Chapter 4: indigenous and non indigenous Australians Flashcards
Do indigenous Australians have better health status than the rest of the Australian population?
No, almost all health indicators are lower, including a lower life expectancy by 11-12 years
What are the biological factors Abos suffer from? 2
What can these cause?
Higher rates of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and impaired glucose regulation;
- increases the risk of developing chronic conditions such as CVD, kidney failure, etc
Higher rates of low birth weight.
- Higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood
What are the sociocultural factors abos suffer from? 4
What can these cause?
Low levels of education: unaware of the risk factors of many diseases (lack of health literacy). they might be - more likely to consume excessive alcohol
- smoke and misuse drugs
- increasing risk of CVD
- Cancers
- respiratory problems
Food insecurity: leads to individuals not having sufficient nutrition intake
Low rates of employment/ lack of job security: Financial strain increases rates of stress, anxiety and depression
Access to health care (cultural barriers):
- cultural factors may prevent healthcare access so chronic conditions go undiagnosed and untreated
What are the environmental factors abos suffer from? 2
What can these cause?
Poor quality, overcrowded housing: can cause poor mental health, injury
Access to health care (lack of facilities in close proximity): As indigenous usually live in more remote area, they may have limited access to health care facilities, meaning many chronic conditions might go undiagnosed and untreated.
