Emotional wellbeing during childhood is an important determinant of adult wellbeing. The prevalence of childhood depression

and anxiety is increasing in many countries including New Zealand (NZ). Child groups at higher risk of poorer mental health

include those whose parents are migrants and/or refugees.

Research objectives

1. Determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among children in NZ and within the Growing Up in New Zealand

(GUiNZ) cohort at age eight-to-nine-years.

2. Determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among immigrant children in NZ and children whose parents are

refugees.

3. Determine whether the prevalence of depression and anxiety at age eight-to-nine-years varies with parental country of birth.

4. Among children whose parents were not born in NZ, identify factors associated with depression and anxiety at age eight to-nine-years.

5. Determine whether children with depression and anxiety at age 8 years could be identified at a younger age.

Prevalence estimates of depression and anxiety among all children and refugee children in NZ will be derived from the

Integrated Data Infrastructure. The prevalence of depression and anxiety in the GUiNZ study will be determined from the

eight-year dataset.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety at age eight-to-nine-years in the GUiNZ study by parental country of birth will be

determined. Multi-variable regression models will be developed to identify factors independently associated with depression

and anxiety at age eight-to-nine-years.

Using the 54-month data we will determine whether children with depression or anxiety at age eight-years can be identified at

a younger age.