Chronic disease hits 50%
August 13, 2015
Around half of all Australians
have a chronic disease, and
almost 40% aged 45 and over are
living with two or more of the
eight chronic diseases reviewed,
according to new data published
online by the Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The eight chronic diseases include
arthritis, asthma, back problems,
cancer, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes and mental
health conditions.
AIHW spokesperson Louise York
said that in the over 45s, arthritis
and cardiovascular disease are the
most common.
“When looking at particular
combinations of diseases in this age
group, we found that arthritis and
cardiovascular disease occurred
together most frequently, in 16% of
the population, followed by arthritis
and back problems (10%) and
back problems and cardiovascular
disease (8%),” she said.
Under 45s were plagued primarily
by mental health and back problem
comorbidities followed by asthma, the report said.
“Comorbidities are associated
with poorer health outcomes, more
frequent use of health services, and
higher healthcare costs,” York said.
“But studying comorbidities
allows preventive, management
and treatment services to be better
planned to meet the needs of those
affected.”
Minister for Health Sussan Ley
said the new figures highlight the
value of the decision to establish
a Primary Health Care Advisory
Group (PHCAG) (PD 05 Jun), which
is travelling the country over the
next three weeks to discuss primary
health care reform.
“As our population ages, we know
that the prevention and treatment
of chronic disease is an increasing
challenge for the health system and
Australians generally,” Ley said.
CLICK HERE for the AIHW report.
To submit to the PHCAG
consultation, CLICK HERE.
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