Kercher, AmyBeattie, SeonaDonkin, LiesjeShepherd, Daniel2024-01-172024-01-172024-01-11Aust N Z J Public Health, ISSN: 1326-0200 (Print); 1753-6405 (Online), Elsevier BV, 48(1), 100120-. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.1001201326-02001753-6405http://hdl.handle.net/10292/17118OBJECTIVE: Demand for children's mental health services has increased in New Zealand, yet little is known of young children's experience of psychological difficulties and treatment. This study investigated psychological symptoms and treatment experiences among primary-aged children. METHOD: An online survey of parents assessed children's anxiety, depression, attentional, emotional, conduct and peer problems, and experiences seeking psychological treatment. RESULTS: Based on 382 parental reports, between 24.9 and 34.6% of children experienced abnormal-range symptoms. Older children had higher distress, depression, and anxiety. Boys had more conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems. Ethnicity was not associated with the incidence of symptoms, but parents of Pākeha/European children reported greater impact than Māori parents. One-third of children had been referred for assessment; more often older children, and those with higher hyperactivity, impact, and anxiety. Parents reported difficulties accessing assessment, common barriers included waitlists (53%), cost (43%), and not knowing who to contact (36%). Following intervention, only 51% of parents reported improvements. CONCLUSION: NZ primary-aged children are experiencing more symptoms of psychological distress than previously reported and extensive difficulties accessing treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: There is a need for further screening and increased access to treatment to prevent worsening mental health outcomes in children.© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Public Health Association of Australia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ADHDNZanxietybarrierschilddepressiontreatment4203 Health Services and Systems42 Health SciencesHealth ServicesMental HealthPediatricDepressionBehavioral and Social ScienceMind and BodyClinical Research6 Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions6.6 Psychological and behavioural7.1 Individual care needs7 Management of diseases and conditionsMental health3 Good Health and Well Being1117 Public Health and Health Services1402 Applied Economics1605 Policy and AdministrationPublic Health4202 Epidemiology4203 Health services and systems4206 Public healthJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100120