Health Status
What is meant by the term mortality?
The number of deaths in a population.
Name TWO population groups in Australia that experience health inequities.
Any two: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; rural and remote communities; socioeconomically disadvantaged people; culturally and linguistically diverse populations; people with disability; older people.
What is the name of Australia's universal healthcare system?
Medicare.
What cardiovascular condition was the leading cause of death for Australian males aged 45 and over in 2023?
Coronary heart disease.
In 2022, approximately what percentage of Australians were aged 65 years and over?
16% (approximately 4.2 million people).
What is the difference between morbidity and mortality?
Morbidity refers to the presence of illness, disease or injury in a population. Mortality refers to deaths in a population.
Approximately how many fewer years do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians live compared with non-Indigenous Australians?
Approximately eight years less. The booklet specifies 8.6 years less for males and 7.8 years less for females.
Identify TWO health indicators in which Australia performs well compared with other OECD countries.
Any two: high life expectancy, low infant mortality and high cancer survival.
What was the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in Australia in 2022–23, accounting for 42%?
Falls.
According to the World Health Organisation, what is healthy ageing?
The process of developing and maintaining functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.
According to 2021–2023 Australian data, what was the life expectancy at birth for males and females?
Males: 81.1 years. Females: 85.1 years.
Identify THREE factors that contribute to health inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Any three: historical disadvantage and colonisation, intergenerational trauma, lower education and employment opportunities, inadequate housing, systemic racism, discrimination or limited access to culturally safe healthcare.
Explain TWO reasons why Australia generally achieves strong health outcomes compared with other OECD countries.
For example, Medicare improves access to essential medical services, while public health measures such as vaccination, screening and anti-smoking initiatives prevent disease or support earlier treatment. Other accepted reasons include education, healthcare spending and living standards.
Identify TWO risk factors and TWO protective factors for cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors: any two of smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, older age or excessive alcohol consumption. Protective factors: any two of regular physical activity, nutritious diet, not smoking or limiting alcohol.
Describe TWO challenges associated with Australia's growing and ageing population.
For example, increasing demand for healthcare and aged care raises costs and pressure on services; higher chronic disease prevalence increases the need for long-term support. Other answers include equitable access, accessible housing and aged care workforce shortages.
Compare the leading causes of death for Australian males and females identified in the booklet.
Coronary heart disease was the leading cause for males and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, was the leading cause for females in the data presented. Both experience major burdens from chronic conditions, but their ranking differs.
Explain how geographical isolation and limited healthcare infrastructure can contribute to poorer health outcomes in rural and remote Australia.
Greater travel distances, limited transport and fewer specialists can delay diagnosis, emergency treatment and ongoing care. Delays can worsen illness and contribute to higher morbidity and mortality.
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Compare Japan and Australia in terms of lifestyle factors influencing life expectancy.
Japan has very high life expectancy supported by a diet rich in vegetables and fish, low obesity and everyday physical activity. Australia also has high life expectancy, supported by its healthcare system, but obesity is a greater population health concern.
Explain why cancer incidence may be increasing while cardiovascular disease death rates have declined in Australia.
Cancer incidence is increasing partly because the population is growing and ageing, with improved detection also identifying more cases. Cardiovascular death rates have decreased because of improvements in preventive strategies and medical treatments.
Identify TWO current strategies supporting healthy ageing in Australia and explain how each improves wellbeing.
For example, falls prevention programs reduce injury and help maintain independence; My Aged Care assists access to support services. Community volunteering also promotes social connection and wellbeing.
Australia has high average life expectancy, yet significant health inequities remain. Explain why national health statistics can be misleading, using TWO population groups as examples.
National averages conceal differences between groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experience shorter life expectancy associated with historical disadvantage and barriers to culturally safe care. Rural and remote populations face delayed treatment and specialist shortages due to geographical isolation. Strong national results therefore do not mean equitable outcomes.
A remote Aboriginal community experiences high chronic disease rates and limited healthcare access. Propose TWO targeted strategies and explain how they could reduce health inequities.
Establish culturally safe, community-led health services to build trust, improve engagement and encourage preventive care. Increase rural healthcare infrastructure, mobile services or incentives for professionals to improve access and early treatment. Both address barriers contributing to preventable illness.
Sweden uses universal childcare, education and progressive taxation to address health equity. Explain how Australia could apply similar approaches to improve population health.
Australia could expand accessible early childhood services, educational opportunities and income support. These intersectoral policies could reduce poverty and disadvantage, improve health literacy and strengthen access to essential resources, contributing to improved long-term health outcomes.
A rural community has high road injury rates and frequent late-stage cancer diagnoses. Recommend TWO targeted health strategies and explain the expected health benefits.
Improve access to cancer screening through mobile clinics, outreach and telehealth-supported follow-up to encourage earlier diagnosis. Strengthen road safety education, infrastructure and protective measures to reduce transport injuries. Both strategies address specific risks and access barriers.
An ageing population in a remote region faces falls risks, chronic disease and limited healthcare access. Propose THREE strategies that could support healthy ageing and explain their benefits.
Telehealth could improve access to consultations and chronic disease management. Mobility aids, fall-detection technology and home modifications could reduce injury and maintain independence. Incentives and training for rural aged care workers could increase access to high-quality ongoing support.