The 2018 – 19 NationalAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) released today bythe Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows a reduction in smoking andimprovements in how people feel about their health, but an increase in manychronic diseases for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Theinformation from the survey can help inform NACCHO policy but also servicedelivery priorities for local Aboriginal Community Controlled HealthOrganisations (or ACCHOs).
NACCHO Chair,Donnella Mills said, “The latest NATSIHS report demonstrates the ACCHO smokingcessation programs and health promotion activities are working. It isencouraging to see fewer younger people are taking up smoking in the firstplace, with a decrease in people ages 15 years and over who smoked every day,falling from 41 per cent in 2012 – 13 to 37 per cent in 2018 – 19.
“The resultsunfortunately also show an increase in many chronic diseases for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples, with 46% reporting one or more chroniccondition (up from 40% in 2012-13). Thus, providing more evidence thatadditional funding is needed to Close the Gap in health outcomes as chronicdiseases are the major contributors to the mortality gap between Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
Ms Mills added, “Itis positive to see more than four in 10 people rated their health as excellentor very good, up from 39 per cent in 2012 – 13 to 45 per cent and more thanhalf of children aged 2-17 years had seen a dentist or dental professional inthe last 12 months.”
The geographicdistribution in 2018-19 of these chronic conditions reveals that Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples living in remote communities have higher ratesof kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease whereas Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander peoples living in non-remote areas have a higher proportion ofdisability, asthma and mental health conditions.
The NATSIHScollects information from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populationas part of the Australian Health Survey. The survey is designed by asking thesame questions at every administration to monitor changes in health conditionsand behaviours over time.
