Overview

Chronic diseases are long lasting conditions with persistent effects. Their social and economic consequences can impact on peoples’ quality of life. Chronic diseases are becoming increasingly common and are a priority for action in the health sector. AIHW commonly reports on 8 major groups: arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and mental health conditions.

More reports and statistics on chronic disease can be found under Burden of disease, Biomedical risk factors and Life expectancy & deaths.

Latest findings

7% of the total health burden in Australia was due to overweight and obesity Insufficient physical activity, dietary risks and high blood pressure are also key chronic disease risk factors 63% of the burden due to overweight and obesity was from fatal burden rather than non-fatal burden Tobacco smoking, obesity & excessive alcohol consumption increase the likelihood of developing numerous chronic diseases 45% of osteoarthritis burden was due to overweight and obesity 84% of the burden due to overweight and obesity was experienced between ages 45–84 53% of diabetes burden was due to overweight and obesity

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Highlights

Nearly 9 in 10(87%) of deaths in 2016 were associated with the 8 chronic diseases
Around 1 in 3(35%) of health problems managed in general practice was chronic in 2015–16
1 in 2 Australians(50%) reported having at least 1 of 8 chronic diseases in 2014–15
More than 1 in 3(37%) of hospitalisations in 2015–16 were due to the 8 chronic diseases
Nearly 1 in 4(23%) Australians are estimated to have 2 or more of these 8 conditions