Australian Health Status, Chronic Conditions, and Global Comparisons

Vocabulary flashcards covering core epidemiological measures, major health conditions in Australia (cardiovascular disease, cancer, injury), sociodemographic inequities, and international OECD health comparisons.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution (patterns) and determinants (causes and influences) of health within a population.

Morbidity

The levels or presence of illness, disease, and injury in a population, which reflects the extent of ill health.

Prevalence

The total number of existing cases of a disease in a population, indicating how widespread the disease is.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a condition occurring over a specified period, reflecting the risk of developing the disease.

Mortality

The number or rate of deaths in a population group, used to identify major causes of death.

Infant mortality

The number of deaths under age 1 per 1,000 live births, serving as a measure of infant health and healthcare quality.

Life expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live, used as a key indicator of overall population health.

Burden of disease

The overall impact of disease on health, quantified as the healthy years lost due to illness, disability, or premature death.

OECD

Organisation for economic Co-operation and development; an international organisation of 38 member countries that develops policies to improve economic and social wellbeing and collects standardised health data to compare countries.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

A group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Benign tumours

Non-cancerous tumours that do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant tumours

Cancerous tumours composed of cells that divide uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues and spread.

Unintentional injury

Accidental physical harm caused by external factors, including falls, transport accidents, and sporting injuries.

Intentional injury

Physical harm caused deliberately to oneself or others, including assault and self-inflicted injuries.

Sociological causes

Social and environmental influences—encompassing socioeconomic, sociocultural, and environmental factors—that shape health behaviours, often beyond individual choice.

Health inequities

Unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes between different population groups.

Telehealth

A healthcare access strategy, such as virtual doctor visits via video call or phone chat, used to reduce geographical barriers to care.

Aboriginal community controlled health services

Health services established to provide culturally safe healthcare, build trust, and improve access to appropriate care for Indigenous Australians.

Closing the Gap

A national agreement aimed at reducing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by improving health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health.

Medicare and PBS

Australia's universal healthcare and pharmaceutical subsidy systems that improve access to affordable healthcare services and medications.