Focused on child and youth population health, the group employs advanced evaluation techniques and big data analytics, leveraging resources such as the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). Their work emphasizes culturally appropriate, family-centred strategies, and takes a lifecourse approach informed by lived experiences to address multidimensional factors affecting the well-being of children, youth, and their whānau.
The team specialises in research focussed on neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health and has a research arm focussed on international comparison studies.
Key people
- Dr Nick Bowden
- Joanne Dacombe
- Research Associate Professor Jesse Kokaua
- Dr Troy Ruhe
- Dr Sujata Saha
- Professor Barry Taylor
- Hien Vu
Postgraduate students
- Yong Zhang, PhD candidate
- Sujin Kwak, PhD candidate
- Katie Hooton, Master's student
Current studies
Trends in autism prevalence and health service use in Aotearoa
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects communication, interaction, and perception, with international estimates suggesting a prevalence of 1 in 36 children. This study analyses autism prevalence trends over ten years and explores healthcare service use among Autistic youth (0-24 years) in Aotearoa, addressing gaps in population-level data and healthcare needs.
In Aotearoa, limited systematic data exists on autism prevalence, with previous research highlighting ethnic disparities in diagnosis among Māori and Pacific populations. This study aims to close these gaps, investigate autism prevalence in gender-diverse populations for the first time, and provide critical insights into the healthcare needs and service utilisation of Autistic youth.
Contact
Dr Nick Bowden
University of Otago
Professor Laurie McLay
University of Canterbury
People involved
- Nick Bowden (PI, Otago)
- Joanne Dacombe (Otago)
- Laurie McLay (PI, UC)
- Ruth Monk (UC)
- Troy Ruhe (Otago)
- Philip Schluter (UC)
- Hiran Thabrew (UoA)
- Jess Tupou (Vic)
- Hien Vu (Otago)
Life Course Outcomes for Autistic Children and Young people and their Families in Aotearoa | New Zealand using Population-Level Linked Data
This comprehensive study investigates life course outcomes for Autistic children, young people, and their families in Aotearoa New Zealand using population-level linked data. It examines disparities and challenges across multiple domains, including health, education, employment, and social services, to provide evidence that can inform policies supporting Autistic individuals and their whānau.
In Aotearoa, limited population-level data on autism has hindered understanding of its impacts, with existing research primarily relying on small clinical samples. This study leverages the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to address this gap, enabling analyses of outcomes for Autistic individuals and their families while guiding interventions to meet obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Contact
Dr Nick Bowden
University of Otago
Professor Laurie McLay
University of Canterbury
Dr Jess Tupou
Victoria University of Wellington
People involved
- Francesca Anns (UoA)
- Rick Audas (Memorial University of Newfoundland)
- Nick Bowden (PI, Otago)
- Joanne Dacombe (Otago)
- Sheree Gibb (Otago)
- Laurie McLay (PI, UC)
- Philip Schluter (UC)
- Andrew Sporle (iNZight Analytics)
- Hilary Stace (Vic)
- Hiran Thabrew (UoA)
- Reremoana Theodore (Otago)
- Jess Tupou (PI, Vic)
- Hien Vu (Otago)
- John Williams (Otago)
Health, labour market, and social service use characteristics of people on a benefit with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Aotearoa New Zealand population-level study using the Integrated Data Infrastructure
This study aims to examine the health, labour market, and social service use characteristics of individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and receiving disability-related income support. By leveraging population-level linked data, it seeks to compare these outcomes to both the general population and individuals receiving disability-related income support without an ME/CFS diagnosis.
ME/CFS is a debilitating chronic condition associated with severe fatigue and a range of other symptoms, significantly impairing quality of life and economic productivity. Despite its substantial social and economic impact, ME/CFS remains underdiagnosed, and data on its prevalence and consequences in New Zealand are limited; this study addresses these gaps to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and inform evidence-based policy and support systems.
Contact
Dr Nick Bowden
University of Otago
People involved
- Francesca Anns (UoA)
- Nick Bowden (PI, Otago)
- Keith McLeod (Kōtātā Insight)
- Warren Tate (Otago)
- Barry Taylor (Otago)
- Rosamund Vallings
- Hien Vu (Otago)
ICCONIC: International Collaborative on Costs, Outcomes, and Needs in Care
High-need, high-cost (HNHC) patients represent a small proportion of the population but account for a significant share of healthcare expenditures. This research seeks to understand how healthcare utilization, spending, and outcomes for HNHC patients differ across health systems, providing insights into patterns and disparities in care delivery.
ICCONIC is a collaboration of 16 partners from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific aiming to enhance comparative health systems research. By linking and analysing patient-level data across countries, the collaborative seeks to inform policymakers on how care strategies and treatments impact healthcare quality, costs, and outcomes globally.
Contact
Dr Nick Bowden
University of Otago
Professor Irene Papanicolas
Brown University
Web https://sites.brown.edu/icconic/
People involved
https://sites.brown.edu/icconic/partners/
Mortality risk among children and young people with neurodevelopment conditions
This study aims to examine mortality risk among children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) compared to those without NDCs. Using population-level data from a 15-year birth cohort, it investigates disparities in mortality rates and identifies opportunities to prevent and reduce premature deaths among these vulnerable populations.
Existing evidence links NDCs to significantly increased mortality risks, but most research focuses on adults and specific NDCs, leaving a gap in understanding for younger populations and across the spectrum of NDCs, especially in Aotearoa. This study, conducted under the National Mortality Review Committee's Child and Youth Mortality Review workstream, aims to address this gap by leveraging linked data to improve health, disability, and social service practices for children and young people with NDCs.
Contact
Dr Rachael Lawrence Lodge
University of Otago
Dr Nick Bowden
University of Otago
People involved
- Nick Bowden (Otago)
- Sheree Gibb (Otago)
- Joseph Hii (Otago)
- Jesse Kokaua (Otago)
- Rachael Lawrence Lodge (PI, Otago)
- Jonathan Lee (Starship Child Health)
- Brigit Mirfin-Veitch (Donald Beasley Institute)
- Collette Muir (UoA)
- Troy Ruhe (Otago)
- Kasia Szymanska (Otago)
Collaborations
The team has active national and international collaborations.
National collaborations
University of Auckland
- Francesca Anns
- Steph D’Souza
- Sarah Hetrick
- Barry Milne
- Rebecca Slykerman
- Hiran Thabrew
- Lisa Underwood
University of Canterbury
- Matt Hobbs
- Lukas Marek
- Laurie McLay
- Philip Schluter
University of Otago
- Rachael Lawrence Lodge
- Albany Lucas
- Ben Wheeler
- John Willams
- Moana Theodore
Victoria University of Wellington
- Hilary Stace
- Jess Tupou
Kōtātā Insight
- Keith McLeod
International collaborations
- Rick Audas (Memorial University of Newfoundland)
- Jose Figueroa (Harvard University)
- Rob French (University of Cardiff)
- Robin Gauld (Bond University)
- Nathan Hughes (University of Sheffield)
- Brigit Mirfin-Veitch (Donald Beasley Institute)
- Martin O’Flaherty (University of Queensland)
- Irene Papanicolas (Brown University)
Key funders
- Commonwealth Fund
- Cure Kids
- Health Foundation (UK)
- Health Research Council (HRC)
- Laura Fergusson Trust
- The Associated New Zealand ME Society (ANZMES)