Measuring Health Status & Epidemiology
What can epidemiology tell us about health in Australia?
It tells us who is affected, what diseases are common, and trends in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and life expectancy.
What are the main criteria used to identify priority health issues in Australia?
Priority population groups, prevalence of condition, potential for prevention/early intervention, and costs to individuals and the community.
Example: CVD is costly, highly prevalent, and preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
What is one major health problem contributing to higher mortality in rural and remote Australians?
Injury, accidents, and poorer access to health services.
Example: Road accidents are more common in rural areas due to longer travel distances and limited emergency care.
What is the leading cause of death in Australia, and what are some of its main forms?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes:
Coronary heart disease – narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Angina – chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Atherosclerosis – build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) in the artery walls, restricting blood flow.
Stroke – when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or blocked.
Hypertension – consistently high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Example: About 1 in 4 Australian deaths are from CVD, with coronary heart disease the most common.
What is one major outcome of healthy ageing?
More Australians are living longer, but often with chronic diseases and disabilities that require ongoing management.
Example: Many elderly Australians live with arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or dementia, which impacts independence and quality of life.
Who uses epidemiological data to make decisions about health?
Governments, health organisations, researchers, and policymakers.
Example: The government uses cancer data to fund screening programs like BreastScreen Australia.
What role do the social justice principles play in identifying health priorities?
They ensure that disadvantaged groups get fair access to health resources and services.
Example: Equity means more services are directed to rural and remote areas.
What is one key determinant that contributes to shorter life expectancy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Lower SES, racism, reduced access to health care, or cultural disconnection.
Example: Indigenous Australians have higher smoking rates, increasing the risk of chronic illness.
What is the major risk factor for skin cancer?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, which damages skin cells and increases the likelihood of mutations leading to skin cancer.
Example: Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world because of high UV levels and outdoor lifestyles.
What part of the health system is under pressure due to the ageing population?
The health service workforce, as demand for aged care, geriatric specialists, and chronic disease management rises.
Example: Australia faces shortages of aged-care nurses and GPs in rural areas to meet the needs of older Australians.
Do epidemiological measures tell us everything about health?
No, they don’t measure quality of life, wellbeing, or the impact of illness on individuals.
Example: Epidemiology can show the number of people with diabetes but not how it affects their daily life.
Why is it important to prioritise health issues?
Because resources are limited and need to be directed to the most urgent problems.
Example: Skin cancer is prioritised because prevention campaigns like Slip! Slop! Slap! can reduce cases.
What determinant is reflected when rural Australians struggle with lack of transport and fewer hospitals?
Environmental determinants.
Example: A rural community may only have one GP clinic hours away.
What is one protective factor against type 2 diabetes?
Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight, as these improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels.
Example: Walking 30 minutes a day lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by supporting weight control and cardiovascular health.
What is the name for family members who provide daily support to elderly relatives?
Carers, who may be unpaid family members providing physical, emotional, and financial support.
Example: An adult child may care for an elderly parent with dementia, often balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
According to health reports, who generally lives longer in Australia — males or females?
Females.
Example: The ABS reports females live around 4 years longer than males on average.
Why is cardiovascular disease considered a priority issue?
It is highly prevalent, costly to individuals and the community, and largely preventable.
Example: Heart disease is the single biggest killer in Australia, but prevention is possible through exercise and diet.
How does the Royal Flying Doctor Service help reduce health inequities for people living in rural and remote Australia?
It provides emergency medical care, GP clinics, and telehealth services to people in isolated areas who have limited access to hospitals and doctors.
Example: The RFDS delivers 24-hour emergency flights and health clinics to outback towns and cattle stations.
Which determinant explains why people with low SES are more at risk for CVD and diabetes?
Socioeconomic determinants such as lower income, reduced education, and limited access to healthcare and nutritious foods.
Example: A low-income family may rely on cheaper, energy-dense fast foods, which increases risks of obesity and related chronic diseases.
How does an ageing population affect the health system overall?
It increases demand for health services, creates workforce shortages, and raises healthcare costs.
Example: More hospital beds, aged care facilities, and government spending are required to meet the needs of older Australians.
What are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Australia?
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, diabetes, and injury.
Example: Cancer causes about 1 in 3 deaths in Australia.
Why would mental health problems be considered a priority issue?
Because of their increasing prevalence, large costs, potential for prevention, and impact on disadvantaged groups.
Example: Beyond Blue campaigns raise awareness and provide support for those affected.
What is one government program that addresses Indigenous or rural health inequities?
Closing the Gap, Royal Flying Doctor Service, or Indigenous Chronic Disease Package.
Example: The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides emergency care to remote outback towns.
Which group of women is at higher risk of breast cancer?
Women over 50, as age is the strongest non-modifiable risk factor, with risk increasing due to longer lifetime exposure to hormones and cell changes.
Example: BreastScreen Australia provides free mammograms for women aged 50–74 because they are the most at risk.
Why are volunteer organisations like Meals on Wheels important for the ageing population, and what is Meals on Wheels?
Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-run service that delivers nutritious meals to older Australians who cannot easily shop or cook for themselves. It supports independent living, improves nutrition, and reduces strain on formal health services.
Example: Volunteers deliver hot or frozen meals to elderly people in their homes, helping them stay independent and healthy without relying on hospital care.