Aussie health report card from the AIHW
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that rural Australians are more likely to be obese or overweight than their city counterparts.
The study also found rural Australians were more likely to be treated for skin problems, which may be related to working outdoors. Men in rural areas were also more likely to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol than men in the city.
More than 2000 doctors participated in the It’s different in the bush study, recording details of more than 200,000 encounters with patients in an attempt to address the differences between general practice in rural and metropolitan areas.
Lead author of the study, Associate Professor Helena Britt, said the report shows that GPs in rural areas have real opportunities to make a difference for their patients. ‘Rural GPs are in an ideal position to intervene—and have a real impact on the health of their population.’
Associate Professor Britt said the rise in the number of female doctors in rural and remote areas has made a difference to figures, showing access to gynaecological care is equal between country and metropolitan areas. ‘10 years ago, fewer rural women were seeing their local doctor for their gynaecological care.’
Professor Ian Wronski from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, said the study provides practical assistance for those involved in the Australian health system to respond appropriately to the changing health needs of Australians. ‘Understanding the differences in general practice ... means that we are better able to respond to the health needs of specific communities and achieve improvements to the access and delivery of high standard primary health care in all regions of Australia’.
Last Reviewed: 09 March 2001
