Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, March 31, 2008

Rural, regional and remote health: indicators of health status and determinants of health Rural health series no. 9

This report focuses on a comprehensive range of health issues concerning people living in rural, regional and remote Australia. It includes information relating to health status (such as rates of chronic disease, injury and mental health) and determinants of health (such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition and physical activity) and is the 9th report in the AIHW's Rural health series.

Summary of alcohol findings

From the 2004–05 NHS:

• Males in Inner Regional and Other areas (Outer Regional and Remote) were significantly more (1.2 and 1.4 times as) likely than those in Major Cities to report risky or high-risk alcohol consumption.

• Females in All regional/Remote areas were equally likely as those in Major Cities to report risky or high-risk alcohol consumption.

This inter-regional pattern is broadly similar to that seen in previous years. However, the prevalence of such alcohol consumption has increased in all areas, particularly for females. For example, in 2004–05 males and females in Major Cities were significantly more (respectively, 1.4 and 1.9 times as) likely to report risky or high-risk alcohol consumption than in 1995.

Data from the 2004 NDSHS showed males outside Major Cities were significantly more likely to drink in quantities risking harm in the short and long term.

In All remote areas, people appeared more likely to consume alcohol in quantities risking harm in the short term than those in Major Cities.

Indigenous Australians were significantly more (1.3 times as) likely to consume alcohol in hazardous or harmful quantities than people living in Major Cities.

Indigenous Australian males in Inner Regional areas appeared more likely to consume alcohol in hazardous or harmful quantities compared with those in Major Cities, while females in these areas appeared less likely to consume in these quantities. Otherwise, interregional variation appeared to be relatively small.

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