacific) have been undertaken for many indicators.

Hard copies of this report can be obtained from moh@wickliffe.co.nz or calling 04 496 2277 quoting "The Health of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand". Hard copies cost $52.50 each, including postage and packaging.

2008-2010 Reporting Cycle: Pacific Child and Youth Health Reports

Following on from the 2007 Health of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand Report, the Ministry of Health commissioned a series of further Pacific Child and Youth Health Reports to run in parallel with NZCYES DHB Reporting.  While reviewing the same set of indicators as DHB Reports, these reports contain additional information of relevance Pacific children and young people (e.g. additional indicators, a more detailed breakdown (data permitting) by Pacific ethnic group (Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Maori, Niue, Tokelauan, Fijian, Other Pacific).

The Health Status of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand: 2008 Report

The 2008 Health Status of Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand report focuses on health outcomes for Pacific children and young people, with a breakdown where possible, by Pacific ethnic group. Issues covered include infant mortality, ambulatory sensitive hospital admissions (ASH), hospital admissions and mortality from respiratory and infectious diseases and injuries, dental procedures, and teenage births. The report also reviews in some depth, the reasons for the higher rates of Stillbirths amongst Pacific women living in New Zealand.

The Determinants of Health for Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand: 2009 Report

The 2009 Determinants of Health for Pacific Children and Young People in New Zealand report focuses on the underling determinants of health for Pacific children and young people. Issues covered include child poverty and living standards, the number of children reliant on benefit recipients, unemployment rates and the number of young people reliant on benefits, a range of educational participation and attainment indicators, tobacco use during pregnancy, youth smoking and children and young people’s access to mental health services. In addition two additional indicators (not included in the 2009 DHB Reports) focus on traditional gifting (including remittances back to the Pacific) and Gambling.

The Health of Pacific Children and Young People with Chronic Conditions and Disabilities in New Zealand: 2010 Report

The 2010 Health of Pacific Children and Young People with Chronic Conditions and Disabilities in New Zealand report reviews a range of hospital admission and mortality data, with a view to identifying the number of Pacific children and young people with chronic conditions and disabilities accessing health services in New Zealand. Issues reviewed include autism, developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, epilepsy, and Pacific babies with congenital anomalies evident at birth (including cardiovascular anomalies, Down Syndrome and neural tube defects). National survey data on overweight and obesity, and nutrition and physical activity in Pacific children is also reviewed. The Children’s Social Health Monitor is also updated, with a view to assessing how Pacific children are faring during the current economic downturn.  Finally, two additional indicators (not included in the 2010 DHB Reports) focus on hospital admissions and mortality for Pacific children and young people with bronchiectasis and acute rheumatic fever / rheumatic heart disease.