Supplementary measure:

Smoking rates across the whole population

Indicator measure:

Smoking prevalence of people aged 18 years and over undertaking regular (or daily) smoking (see calculation and data sources for details)

Note:

This is a proxy measure for smoking rates across the whole of the population, as it is for those aged 18 years and over.

Period:

Single year 2001

Context:

Tobacco is the largest single cause of death and disease in Australia; and half of all regular smokers who commenced smoking as teenagers will die as a result of their habit. Over 20% of adults and 25% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in Australia in 2004 smoked at least weekly. Smokers who consume more than forty cigarettes per day have mortality rates between two and three times that of non-smokers; and tobacco smoking has been estimated to cost $12.7 billion a year in health care expenses, lost productivity and other costs.

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Target measure:

Healthy weight

Indicator measure:  

The estimated number of males and females who are of healthy weight (not overweight or obese) (see calculation and data sources for details)

Note:

Period:

Single year 2001

Context:

Each increment in a person’s body weight above their optimal level is associated with an increase in the risk of ill health. Overweight arises through an energy imbalance over a sustained period of time.  While many factors may influence a person’s weight, weight gain is essentially due to the energy intake from the diet being greater than the energy expended through physical activity. Overweight is associated with higher mortality and morbidity, and those who are already overweight have a higher risk of becoming obese.  Obesity can, in itself, lead to high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.  Excess body fat also increases the risk of developing a range of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis, impaired fertility, psychological disorders and social problems.

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Target measure:

Healthy weight

Indicator measure:  

The estimated number of males and females who are overweight (not obese), or who are obese (see calculation and data sources for details): it was not possible to exclude details of the very small proportion of people people assessed as being underweight.

This is an additional measure to inform those addressing the target, as data for overweight and obesity have different patterns (and also vary for men and women).

Note:

Includes data for overweight and obese males and overweight and obese females.

Period:

Single year 2001

Context:

Each increment in a person’s body weight above their optimal level is associated with an increase in the risk of ill health. Overweight arises through an energy imbalance over a sustained period of time.  While many factors may influence a person’s weight, weight gain is essentially due to the energy intake from the diet being greater than the energy expended through physical activity. Overweight is associated with higher mortality and morbidity, and those who are already overweight have a higher risk of becoming obese.  Obesity can, in itself, lead to high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.  Excess body fat also increases the risk of developing a range of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis, impaired fertility, psychological disorders and social problems.

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Supplementary measure:

Percentage of 4 year old South Australians who are overweight or obese

Indicator measure:  

Percentage of 4 year old South Australians who are overweight or obese (see calculation and data sources for details)

Note:

This is a proxy measure for the target, as it is for boys only.  The rate ratios in the graphs for 1995-96 differ from those published in the The 3rd edition, A social Health Atlas of South Australia, which were based on these State Health Regions.  The data shown here are based on the new State Regions which have a different defintion of Metropolitan Adelaide than under the State Health Regions (in particular the Adelaide Hills LGA is not included in Adelaide).

Period:

1995 to 1996, 2000 to 2003, and 2002 to 2005

Context:

Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence can cause a wide range of physical and emotional health problems, and an increased risk of premature illness and death in adulthood. Australian prevalence rates are high by international standards and represent a serious public health concern. Obese children have a 25-50% chance of progression to adult obesity; and current rates of childhood overweight and obesity in South Australia represent a substantial increase since 1995.

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Target measure:

Participation in exercise, recreation and sport

Indicator measure:  

The estimated number of people, aged 15 years and over, who did not exercise in a two-week period (see calculation and data sources for details)

Note:

This is a proxy measure for the target, as it is of those who did not exercise.

Period:

Single year 2001

Context:

People of all ages, both male and female, benefit from regular physical activity. Significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking) on most, if not all, days of the week. Through a modest increase in their daily activity, most South Australians can improve their health and quality of life. Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular. Physical activity also improves mental health and is important for the health of muscles, bones, and joints.

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Target measure:

Levels of psychological distress

Indicator measure:  

High or Very High stress levels, derived from the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 items (K-10) (see calculation and data sources for details)

Period:

Single year 2001

Context:

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) has been evaluated as an appropriate screening instrument to identify likely cases of anxiety and depression in the Australian community and to monitor treatment outcomes.  Based on research, a very high K-10 score may indicate a need for professional assistance.

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Target measure:

Crime rates

Indicator measure:  

Crime rates

Note:

Data not available: data being sourced

Target measure:

Number of road fatalities

Indicator measure:

Deaths from motor vehicle accidents (see calculation and data sources
for details)

Period:

1999 to 2002 and 2001 to 2004 

Context:

Deaths from motor vehicle accidents are significant causes of premature mortality and loss of years of potential life, particularly among younger people.  Relative to our population, South Australia has one of the highest fatality rates from road crashes compared with other States and Territories - 15% worse than the national average. More men die in road crashes than women, not only as drivers but also as pedestrians, passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists.  Young men aged 15-24 years and older men aged 80 years and over have the highest death rates compared to males of all ages.

Note: Deaths shown here are by address of the usual residence of the deceased, not by location of the crash which resulted in the death.  Although the numer of deaths of country residents from road crashes is lower than for residents of Metropolitan Adelaide, country residents have far higher rates of death than do those living in Metropolitan Adelaide.  Data for deaths by location of the crash are being sought and will be added when available.

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Target measure:

Number of serious injuries

Indicator measure: 

Number of serious injuries (see calculation and data sources for details)

Note:

A serious injury occurs if a road crash results in the hospitalisation, but not death, of any person involved in the crash.

Period:

Single years 1994 and 2002

Context:

Road crashes are also the source of many serious injuries. Men have a higher casualty rate per head of population than women. In particular, younger men aged from 15-24 years and older men aged 80 years and above have the highest casualty rates.  Even though data indicate that women are now involved in as many crashes as men, they are usually minor crashes and cause only minor injuries. Men still account for more serious injuries, and alcohol appears to be one factor for this.

Note: Serious injuries shown here are by address of the usual residence of the deceased, not by location of the crash which resulted in the injury.  Data for serious injuries by location of the crash are being sought and will be added when available.

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