Rural and remote populations Image source: images.theglobeandmail.com Rural and remote populations Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Defining rural and remote Populations Approximately 70% of Australians live in metropolitan areas (urban) Approximately 26% of the population live in regional centres Only about 3% of the population live inremote areas of Australia Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Health Status Compared with urban populations, Australians living in rural and remote centres experience the following: Lower life expectancy Higher rates of preventable cancers (lung, melanoma) and detectable cancers such as cervical cancer Higher rates of diabetes Higher death rates from cardiovascular disease Higher rates of mental health conditions such as depression and suicide (particularly men and youth Higher morbidity and mortality across all age groups as a result of accidents Higher incidence of dental caries in children and adolescents Higher rates of maternal mortality. 3 Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Biological Determinants More likely to be overweight or obese Higher percentage of low birth weight babies Higher rates of hypertension Higher incidence of high blood cholesterol Image source: homesolarinfo.com Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Behavioural determinants Rural and remote populations are Less likely to be physical active More likely consume excessive alcohol More likely to smoke Less likely to consume low fat dairy foods More likely to have high risk recreational pursuits More likely to have high risk driving behaviours Image source: z.about.com Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Social determinants Increased exposure to risk factors such as workplace and farming injuries Poorer access to health care facilities Lower socioeconomic status - particular due to the drought More likely to work outdoors Social isolation due to distance Food insecurity Image source: desktopnexus.com Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Social Determinants cont… Education -Rates of school completion are lower Employment -Rural and remote areas have higher rates of unemployment as well as reduced opportunities for skilled and professional employment Higher rates of social isolation and lack of social support and connectedness Image source: unac.org Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Strategies Beyond Blue ‘Don’t Beat about the Bush!’ Raise awareness of depression Provide opportunities for knowledge Encourage people to seek support and assistance Provide support and assistance Drought awareness bus Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Strategies cont … Desert acrobats One-week workshop in gymnastics, sport, contemporary dance, traditional Aboriginal dance and performance Promotes physical activity amongst rural and remote youth Promotes self-esteem and confidence Builds resilience Image source: hreoc.gov.au Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Strategies cont… Coming home A careers strategy aimed at Year 10 students Promotion of careers in the areas of health (nursing, dietetics, social work etc) Encourages rural and remote youth to move away for study, then return ‘home’ to implement health promotion strategies Dual purpose: Addresses shortage of health professionals in rural areas Increases employment opportunities and increase SES Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health

Revise Use the determinants of health to explain the health status of rural and remote populations in Australia. Image source: jewishsightseeing.com Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health