What is it about?

This study presents a thorough analysis of disease trends in Australia from 1990 to 2019, showcasing significant improvements in life expectancy, which rose from 77 years in 1990 to 82.9 years in 2019. The research indicates a decline in age-standardized death rates and highlights non-communicable diseases as the main cause of mortality, constituting 90.9% of total deaths in 2019. Factors like high BMI, smoking, and high blood pressure were identified as leading risk contributors to the disease burden. The findings underscore the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases and aging in health service planning.

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Why is it important?

This study provides a comprehensive overview of health trends in Australia, pinpointing significant advancements and ongoing challenges in managing non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. By comparing Australia's health data with other high-income countries, it offers a unique perspective on the nation's health system's performance, highlighting areas where Australia has made progress and where it lags behind. The analysis is timely, informing healthcare strategies aimed at further improving life expectancy and reducing disease burden.

Perspectives

Contributing to this study has been an insightful experience, emphasizing the crucial role of data in understanding health trends and shaping policies. Witnessing the positive shifts in Australia's health landscape over nearly three decades reinforces the value of persistent public health efforts. However, the study also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address non-communicable diseases and their risk factors comprehensively. It motivates me to continue researching and advocating for policies that will enhance health outcomes for all Australians, leveraging the insights gained to drive forward meaningful changes in public health.

Mr Ferry Efendi
Universitas Airlangga

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The burden and trend of diseases and their risk factors in Australia, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, The Lancet Public Health, August 2023, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00123-8.
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Contributors

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