How are priority issues for Australia's health identified? - MEASURING HEALTH STATUS Flashcards
What is the health status of a nation?
The health status is the pattern of health in general over a period of time.
What is “Epidemiology”?
It is the study of disease in groups or populations.
What is the role of epidemiology?
Epidemiology is used by governments and health-related organisations to provide a picture of the health status of a population and patterns of health and disease.
What are the FOUR measures of epidemiology?
Mortality, infant mortality, morbidity and life expectancy.
What is mortality?
Mortality is the number of deaths in a group of people or from a disease over a specific time period, usually one year.
How many deaths were registered in 2007?
137 854 deaths.
How many of the 137 854 deaths were males?
70 567 (51 per cent).
How many of the 137 854 deaths in 2007 were females?
67 285 (49 per cent).
In Australia, what are the main causes of death?
Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory disease.
What is infant mortality?
The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths in the first year of life per 1000 live births.
Why is infant mortality considered to be the most important indicator of the health status of a nation?
Because it can also predict adult life expectancy.
What TWO divisions can infant mortality be divided into?
- Neonatal (deaths in the first 28 days of life)
- Post-natal (deaths in the remainder of the first year of life).
Has infant mortality increased OR decreased from 1902-2007?
Decreased dramatically.
Why do you think that infant mortality has dramatically decreased from 1902-2007?
Due to:
- Improved medical diagnosis and treatment if illness.
- Improved public sanitation
- Health education
- Improved support services.
What is morbidity?
Morbidity (sickness) refers to patterns of illness, disease and injury that DO NOT RESULT IN DEATH.
