Youth Health

Youth2000 Surveys
- Cross sectional studies carried out in 2001 and 2007
- 9000 students from across New Zealand secondary schools
- The survey was a Multimedia Computer Assisted Survey Interview (M-CASI)
- Information was self-reported, anonymous and confidential.
- Very high response rate
- 92% of students reported health as excellent, very good or good
- High school dropouts are not surveyed!
Results
- Students more connected with other students than with teachers
- However with increased ages, students connectedness with teachers increases.
- Most students enjoyed school because they got to hang out with friends and
got to play sports.
- All of cigarette-use, binge drinking and marijuana use decreased from 2001 to
2007.
Key Problems
- It was found in other studies that the marijuana use, cigarette use, and binge
drinking all increased greatly when an alternative education was used. This
means there are major selection bias issues in surveys like Youth2000.
- As cross-sectional studies measure exposure and outcomes at the same time,
temporal bias is an issue.
Resilience
Resilience refers to the ability to spring back in the face of adversity or difficult
circumstances. People who benefit from having resiliency factors will be less
vulnerable to adverse health outcomes even in the presence of some risk factors.
Without Resiliency

Risk of suicide
attempt

With Resiliency

Exposure to suicide risk factors

Resiliency factors
- Family connections
- School connections
- Humour
- Faith
- Coping skills
- Problem solving skills

Suicide Risk Factors

- Depression
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Exposure to violence

Health Policies
- Promote bonding in schools and families
- Foster belief in future
- Foster clear and positive identity
- Provide recognition for positive behaviour
- Promote social, emotional, cognitive,
behavioural, and moral competence.