Rural and Remote Populations Defining Rural and Remote

Rural and Remote Populations

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 in remote areas of Australia Coober Pedy

Characteristics Compared with urban populations, Australians living in rural and remote centres experience the following: LE ↓ as level of remoteness↑ Higher rates of morbidity(illness) and mortality (death) Higher rates of CVD, T 2 DM, some cancers (particularly lung & skin cancer, & detectable cancers i. e. cervical cancer) and obesity (particularly in women) Higher rates of mental health conditionssuch as depression and suicide (particularly men and youth) ATLAS- Victoria’s health and resources across all regions

Biological Determinants • ↑ rates of overweight & obesity • ↑ rates of low birth weight babies (+2%)

Behavioural Determinants There are numerous behavioural factors that account for the difference in health statusfor rural and remote populations. Some of these include: Low levels of physical activity Excessive consumptionof alcohol

Behavioural Determinants cont… High risk recreationalpursuits High risk driving behaviours Higher rates of smoking

Physical Environment Determinants High UV exposure (work outdoors) Increased exposure to risk factors such as workplace and farming injuries Increased morbidity and mortality from motor vehicle accidents (unsafe roads) Impact of drought or flood (depression & suicide)

Social Determinants Food insecurity (1. 2 x) due to transport costs = high consumption of processed foods (↑sodium, ↑fat, ↑sugar) Poorer access to health care facilities • Late diagnosis of conditions • Low access to health professionals

Social Determinants cont… Education • ↓rates of school completion Employment • Lower salaries • Higher rates unemployment • Reduced opportunities for skilled and professional Employment Higher rates of social isolation and lack of support and connectedness

Strategies Beyond Blue ‘Don’t Beat about the Bush!’ Raise awareness of depression Provide opportunitiesfor knowledge Encourage people to seek support and assistance Provide support and assistance Drought Awareness Bus

Strategies cont… Desert Acrobats 1 week workshop in gymnastics, sport, contemporary dance, traditional Aboriginal dance and performance Promote physical activity amongst rural /remote youth Promote self-esteem, confidence and build resilience

Revise Use the determinants of health to explain the health status of rural and remote populations in Australia.