Chronic Conditions Rising Among Indigenous Australians: A Deep Dive into the Latest Data
Key Findings from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey
The Australian Bureau of Statistic’s latest survey revealed some concerning trends among Indigenous Australians regarding chronic conditions:
- 49% of Indigenous people had one or more chronic conditions in 2022-23, up from 46% in 2018-19.
- 29% of Indigenous people aged two years and over had mental and behavioural conditions, up from 24% in 2018-19.
Mental Health and Psychological Distress
The survey also shed light on mental health issues among Indigenous Australians:
- About 31% of people aged 18 and older in cities and regional areas experienced high levels of psychological distress, compared to 24% in remote areas.
- 27% of people aged 15 and older had accessed mental health services in the past 12 months.
Food Insecurity and Smoking Rates
Another concerning aspect highlighted in the survey was food insecurity and smoking rates:
- 41% of households experienced food insecurity due to financial constraints, with higher rates in remote areas (51%) compared to regional and city households (40%).
- Renters were twice as likely to experience food insecurity (55%) compared to homeowners (21%).
- Less than a third of people aged 15 and older smoked daily, a decrease from 37% in 2018-19.
Trends in Smoking Habits
The survey also highlighted shifts in smoking behavior among Indigenous Australians:
- 26% of current daily smokers aged 15 and over were in non-remote areas, down from 35% in 2018-19.
- 43% of people aged 15 and over had never smoked, indicating a decline in smoking initiation.
- 8% of people aged 15 and over reported using e-cigarettes or vaping devices.
Conclusion
Overall, the latest data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey paints a concerning picture of rising chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and food insecurity among Indigenous Australians. While there have been some positive trends in smoking rates, more needs to be done to address the underlying issues contributing to these health disparities.
FAQs
Q: What are the major findings of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey?
A: The survey revealed an increase in chronic conditions, particularly mental and behavioral conditions, among Indigenous Australians. It also highlighted high levels of psychological distress, food insecurity, and shifting trends in smoking habits.