Better Start Model

The Better Start Model uses simulation to show the long-term impact of interventions undertaken as part of the "A Better Start" National Science Challenge.

Timeframe

2023–2024

COMPASS staff

Barry Milne, Eileen Li

Collaborators

Kevin Chang

Description

Better Start Model uses dynamic closed-cohort microsimulation to build an accurate model of early life-course development (birth to age 24) in New Zealand. Simulated units (children) are simulated to develop outcomes with different propensities, based on regression models developed using findings from interventions undertaken as part of the "A Better Start" National Science Challenge (https://www.abetterstart.nz). No new individuals enter as the simulation progresses through time.

The model includes five models covering three outcome areas:

  • Wellbeing
    • Impact of "Stress Less" intervention
  • Literacy
    • Impact of "Better Start Literacy Approach" at age 5
    • Impact of phonological awareness at age 5 on reading comprehension at age 10
  • Obesity
    • Impact of "Prevention of Overweightness in Infancy" sleep intervention on obesity at age 5
    • Impact of smoking in pregnancy on obesity at age 5.

Five Policy Briefs have been released to describe each of these items in more detail, and how they work in the model: