Executive summary
Introduction
In 2007, the NSW Department of Health, in conjunction with the 8 area health services, completed the sixth year of the New South Wales Population Health Survey, an ongoing survey of the health of people of New South Wales using computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). The main aims of the survey are to: provide detailed information on the health of the people of New South Wales, and to support the planning and implementation and evaluation of health services and programs in New South Wales.
Prior to the introduction of the continuous survey in 2002, the Centre for Epidemiology and Research conducted adult health surveys in 1997 and 1998, an older people's health survey in 1999, and a child health survey in 2001. The reporting plan for the continuous survey includes an annual report on adult health for the whole state and annual reports on adult health for selected indicators by area health service.
This 2007 Report on Adult Health from the New South Wales Population Health Survey reports the health of residents aged 16 years and over.
The content of the survey was developed by the NSW Health Survey Program in consultation with key stakeholders, area health services, other government departments, and a range of experts. The survey included: questions used in previous surveys, new questions developed specifically for 2007, and questions developed specifically for some of the area health services. All new questions not previously used were submitted to the NSW Health Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee for approval prior to use. New questions were also field-tested prior to inclusion in the survey. The instrument was translated into 5 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese.
Interviews were carried out continuously between February and December. The target population for the adult report was all New South Wales residents aged 16 years and over living in households with private telephones. Households were sampled using list-assisted random digit dialling. When a household was contacted, one person was randomly selected for interview. Information for the report was collected on 13,178 adults.
Health behaviours
Health behaviours contribute to premature mortality and morbidity. Adult health behaviours measured in 2007 include alcohol and cannabis consumption, environmental health (water quality), immunisation (influenza and pneumococcal), injury prevention (fire prevention in the home, first aid, and burns and scalds), nutrition, physical activity (adequate physical activity and neighbourhood facilities), sexual health, and smoking (including passive smoking).
Just under one-third of adults (31.9 per cent) engaged in any risk drinking behaviour. A higher proportion of males, young adults, and adults in rural health areas engaged in any risk drinking behaviour. There was no difference by level of socioeconomic disadvantage.
Just over 8 in 10 adults (83.8 per cent) used a public water supply as their usual source of drinking water. A lower proportion of adults aged 16-24 years, in the fourth or second most disadvantaged quintile, and in the rural health areas, used a public water supply as their usual source of drinking water. A higher proportion of adults aged 75 years and over, in the first or least disadvantaged quintile, and in the urban health areas, used a public water supply as their usual source of drinking water.
Just under three-quarters of adults aged 65 years and over (72.8 per cent) were immunised against influenza in the last 12 months. There was no difference between males and females, by level of socioeconomic disadvantage, or between urban health areas and rural health areas. Just under 6 in 10 adults aged 65 years and over (59.1 per cent) were immunised against pneumococcal disease in the last 5 years. There was no difference between males and females, or by level of socioeconomic disadvantage. A higher proportion of adults aged 65 years and over in rural health areas than urban health areas were vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in the last 5 years.
Just over 9 in 10 adults (92.9 per cent) had a smoke alarm or detector installed in their home. A higher proportion of adults aged 35-44 years and 75 years and over had a smoke alarm or detector installed in their home. There was no difference by level of socioeconomic disadvantage, or between urban health areas and rural health areas. Just under three-quarters of adults (73.4 per cent) had no home escape plan. Just under 2 in 10 adults (17.2 per cent) had a burn or scald in the last 12 months. There was no difference between males and females, by level of socioeconomic disadvantage, or between rural health areas and urban health areas.
Just over one-half (54.4 per cent) of adults consumed the recommended number of serves of fruit each day (2 serves or more), 10.7 per cent consumed the recommended number of serves of vegetables each day (5 serves or more), 76.3 per cent consumed bread once a day or more, 16.1 per cent consumed pasta or rice or noodles or other cooked cereals once a day or more, 68.0 per cent consumed breakfast cereal 2 times a week or more, 43.6 per cent consumed red meat less than 3 times a week, 45.7 per cent consumed low or reduced fat or skim milk, 27.5 per cent rarely or never consumed fried potatoes, 44.2 per cent rarely or never consumed potato crisps or salty snacks, 77.7 per cent consumed processed meat products less than 3 times a week, 61.1 per cent consumed 2 cups or less of soft drinks or cordials or sports drinks a week, and 37.9 per cent rarely or never consumed fast foods. Just under 1 in 20 adults (4.4 per cent) ran out of food and could not afford to buy more on at least 1 occasion in the previous 12 months.
Just over one-half of adults (54.8 per cent) undertook adequate levels of physical activity (a total of 150 minutes per week on 5 separate occasions). More males than females undertook adequate levels of physical activity. Overall, 2.2 per cent of adults had no access to neighbourhood facilities to encourage physical activity. Among those adults with access to neighbourhood facilities, 46.4 per cent used them weekly or more. A lower proportion of females than males used neighbourhood facilities weekly or more. A higher proportion of adults in the first or least disadvantaged quintile, and a lower proportion of adults in the fifth or most disadvantaged quintile, used neighbourhood facilities weekly or more. A lower proportion of adults in rural health areas than urban health areas used neighbourhood facilities weekly or more.
Among adults aged 16-70 years, 3.1 per cent practised unsafe sex. A lower proportion of females than males practised unsafe sex. There was no difference by level of socioeconomic disadvantage, or between rural health areas and urban health areas.
