Indicator 5.16 Types of lifestyle issues discussed with health professional

About the data

The 2018–19 ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey included questions on the following lifestyle issues discussed with a health professional:

  • reducing or quitting smoking;
  • drinking alcohol in moderation;
  • reaching a healthy weight;
  • increasing physical activity; and
  • eating healthy food or improving diet.

Due to small numbers, age-standardised proportions were not derived for socioeconomic areas and state and territories. 

Due to question changes in the 2018–19 survey, the data for this indicator are not comparable to that of the previous ABS 2012–13 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey.  

Drinking alcohol in moderation

In 2018–19, based on self-reported data, around 6.6% of Indigenous adults aged 18 years and over discussed drinking alcohol in moderation with a health professional. The age-standardised proportion of men who discussed drinking in moderation was more than double the proportion of women (9.1% and 4.4%, respectively). There was no difference by age groups or remoteness areas (Figure 5.16).  

Eating healthy food or improving diet

Almost one in five (18%) Indigenous adults discussed eating healthy food or improving their diet with a health professional. There was no difference by age groups or remoteness areas (Figure 5.16).  

Increasing physical activity

Around 13% of Indigenous adults discussed increasing their level of physical activity. There was no difference by sex or age groups (Figure 5.16.1). After adjusting for age, the proportion of Indigenous adults who discussed increasing their level of physical activity was higher in Major cities (16%) compared with Outer regional and remote areas (11%) (Figure 5.16).

Reaching a healthy weight

One in five (20%) of Indigenous adults discussed reaching a healthy weight with a health professional. The proportion increased with age to 45–54 years (28%). The age-standardised proportion of Indigenous women who discussed their weight was higher than the proportion of men (24% and 17%, respectively). After adjusting for age, the proportion of adults who discussed reaching a healthy weight was lower in Outer regional/Remote areas (17%) compared with Major cities (24%) and Inner regional areas (24%) (Figure 5.16).

Reducing or quitting smoking

In 2018–19, 16% of Indigenous adults discussed reducing or quitting smoking with a health professional. The rate was highest in those aged 45–54 and 55–64 (23%). There was no difference by remoteness areas (Figure 5.16).

Explore the data

5.16 Type of lifestyle issues discussed with health professional by Indigenous Australians, by age group and sex, 2018–19

The chart shows a range of lifestyle issues discussed with a health professional by Indigenous Australians in 2018–19. The percentage of those discussing drinking alcohol in moderation (6.6%) was higher among males (9.2%) than females (4.3%). There was no difference by age groups or remoteness areas.

The percentage of those who discussed eating healthy food or improving diet in 2018–19 (18%) was higher among females (20%) than males (16%). There was no difference by remoteness areas

The percentage of those discussing increasing physical activity (13%) was similar among males and females and slightly higher among those living in Major cities (16%) as those living in Outer regional, remote and very remote areas (11%).  

The percentage of those discussing reaching a healthy weight (20%) was higher among females (24%) than males (17%) and was higher among those living in Major cities and Inner regional areas (both 24%) than those living in Outer regional, remote and very remote areas (17%).

The percentage of those discussing reducing or quitting smoking (16%) was similar among males and females and by level of remoteness.

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Indicator 5.16 data specifications

 

Definition

Data source

Numerator

Estimated number of Indigenous adults (18+ years) who reported discussing lifestyle issues with a health professional.

ABS 2019

Denominator

Estimated Australian Indigenous population (18+ years).

ABS 2019

Reference

ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) 2019. Microdata: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Australia, 2018–19. ABS cat. no. 4715.0.55.001. Findings based on Detailed Microdata analysis. Canberra: ABS.