Mortality Inequality in Australia: Why disadvantaged communities are still left behind
The study, led by Professor Kadir Atalay and Associate Professor Rebecca Edwards from the University of Sydney and published in the journal Health Economics, reveals that while overall mortality rates have declined since 2001, these improvements have not been evenly distributed.
Alarmingly, middle-aged Australians residing in disadvantaged areas are experiencing higher mortality rates, particularly due to cancer.
Key Findings
- Persistent Mortality Inequality: The research analysed administrative and census data from 2001 to 2018, uncovering a significant and enduring disparity in mortality rates between Australia's wealthy and underprivileged communities. While overall mortality rates have decreased for all genders and age groups, the gap between affluent and disadvantaged populations remains substantial.
- Middle-Aged Australians at Risk: The study highlights a concerning trend: mortality inequality has increased among middle-aged males and females. This demographic is experiencing higher rates of cancer-related deaths, contributing significantly to the widening gap in life expectancy.
- Positive Developments Among Youth: In contrast, the research notes a significant decrease in mortality inequality among Australia's youth, indicating that younger populations are benefiting more uniformly from healthcare advancements and preventive measures.
Our research highlights a critical issue – health inequality persists in Australia despite overall improvements in longevity.
Professor Kadir Atalay
“Our research highlights a critical issue – health inequality persists in Australia despite overall improvements in longevity.”Professor Kadir Atalay
Socio-economic drivers of health inequality
The study delves into the socio-economic factors contributing to these disparities. Individuals in disadvantaged areas often face barriers such as limited access to healthcare services, lower health literacy, and delayed diagnoses.
These challenges are compounded by factors like lower income, education, and employment opportunities, which collectively impact health outcomes.
The higher rate of cancer-related deaths among Australians living in disadvantaged areas is a primary contributor to the increasing mortality inequality among middle-aged Australians.
This underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the specific health challenges faced by these communities.
Implications for policy and practice
The study's implications extend beyond academia. The findings challenge the perception of Australia's healthcare system as an equalizer and underscore the need for targeted interventions in underprivileged areas.
They also suggest that socio-economic status remains a key determinant of health outcomes, even in a nation with universal healthcare.
"Our research highlights a critical issue – health inequality persists in Australia despite overall improvements in longevity," said Professor Atalay.
“These disparities are most stark among middle-aged Australians, where the gap in cancer mortality rates continues to widen." added Associate Prof. Edwards.
The findings highlight a need for policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health advocates to address the socio-economic drivers of health inequality, particularly for preventable and treatable diseases like cancer.
These insights underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities to ensure equitable health outcomes for all Australians.
For a detailed exploration of the findings, you can read the study in Health Economics here.
