Aboriginal health: A discussion ofsome current issues

Abstract

This paper explores some health status differences between the Aboriginal and totalAustralian populations, and investigates trends in Aboriginal mortality and morbiditywithin the context of some of the socioeconomic, lifestyle and environmentalinfluences. It identifies that Aboriginal people continue to suffer from a number ofhealth problems at significantly higher rates than the rest of the population, anddiscusses some of the effects of early fertility and alcohol misuse on health status.Drawing on some findings of the 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderSurvey, the paper concludes with the proposition that it is impossible to consider theeconomic implications of sub-standard Aboriginal health without also considering thesocial issues, and that programs aimed at improving this situation must be demand-driven,economically responsible responses to identified problems in specific regions.