New data shows the link between socioeconomic status and premature death from chronic disease. And it’s getting worse.
Australians living in areas of greatest socioeconomic disadvantage are 50% more likely to die prematurely from chronic disease than those living in advantaged areas, according to new data published by Victoria University.
Comparing chronic disease prevalence and premature mortality against socioeconomic status, the latest Australia’s Health Tracker report card revealed more than 125,000 individuals died from preventable diseases between 2017 and 2021, the vast majority of whom (71%) lived in areas with the highest levels of socioeconomic disadvantage.
One third of Australians living in highly disadvantaged areas were found to have two or more chronic conditions, compared to one in eight individuals living in the least disadvantaged areas. Rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke were nearly twice as high among disadvantaged communities compared to those in the least disadvantaged areas.
Rates of diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were nearly three times higher among individuals living in the most disadvantaged areas, while rates of suicide were 1.6 times higher among those in highly disadvantaged areas compared to those in the least disadvantaged areas.
Nationwide, more than a third of the burden of disease from chronic conditions could be prevented by addressing risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet and alcohol consumption, according to the report.
“This situation is getting worse and we must do something about it,” lead author of the report Professor Rosemary Calder, who is also director of the Australian Health Policy Collaboration at Victoria University, said.
“From removing barriers to accessing healthcare in disadvantaged and remote areas, addressing stigma and discrimination to ensuring needs-based funding, we recommend urgent action to ensure vulnerable people get the healthcare they deserve, not what they can afford.
“The best way is to take a place-based approach and start tailoring what governments and organisations do for the specific needs and strengths of local communities.”
Published alongside the latest Health Tracker report card was a policy paper outlining numerous “policy priority recommendations” for implementing legislation and funding arrangements, both at a state and federal level.
Developed across three working groups featuring leading academics, clinicians and researchers alongside local government representatives and policy experts, recommended policies included implementing a national framework to coordinate place-based community health initiatives, as well as establishing long-term flexible funding models for community organisations and service providers to cover not only service provision but also the development of multidisciplinary, team-based care models.
Other policy recommendations featured were mandatory municipal health and wellbeing plans for all state and territory jurisdictions, greater investment in health literacy and community development workforce initiatives and strengthening collaboration between PHNs and LHNs on preventive health measures.
“Improving health outcomes in communities like ours benefits all Australians. It’s not about more money or higher taxes – it’s about using resources smarter,” Inala Primary Care CEO Tracey Johnson said.
“Currently, funding barely covers direct care, especially in general practice. Our communities endure poor health for over a decade before dying younger than they should, robbing them of a fulfilling later life.
Clinicians in disadvantaged areas are stretched thin, often working in isolation with limited support.
“We must make attracting and retaining healthcare workers easier so that we can address these challenges together.”
The full report, Australia’s Health Tracker: Chronic Conditions by Socioeconomic Status, and accompanying policy paper are available to view here.