Demographic Change and Health

Vocabulary flashcards covering core demographic definitions, population trends, data sources, population pyramids, and health priorities in Australia and Timor-Leste.

Demography

The study of humans and populations, including their size, structure (such as age and sex), and how they change over time.

Demographic Transition Model

A framework describing how a population structure changes over time as a country develops, shifting from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.

Local Level of Description

A level of demographic analysis focusing on small community areas, such as a neighbourhood or suburb.

Regional Level of Description

A level of demographic analysis focusing on larger geographical areas, such as the North Queensland region.

Drivers of Population Change

The three demographic factors that drive all changes in a population: fertility, mortality, and migration.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

The primary national agency providing demographic data in Australia, which conducts the national census every five years and produces surveys such as the National Health Survey.

Total Population of Australia (mid-2025)

Around 28 million people, with migration acting as the main driver of growth.

Australian Ageing Population Trend

A demographic characteristic of Australia where around 1 in 6 people are aged over 65.

Overseas-Born Population in Australia

A demographic metric stating that about 1 in 3 people living in Australia were born overseas.

First Nations Population Distribution in Australia

A demographic metric where about 1 in 26 people nationwide identify as First Nations, rising to around 30% in remote and very remote areas.

Rural and Remote Australia Profile

Regions inhabited by about 27% of Australians, characterized by low population density, older demographics, limited access to services, and higher hospitalisation rates.

Birth and Death Registrations

A primary data source recording who has been born and who has died, categorized by state and territory.

Health Administrative Data

A health data source capturing hospital admissions and emergency department presentations.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Data

A data source detailing which medications are prescribed and who is accessing them across Australia.

Patient Repositories

Data platforms, such as My Health Record, that track which healthcare services people are actively using.

Population Pyramid

A graph displaying a population's age and sex structure, with males on one side, females on the other, and age groups stacked from youngest at the bottom to oldest at the top.

Rapid Growth Population Pyramid

A population pyramid with a wide base representing many children and young people who will enter reproductive years in 10 to 20 years.

Slow Growth Population Pyramid

A population pyramid structure indicating that a population is increasing gradually.

Zero Growth Population Pyramid

A population pyramid structure indicating a relatively stable population.

Negative Growth Population Pyramid

A population pyramid structure with far fewer births at the base, leading to a larger proportion of people in older age groups.

Leading Cause of Death in Australia

Dementia, which is the leading cause of death within a disease profile dominated by chronic non-communicable diseases affecting older people.

Timor-Leste Demographic and Disease Profile (2024)

An early-stage demographic transition profile featuring a very wide pyramid base (young population) where leading causes of death are communicable/infectious diseases, maternal, child, and nutrition-related problems.

Australian Health Priorities

Cardiovascular health, cancer control, injury prevention, mental health, diabetes, chronic disease prevention and management, aged care, and keeping people well in the community.

Timor-Leste Health Priorities

Maternal and child health, childhood immunisation, controlling infectious diseases, nutrition, and building basic health infrastructure.