Just under 2 in 10 adults (18.6 per cent) were current smokers (that is, daily or occasional smokers). A higher proportion of males than females were current smokers. Current smoking increased with socioeconomic disadvantage. There was no difference between urban health areas and rural health areas. Overall, 88.2 per cent of adults lived in smoke-free homes. The proportion of smoke-free homes decreased as socioeconomic disadvantage increased. Overall, 87.6 per cent of adults had smoke-free cars. The proportion of smoke-free cars decreased as socioeconomic disadvantage increased. Overall, 36.9 per cent of adults would be more likely, and 5.8 per cent of adults would be less likely, to frequent hotels or licensed premises if there was a total ban on smoking. Overall, 40.6 per cent of adults would be more likely, and 5.8 per cent of adults would be less likely, to frequent outdoor dining areas if there was a total ban on smoking.
Among adults who go to local sporting areas, 62.6 per cent found it easy to find shade. Among adults who go to local outdoor public swimming pools, 73.3 per cent found it easy to find shade. Among adults who go to local public parks, 77.6 per cent found it easy to find shade.
Health status
In 2007, the New South Wales Population Health Survey collected information from adults on a range of health indicators including: self-rated health, asthma, diabetes or high blood glucose, mental health (psychological distress), oral health, overweight and obesity, and family health history.
Overall, just over 8 in 10 adults (81.0 per cent) rated their health as excellent, very good, or good.
Just over 1 in 10 adults (10.5 per cent) had current asthma. More females than males had current asthma.
Overall, 7.1 per cent of adults had diabetes or high blood glucose. The prevalence increased with age. There was no difference by level of socioeconomic disadvantage.
Overall, 12.1 per cent of adults had high or very high levels of psychological distress. The proportion was higher in females than males, and increased by level of socioeconomic disadvantage. There was no difference between urban health areas and rural health areas.
Overall, 56.0 per cent of adults visited a dental professional less than 12 months ago. The proportion was higher in females than males, and lower in rural health areas than urban health areas. The proportion decreased by level of socioeconomic disadvantage. Overall, 5.1 per cent of adults had all their natural teeth missing. The proportion was higher in females than males, and higher in rural health areas than urban health areas. The proportion increased by level of socioeconomic disadvantage. Overall, 88.5 per cent of adults agreed with having their water supply fluoridated.
Using height and weight to classify Body Mass Index (BMI), just over one-half of adults (51.7 per cent) were either overweight or obese. More males than females were overweight or obese. Overall, 18.0 per cent adults were obese. There was no difference between males and females.
Health service use and access
In 2007, the New South Wales Population Health Survey collected information on health services used, private health insurance, difficulties getting health care, emergency department presentations, hospital admissions, general practitioner services, public dental services, and community health centres.
Overall, 14.1 per cent were admitted to hospital for at least 1 night, 15.5 per cent presented to an emergency department, 7.8 per cent attended a community health centre, 5.1 per cent attended a public dental service or hospital, and 83.2 per cent visited a general practitioner.
Overall, 55.1 per cent of adults were covered by private health insurance.
Overall, excluding those who did not need health care, 17.0 per cent of adults had difficulties getting health care. The proportion increased by level of socioeconomic disadvantage. The proportion was lower in males than females, and higher in rural health areas than urban health areas. The main difficulties were: waiting time for an appointment with a general practitioner, shortage of general practitioners in area, difficulty in accessing specialists, cost of health services, quality of treatment, shortage of health services, transport issues, waiting time in emergency departments, and waiting time for dental services.
Overall, 15.5 per cent of adults presented to an emergency department in the last 12 months. Of these, 79.4 per cent rated the care received as excellent, very good, or good.
Overall, 14.1 per cent of adults had been admitted to hospital in the last 12 months. Of these, 89.6 per cent rated the care received as excellent, very good, or good.
Overall, 83.2 per cent of adults visited a general practitioner in the last 12 months. Of these, 93.3 per cent rated the care received at their last visit as excellent, very good, or good. Overall, 28.3 per cent of adults visited a general practitioner in the last 2 weeks.
Overall, 5.1 per cent of adults attended a public dental service in the last 12 months. Of these, 87.0 per cent rated the care received as excellent, very good, or good.
Overall, 7.8 per cent of adults attended a community health centre in the last 12 months.
Social capital
The term social capital refers to the relationships and conventions that shape social networks, foster trust, and facilitate cooperation for mutual benefit. In 2007, the New South Wales Population Health Survey included questions on social reciprocity and neighbourhood connection, feelings of trust and safety, participation in the local community, and building harmonious communities.
Overall, 37.7 per cent of adults helped out at a local group or organisation in the last 3 months.
Overall, 70.7 per cent agreed that most people could be trusted, 71.1 per cent felt safe walking down their street after dark, with more males than females feeling safe, and 76.4 per cent felt their area had a reputation for being safe.
Overall, 62.3 per cent of adults visited neighbours in the last week, 80.9 per cent ran into friends and acquaintances when shopping in their local area, and 73.2 per cent said they would feel sad if they had to leave their neighbourhood.
Overall, 60.4 per cent of adults took part in sport or physical activities. A higher proportion of males than females took part in sport or physical activities. A higher proportion of adults in the first or least disadvantaged quintile, and a lower proportion of adults in the fifth or most disadvantaged quintile, took part in sport or physical activities in the last 12 months. A lower proportion of adults in rural health areas than urban health areas took part in sport or physical activities.
Overall, 57.9 per cent of adults participated in a recreational, cultural, community or special interest group, or church or religious activities. There was no difference between males and females. There was no difference by level of socioeconomic disadvantage, or between rural health areas and urban health areas.
| Source: | New South Wales Population Health Survey 2007 (HOIST). Centre for Epidemiology and Research, NSW Department of Health. |
| Print version: | Although this page can be printed directly from your web browser, a higher quality version is available as a PDF file that can be printed or viewed on screen. |
| Produced by: | Centre for Epidemiology and Research, Population Health Division, NSW Department of Health. |
| Last updated on: | 1 October 2008 |