Certain health behaviours are known to be associated with increased mortality and morbidity for a number of conditions. Examples of known risk factors include smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and exposure to UV radiation. Improvements in health status can result from behaviour changes in relation to these risk factors.
The World Health Organisation has identified smoking as the single greatest preventable cause of ill-health and premature death in developed countries such as Australia.
It is estimated that 15.4% of all deaths in Queensland between 1989 and 1993, and 3% of all hospital admissions, at an estimated cost of $86.6 million were directly attributable to smoking (Epidemiology and Health Information Branch, 1996, unpublished data).
In 1989/90 and 1994/95 population surveys have shown that smoking rates across Australia have decreased, with smoking rates in Queensland equivalent to the national average in both years. In 1994/95 New South Wales was the State with the lowest rate, 1.3% lower than Queensland (see attachment 7a)
Being overweight or obese is associated with increased mortality and morbidity from a number of conditions including coronary heart disease, hypertension, non-insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus and degenerative joint disease. By reducing body mass index, regular exercise is important in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. In addition to cardiovascular benefits, regular exercise can also reduce the risk of injury from falls and conditions such as osteoporosis later in life.
In 1989/90 the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Queensland was equivalent to the national average. Across Australia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing, but between 1989/90 and 1994/95 the proportion of Queenslanders who were overweight or obese increased by 7.3% whereas the corresponding national figure only increased by 4%. In 1994/95, of all States, Queensland had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity (see attachment 7b).
Reported physical inactivity (i.e. respondents who did not walk or exercise for leisure or recreation purposes in the 2 weeks prior to interview), among Queenslanders was higher than the national average in 1989/90. Furthermore, between 1989/90 and 1994/95 the national figure dropped by 2.1% whereas the Queensland figure only dropped by 1% (see attachment 7b).
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a substantial proportion of violent crimes, road traffic accidents and other injuries and can sometimes also be a contributing factor to divorce and family separation. In addition, alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and is believed to be a factor in the development of some cancers.
Over the 5 year period 1989-1993, 3.2% of all deaths in Queensland were directly attributed to hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption, and in 1993/94 2.3% of all admissions to Queensland hospitals were estimated to be directly attributable to alcohol, at an estimated cost of $63 million (Epidemiology and Health Information Branch, unpublished data).
In 1994/95 the proportion of the population who reported drinking at levels considered to be harmful (7.4%) was equivalent to the national average. Of the States, Victoria had the lowest proportion at risk of harm from alcohol consumption, 1.7% lower than Queensland.
Last updated:
1 October, 2003
Review Date: January 2004
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