Common mental disorders and psychological distress among Pacific adults living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Abstract

Aim: To examine common mental disorders and psychological distress in Pacific adults and between Pacific ethnic groups.

Methods: Data were pooled from multiple New Zealand Health Survey waves from 2014/2015 to 2018/2019. Estimated period prevalence of common mental disorders (depression and/or anxiety) and psychological distress were calculated for Pacific adults aged 15 years and over, analysed by socio-demographic factors (age, sex and socio-economic deprivation), specific Pacific ethnic groups (Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands and Other Pacific) and Realm country status. Log-binomial regression methods were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) for comparative analyses.

Results: Doctor-diagnosed common mental disorders were more prevalent in Pacific women, adults aged 24-64 years and those living in the least deprived areas (compared with Pacific men, adults aged 15-24 years and those in the most deprived areas respectively). Psychological distress was more prevalent in Pacific females and Cook Islands Māori. Some within-Pacific mental health differences were evident, with higher rates of diagnosed common mental disorders in adults affiliated with Pacific Realm countries (Cook Islands Māori and Niueans) compared with those affiliated with non-Realm countries.

Conclusions: Higher rates of doctor-diagnosed common mental disorders in Pacific adults from the least deprived areas suggest either higher needs and/or better care access in these groups. Mental health varies among Pacific peoples, with Cook Islands Māori in particular experiencing poorer outcomes. Further research and interventions targeting specific Pacific subpopulations are warranted.