Lay summary
The Christchurch Health and Development Study is a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 Christchurch-born children who have been studied to the age of 35. This application seeks funding to extend this research to age 40. Research objectives include: long-term mental health consequences of exposure to the Canterbury Earthquakes; the consequences of alcohol and cannabis use and misuse to age 40; psychosocial and functional impairment resulting from chronic/recurrent mental health disorders; long-term consequences of exposure to maltreatment in childhood; genes, environment and mental disorders; developing a Te Ao Maori perspective; and translation of research findings to policy outputs. To achieve these outcomes the cohort will be interviewed at age 40 on a comprehensive interview relating to social background, economic and personal circumstances, mental health and related measures. The study will contribute both to the scientific literature in these areas, and inform health/social policy development in New Zealand.