Inquiry Q1 Flashcards
Health inequities
Health inequities refers to the differences in health status, one group or population may experience better or worse differences. If a group is identifies as a priority group, this means the government will invest money towards health promotion tailored to the needs of the population group. The ultimate goal is to improve the health of all Australians by ensuring it is equitable and accessible.
ATSI Trends
ATSI people experience inequities in all areas of health
Largest health gap of all population groups in Australia
Increased mortality rates
Decreased life expectancy (8 yrs)
Increased youth suicide
Increased kidney disease
Increased chronic disease
3 x more likely to smoke
2 x more likely to commit suicide
2 x more likely to have a traffic accident
2 x more likely to be hospitalised due to injury
For children aged 5-14, suicide rates for boys were 9 x higher and rates in girls were 7 x higher
4 x more common to be diagnosed with diabetes
2 x more likely to die of cancer
Death rates for every specific major cause of death is higher
2 x higher burden of disease
2.5 x higher rates of respiratory diseases
Lower education completion rates
Lower employment rates (49% compared with 76%)
Lower school attendance rates (not improving)
Less access to affordable and secure housing
More likely to experiences homelessness or live in overcrowded conditions
ATSI: Sociocultural determinants
- family, peers, media, religion, culture
increased domestic violence -> disempowerment -> decreased income and wellbeing ->effects family life -> 47% single parent homes
(see more in equity and health)
ATSI: Socioeconomic determinants
- education, income, employment
Less the 2/3 of working age population employed -> low income -> less access to facilities eg. Sporting clubs or gyms -> higher rates of type II diabetes
(see more in equity and health)
ATSI: Environmental determinants
-geographical, access to facilities and services and technology
physical isolation leads to lack of access to services -> unable to prevent or have early intervention -> higher mortality rates.
(see more in equity and health)
ATSI: Roles of individuals
Must make informed decisions about their own behavior
Reduce risk behaviors
Accessing services and support
Improving health literacy
Providing education and support for Indigenous mothers and children by increasing the number of Aboriginal health workers, community support workers and medically trained staff.
Health services focus on improving the knowledge and skill s of community members
Healthy for life provides culturally tailored programs that support local health services and programs, including health training and education for Indigenous people.
ATSI: Roles of communities
Be involved in health promotion design and implementation for their community
Promote healthy lifestyle choices such as decreasing the intake of alcohol or tobacco smoking eg. Alcohol free zones at local sporting events
Create specific health services that target ATSI culture eg. Aboriginal medical services/ health centres - Headspace, Yarn Place, national tobacco strategy ‘don’t make smokes your story’
Rural and Remote
People living in rural and remote areas experiences more health inequities than people linking in city areas. About 30% of Australians population are living in rural and remote areas. Environmental location is identified as a determinant of health, this highlights that people who live in rural and remote areas are more likely to experience poor health outcomes than those not living in rural and remote areas. The total burden of disease and injury increases with increasing remoteness.
R+R trends
higher rates of chronic illnesses such as CVD, cancer and diabetes
Higher rates of injury and road incidents
Higher rates of over disease
Higher rates of suicide
Higher mortality rates
Higher rates of injury and hospitalisation
Higher rates of occupational physical risk, eg. Farming or mining - work and transport related accidents
Fewer employment opportunities leading to lower incomes and financial insecurity
Higher rates of housing stress and homelessness
More likely to partake in risk taking behaviours
Less access to health facilities eg. Hospitals or GPs
Less access to recreational facilities eg. Gyms or sporting clubs as well as super markets and other facilities
R+R: Sociocultural determinants
‘She’ll be right’ attitude
Pub culture - regular drinking and smoking
Family expectation to stay on farm -> limits education and employment opportunities
Children raised in smoking families have higher rates of second hand smoking and are more likely to become smokers
Children who have parents who participate in risk behaviours ( drinking, inactivity, etc.) are more likely to continue these habits when they grow up
( see more in equity and health)
R+R: Socioeconomic determinants
Seasonal weather may impact employment and income. Eg. A drought may impede a farmers crop growth and cause financial and emotional hardship
If a person is not a farmer, they are more likely to work in transportation or mines, which have high injury rates along with higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use.
Less likely to have finished a high school education
Genrally have lower incomes but have to pay higher taxes for goods and service
Less variety of job opportunities and casual jobs eg. Hospitality which disables young people from working while studying
(see more in equity and health)
R+R: Environmental determinants
Geographical barriers when accessing health products, facilities and services
More likely to endure extra whether conditions eg. Droughts and bush fires
Poor distribution of medical specialists -> disables prevention and earl intervention
Less access to medical technology eg. Skin caner checks or breast cancer screening or chemotherapy -> people may have to move into the city if they require serious treatment
R+R: Roles of Individuals
Focus on good decision making and taking responsibly for own health
improving education and finishing school, seeking further educations to increase employment opportunity and income and to allow people to make informed decisions about their health
Making healthy choices eg. Eating well, exercising
R+R: Roles of Communities
Attract health professionals to remote or regional areas
Communicate and collaborate with government agencies and health departments to encourage medical professional and services
Development of multi purpose programs
Health designation zones eg. No smoking areas
Education services to improve health literacy
Epidemiology
the study of the patterns and causes of the health and disease in population and the application of this study to improve health” - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Epidemiology allows for the identification of priority health issues, the monitoring of progress and the re- evaluation of health promotions. The measurement of health status uses epidemiology to provide a picture of many aspects of Australia’s health and to help health authorities to determine future actions required
