Research Conducted

Regional, Socioeconomic and indigenous differences

 ‘Chronic Disease – conditions such as heart disease (to name a few) that tend to be long lasting and persistent in their symptoms or development – are a major health concern in Australia and other developed countries, placing great burden on individuals, community and health. (AIHW: Mathers et al. 1999) Yet many of these diseases are preventable through modification of risk factors that contribute to their development. (AIHW 2004a)

These risk factors are all modifiable at the population and individual level and offer major prospects for prevention of disease.’

* Table 3.1 - Risk factors and determinants for chronic disease

• Chronic diseases can be a problem at all ages: almost 10% of children 0-14 years had three or more long term conditions; this figure increased to almost 80%for those 65 years and over.

• More than 85% of adults are not consuming enough vegetables.

• One in two adults are not getting sufficient physical activity.

• Almost 50% of adults are jot consuming enough fruit.

Under consumption of fruit and vegetables in adults and children, can be derived from lack of education and knowledge about healthier eating habits.

Socioeconomic variation in Mortality from Chronic disease.

There are notable differences in mortality in Australia when analysed by socioeconomic status with the lowest mortality rates in the least disadvantaged areas and the highest in the most disadvantaged areas (Glover et al 2004). Deaths with chronic disease as the underlying cause of death also show a strong relationship with socioeconomic status, a relationship that is substantially stronger for premature deaths.

Geographical Location

• Mortality rates for coronary heart disease, COPD and diabetes tend to increase with increasing remoteness for both sexes.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

• In 2001, when compared with least disadvantaged areas, persona living in more disadvantaged areas had significantly higher levels of physical inactivity and obesity.

• Compared with those living in least disadvantaged areas, significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, mental and behavioural problems, diseases or the circulatory system, asthma, bronchitis/ emphysema and arthritis can all be observed in the more disadvantaged areas.

• In 2001 there was significantly higher mortality for coronary heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, COPD, chronic kidney disease and male cerbrovascular disease for those in more disadvantaged areas than in the least disadvantaged areas.
  

Indigenous status

• Although excess weight is an issue for half of all Australians, this figure increased to 63% for Indigenous Australians in 2001.

• Inadequate fruit consumption was prevalent for both Indigenous and other Australians , as was consumption of fewer than four serves of vegetables.

• In 2001, asthma, arthritis and diabetes were commonly reported for indigenous than other Australians.

• Large differences in mortality by Indigenous status can be observed for diabetes (14 times the rate of other Australians) , chronic kidney disease (8times) , COPD (6times) and coronary heart disease(5 times).     

Source - Chronic Disease and Associated Risk Factors in Australia, 2006.
Produced by – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra