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).
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