An Insight into Youth Mental Health: A mixed methods research study of experiences and perceptions of youth mental health.

Abstract

Background: The mental health of youth within New Zealand is an imperative matter that needs to be immediately addressed. The rates of youth struggling with their mental health is a concern for all health professional in New Zealand. Objectives: The objectives of this research are to firstly, look at what are common mental health issues that youth are currently living with. The second objective is to find out what the perceptions are that nurses have on youth mental health within New Zealand. Participants: The first part of this research examined quantitative data using the YouthCHAT instrument from 778 students from secondary schools within the Waikato and Coromandel regions. The second part of this research, comprised individual interviews with eight nurses based in the Waikato. Methods: The study used a mixed methods design. The quantitative data was extracted from an existing YouthCHAT . This data was analysed through parsimonious modelling and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The data was examined utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The qualitative data was generated by interviewing eight nurses about their perception of youth mental health. The findings from the interviews were analysed utilising a general inductive approach. Results: The research undertaken provides valuable insights into youth mental health in New Zealand by combining qualitative interviews with nurses and quantitative data from YouthCHAT. It explores the emotional response of nurses, barriers to accessing mental health services, the impact of social media, and associations between depression, anxiety, and other factors in youth mental health. Conclusion The study shows the importance of addressing youth mental health issues and also recognising the crucial roles nurses play in addressing youth mental health within New Zealand.