Chronic Disease hits 50%
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 associate 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), 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.
Reproduced from Pharmacy News 13/8/15
