Indicator 5.19 Selected health issues of Indigenous mothers

Considerations

Data for this indicator are not available for update—baseline results reported.

In 2014–15, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey collected self-reported information relating to health issues experienced by Indigenous mothers during pregnancy. Mothers with children aged 0–3 years were asked about:

  • incidence of high blood pressure during pregnancy
  • folate use before and/or during pregnancy
  • incidence of diabetes or high blood sugar during pregnancy
  • medication or supplement use during pregnancy
  • whether they sought advice regarding their pregnancy.

Overview

In 2014–15, more than half of Indigenous mothers reported that they had consumed folate before or during their pregnancy (58%). Around 9% had diabetes or high blood sugar, 18% reported that they had high blood pressure, 47% reported using medication or supplements and 39% sought advice or information (Figure 5.19).

Explore the data

5.19 Selected health issues of Indigenous mothers, 2014–15

The chart shows a number of selected health issues for Indigenous mothers in 2014–15. Overall, 58% of Indigenous mothers reported that they consumed folate before or during pregnancy. This health issue varied by state and territory from 41% in the Northern Territory to 77% in Tasmania. 63% of Indigenous mothers in non-remote areas reported taking folate compared with 39% of those in remote areas. 

In 2014–15, 9.4% of Indigenous mothers reported having diabetes or high blood sugar. This health issue varied by state and territory from 5.1% in Queensland to 17% in the Northern Territory. Among Indigenous mothers living in remote areas, 15% reported having diabetes or high blood sugar compared with 8.1% of those in non-remote areas.

In 2014–15, 18% of Indigenous mothers overall reported having high blood pressure. This health issue varied by state and territory from 15% in New South Wales to 29% in the Australian Capital Territory. Among Indigenous mothers living in remote areas, 20% reported having high blood pressure compared with 17% of those in non-remote areas.

In 2014–15, 47% of Indigenous mothers overall reported using medication or supplements. This health issue varied by state and territory from 39% in the Australian Capital Territory to 56% in Western Australia. Medication or supplement use was similar by level of remoteness.

In 2014–15, 39% of Indigenous mothers overall reported seeking health advice or information. This health issue varied by state and territory from 27% in South Australia to 43% in Queensland. Indigenous mothers seeking health advice or information were more likely to live in non-remote areas (41%) compared with remote areas (28%).

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Indicator 5.19 data specifications

 

Definition

Data source

Numerator

Estimated number of women who gave birth to an Indigenous baby who, during pregnancy, had a) high blood sugar, b) high blood pressure, c) consumed folate (before or during pregnancy) d) took supplements e) sought advice.

 ABS 2016

Denominator

Estimated number of women who gave birth to an Indigenous baby.

ABS 2016

Reference

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016. Microdata: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, 2014–15. ABS cat. no. 4720.0.55.002. Findings based on Detailed Microdata analysis. Canberra: ABS.