Health Status of Australian Adults

Activity 11.2. Questions 1-6

Differences in Health Based on Gender

Gender is a significant factor that influences health and there are significant differences between the health status of males and females.

Differences stem from different behavioural, lifestyle and working patterns of men and women.

MalesMen are more likely to get sick from

serious health problems that Australian women.

Men do not live as long as woman and have higher mortality rates.

The poor health status of men is further influenced by the fact that men are more likely to avoid medical treatment or seek treatment at a later stage than women.

FemalesSince 1979, women have outnumbered

men in overall population figures. They have also lived longer and healthier lives.

However women have higher rates of illness and disability.

Unlike males females are more likely to visit the doctor and are considered to be more health conscious.

Comparing Australian Health StatusAlthough the overall health of Australians

is considered to be very good, there are some significant population groups and determinants that have an impact on the country’s health.

For example the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is significantly lower compared to non-Indigenous adults and this gap is widening.

Self-Assessed Health StatusThe ABS National Survey collects data on

self-assessed health status and individuals are asked to access their health against five grades, from excellent through to poor.