Epidemiology is study of disease, collection of data and info, to identify patterns and causes of disease. Is used by governments, health related organizations, to obtain picture of health status of a population, data is in relation to births, deaths, disease incidence and prevalence, limitations: does not always show variations in health status of pop sub groups(ATSI) doesn’t indicate quality of life, cant provide whole health picture, cant explain why inequities persist.
Identifying priority health issues: to determine it priority need to consider a number of factors: social justice principles( SED supportive environments, equity, diversity. address inequities in health among cultural subgroups ATSI) priority population groups (Rural Elderly Disabled Socioeconomically disadvantaged ATSI Overseas born) prevalence of a condition (total number of cases) potential for prevention, early intervention( most disease suffered by aussies are result from poor lifestyle behaviors thus easily preventable) costs to individual and community ( disease places an economic and health burden on the individual and community).
Groups experiencing health inequities: REDSAO, ATSI: lower life expectancy at birth( 17 years less than non indig), higher mortality from preventable causes, obesity level double non ind,
Nature and extent of CVD: three forms ( coronary, stroke, peripheral vascualar) Artherosclerosis- build up of fatty matter on artery walls, causing high blood bressure. Arteriosclerosis- hardening of the arterial walls.
Extent of CVD- leading cause of death in AUS, 35% of deaths in AUS, declining in incidence.
Cultural determinants(family history more at risk, ATSI more prone due to low SESand lower education levels)
Economic determinants- low SES higher death rates, low education =poor lifestyle choices.
Environmental determinants- rural areas less access to health info and services.
Cancer- two types, benign ( non cancerous) and malignant (cancerous)
Cancer classification and sites- carcinoma (skin, respitory, urinary tract, gastrointestinal) sarcoma (bones, cartalidge, muscle) leukemia (blood forming organs, bones, liver, spleen) lymphoma (infection fighting organs).
Extent of cancer- prevalence increasing in both sexes, increasing in incidence, 28% of deaths in 2008. Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer related deaths. Cancer mortality rates can be reduced by changes to lifestyle(smoking, diet)
Diabetes- 2 types, type 1 ( insulin dependant, body cant produce its own supply of insulin, usually developed as child) and type 2 ( non insulin dependant, caused