Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research - Research Publications

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Author: Wilkins, Roger × End date: 2022 × Start date: 2020 × Type: Journal Article ×

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    Evaluating How Mental Health Changed in Australia through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the 'Taking the Pulse of the Nation' (TTPN) Survey
    Botha, F ; Butterworth, P ; Wilkins, R (MDPI, 2022-01)
    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health at the level of the population. The current study adds to the evidence base by examining how the prevalence of psychological distress changed in Australia during the pandemic. The study also assesses the psychometric properties of a new single-item measure of mental distress included in a survey program conducted regularly throughout the pandemic. Data are from 1158 respondents in wave 13 (early July 2020) of the nationally representative Taking the Pulse of the Nation (TTPN) Survey. The questionnaire included the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and a new single-item measure of distress. Results show a significant increase in the prevalence of psychological distress in Australia, from 6.3% pre-pandemic to 17.7% in early July 2020 (unadjusted odds ratio = 3.19; 95% CI (confidence interval) = 2.51 to 4.05). The new single-item measure of distress is highly correlated with the K6. This study provides a snapshot at one point in time about how mental health worsened in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by demonstrating the accuracy of the new single-item measure of distress, this analysis also provides a basis for further research examining the trajectories and correlates of distress in Australia across the pandemic.
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    Economic Wellbeing
    Wilkins, R (WILEY, 2021-12)
    Abstract Over its 21 years, the HILDA Survey has assembled an unrivalled array of data on the economic wellbeing of the Australian population. This review summarises the main themes of the published research using this data.
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    The ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife): A New Resource for Retirement Policy Research
    Polidano, C ; Carter, A ; Chan, M ; Chigavazira, A ; To, H ; Holland, J ; Nguyen, S ; Vu, H ; Wilkins, R (Wiley, 2020-09-14)
    The Australian Taxation Office release of annual longitudinally linked individual tax and superannuation records, known as the ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife), opens up opportunities for new research. In this study, we provide an overview of ALife, focusing on its use for retirement income research. To this end, we provide the first longitudinal estimates of superannuation outcomes for 1-year birth cohorts. Results show marked increase in disparity of super balances in the lead-up to retirement as those in the top quartile ramp-up their contributions, possibly to take advantage of the favourable tax treatment of superannuation income in retirement years.