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Publications

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Publications

Nationwide monitoring and surveillance question development: Asthma


Working Paper No. 2

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that results in variable airflow obstruction in response to certain triggers. Depending on severity, the airflow limitation is accompanied by symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. According to the 1995 ABS National Health Survey, it was estimated that approximately 11 per cent of Australians reported asthma as a recent or long-term condition. Asthma is a major cause of disability rather than premature mortality, costing the health system an estimated $478 million in 1993-94 (40 per cent of the total expenditure on chronic respiratory diseases). On the 4th of August 1999 the Australian Health Ministers announced asthma as the sixth National Health Priority Area, in response to the significant burden that asthma places on the Australian community.

This discussion paper examines a number of issues related to asthma and the instruments that have been used to measure asthma in the population. In particular, the paper looks at health surveillance data collection.

Authored by PHIDU

Published: 2003; Available free online; Printed copies: not available

Nationwide monitoring and surveillance question development: Diabetes mellitus


Working Paper No. 3

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Australia, contributing significantly to premature mortality, morbidity, disability and potential years of life lost. From the 1995 National Health Survey (NHS), it was estimated that 430,700 individuals (2.4 per cent of the total population) reported having been diagnosed with diabetes at some stage in their life, and that a further 300,000 (1.5 per cent of the population) have undiagnosed diabetes. In 1996, the Australian Health Ministers declared diabetes as the fifth National Health Priority Area (NHPA), as several of the criteria for priority national attention were met.

This discussion paper examines a number of issues related to diabetes and the instruments that have been used to measure diabetes in the population. In particular, the paper looks at health surveillance data collection.

Authored by PHIDU

Published: 2003; Available free online; Printed copies: not available

Nationwide monitoring and surveillance question development: Physical activity


Working Paper No. 6

Physical activity has long been identified as a key issue related to an individual's health and well-being. In the recent discussion paper prepared for the National Public Health Partnership on Preventing Chronic Disease - A Strategic Framework physical activity, along with diet, smoking, alcohol, personal control/self efficacy, social support and early life experience, was identified as a key behavioural, environmental and protective factor. The principal behavioural risk factors to be targeted in this strategic framework are smoking, diet and physical activity.

This discussion paper examines a number of issues related to physical activity and the instruments that have been used to measure physical activity in the population. In particular, the paper looks at health surveillance data collection.

Authored by PHIDU

Published: 2003; Available free online; Printed copies: not available

Population health profiles of the Divisions of General Practice


The population health profiles, produced for the 119 Australian Divisions of General Practice, are designed to provide a description of the population of the Divisions, and aspects of their health. The purpose of the profiles is to provide information to support a population health approach, which aims to improve the health of the entire population and to reduce health inequalities among population groups.

The profiles include a number of tables, maps and graphs to profile population health in the Divisions and provide comparisons with other areas, for example, the respective metropolitan or country area relevant to the Division (eg. Sydney or country New South Wales etc.), as well as Australia. Specific topics covered include a socio-demographic profile; GP workforce data; immunisation rates; rates of premature death; and estimates of the prevalence of chronic disease and selected risk factors. 

For selected Divisions, the profiles include data for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, with comparisons across Divisions and Australia.

Maps and data files are also available.

Authored by PHIDU

Published: November 2005; Available free online; Printed copies: not available

Population health profiles of the Divisions of General Practice: supplement


These population health profiles, produced for the 119 Australian Divisions of General Practice, are a supplement to the Population health profiles of the Divisions of General Practice, dated November 2005. The supplements include an update of the population of the Divisions, as well as additional indicators and aspects of the Divisions' socioeconomic status, use of GP services and health. 

Specific topics covered include a population update; additional socio-demographic indicators; unreferred attendances - patient flow and GP catchment; additional prevalence estimates: chronic disease and risk factors combined; avoidable hospitalisations; and avoidable mortality. Maps and data files are also available.

Authored by PHIDU

Published: March 2007; Available free online; Printed copies: not available