Health Survey 2012–13

An annual snapshot of the nation’s health shows improvements in the health of children and young people. It also identifies some areas where further gains are needed.

Hazardous drinking has fallen in young people aged 18–24 years, from 35% in 2006/07 to 25% in 2012/13.

Youth smoking remains low, with 7% of 15–17 year olds smoking daily. Fewer 18–24 year olds are smoking daily, down from 24% in 2011/12 to 20% in 2012/13. 

More children have visited a dental health care worker in the last year – up to 81% compared with 75% in 2006/07.

For adults, the health survey shows a continuation of the downward trend in the daily smoking rate, down slightly since last year to 15.5%. The smoking rate remains high in Māori, with 36% smoking daily.

The 2013 Census results for smoking released on the 9th December 2013, showed a large drop in the Māori smoking rate, this may reflect differences in the methodology used in each study.

Obesity continues to increase in adults with 31% obese, compared with 29% in 2011/12. Part of the increase may be due to an increase in the proportion of survey participants agreeing to have their BMI measured. The 2012/13 childhood obesity rate was similar to last year with 11% of children obese. Levels of physical activity remains unchanged for most, but have dropped in Māori.

Levels of unmet need for health care were generally unchanged compared with last year. Few children aged under 6 years experienced unmet need for health care due to cost.

Fewer adults and children were unable to collect a prescription due to cost compared with last year.

Māori and Pacific adults and children, and those living in the most deprived areas were more likely to report health conditions and have difficulties accessing primary health care.

The low level of amphetamine use remains unchanged since last year with 0.9% of adults reporting past year use.

For the full results, visit New Zealand Health Survey: Annual update of key findings 2012/13.

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