Healthy

  • Indicators

    Children and young people with a profound or severe core activity limitation

    Children and young people with type 1 diabetes

    Policy context

    Disability and chronic health conditions are often inter-related. Long-term health issues and disability can both result in a functional limitation that impacts everyday life for children and young people. People with disabilities are more likely to develop long-term health conditions, and people with long-term health conditions are more likely to develop disability.¹

    The most common long-term health issues for children are asthma, diabetes and cancer.²

    A disability is defined as any impairment that impacts an individual’s daily tasks or ‘core activities’ (communication, self-care or mobility) and has lasted or is likely to last more than six months.³ Disability encompasses physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory and neurological conditions or a combination of these.³ The severity of a disability can range from mild (needs no help and has no difficulty with core activities but uses aids or has impairments in other areas) to profound (unable to do or always needs help with core activities).⁴

    Around two thirds (67%) of Australian children with a disability require assistance with daily activities (e.g. communication, mobility, self-care). Many children with disabilities have learning and social difficulties at school. In addition to challenges faced by the child, disability impacts the entire family unit. The assistance and care (both formal and informal) of a child with a disability often results in parents and/or carers having reduced income, increased expenses, poorer emotional and physical wellbeing and strained relationships. Significant evidence has supported the effectiveness of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities.⁵

    Across the lifespan, having a disability is associated with poorer health behaviours and adverse health outcomes.⁶ Further, disability is associated with poorer social engagement and education. These outcomes could be related directly to the disability itself or a result of limited access (due to an individual’s disability) to appropriate information, services and support that foster wellbeing. People with disabilities have higher rates of mental illness, psychological distress, arthritis, smoking and a range of other health conditions than the general population.⁷

    Given the challenges and needs of children with disability and their families, understanding the proportion of children with disability in particular geographical regions can assist policy-makers and service providers in decision-making to improve outcomes.

    References

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2022, People with disability in Australia, Chronic conditions and disability [website] [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/health/chronic-conditions-and-disability

    2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2005, Selected chronic diseases among Australia’s children. [website] [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/selected-chronic-diseases-among-children/summary

    3. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2019, Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings. Cat. no. 4430.0 [cited 2023 September 19]. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4430.0

    4. Ibid.

    5. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013, profiles of Disability, Children at school with disability [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/lookup/4429.0main+features100302009#:~:text=Life%20at%20school%20can%20be,26.5%25)%20(Graph%209).

    6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016, Australia’s Health 2016. No. 15. Cat.no. AUS 199 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/australias-health-2016/contents/summary

    7. Mackenbach JP 2021, Oxford Textbook of Global Public Health (7 edn). Available at: https://academic.oup.com/book/36249

  • Indicators

    • ED presentations by type – public hospitals

    • Total ED presentations – public hospitals

    Policy context

    Emergency department (ED) presentations data for children is an important health indicator. It aids in disease surveillance by identifying trends in paediatric health conditions and helps allocate healthcare resources. It also highlights disparities in healthcare access and can guide efforts to promote health equity.

  • Indicators

    Number of children and young people

    Policy context
    The number of children and young people is based on the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) which is a demographic statistic used to estimate the number of people living in a specific area at a given point in time. ERP takes into account factors like births, deaths, and migration (both international and interstate) to provide a more accurate picture of the population.

  • Indicators

    • Births

    • First antenatal visit

    • Infant mortality

    • Low birth weight

    • Preterm births

    • Smoking in pregnancy

    Policy context

    Health influences begin even before birth, with a mother’s own health and wellbeing playing an important role in the baby’s development in utero. A healthy start to life contributes to good health and wellbeing for a child over their lifetime.

    For instance, smoking during pregnancy is one of the leading preventable causes of a wide range of adverse outcomes for babies. There is strong evidence that smoking in pregnancy is associated with low birth weight and increased risk of a child being born prematurely. There is also evidence of association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).¹

    Early childhood development sets the trajectory for physical health and cognitive, emotional and behavioural wellbeing through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.

    Optimising a child’s chance to have a healthy and productive life requires a holistic approach which includes a safe and nurturing home and community environment, access to appropriate health and family services and early identification of risk factors and developmental issues.²ʼ³

    References

    1. Mendelsohn C et al 2014, Management of smoking in pregnant women, Australian Family Physician, Vol 43, No 1–2 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/AFP/2014/January/February/201401mendelsohn.pdf

    2. Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council 2011, National Framework for Universal Child and Family Health Services, Australian Government.

    3. Moore TG et al 2017, The First 1000 Days: An Evidence Paper – Summary, Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ccchdev/CCCH-The-First-Thousand-Days-An-Evidence-Paper-September-2017.pdf

  • Indicators

    • Hospital admissions by principal diagnosis – public hospitals

    • Total admissions – public hospitals

    Policy context

    Hospital admissions data provides a clear picture of the disease burden on children and young people, encompassing a wide range of health issues from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. These admissions are essential for public health surveillance, aiding in the identification of disease outbreaks and emerging health trends.

    Moreover, hospital admissions data offers insights into healthcare quality and accessibility. Elevated admission rates may signal deficiencies in preventive care, primary healthcare, or vaccination programs, highlighting areas that require attention to reduce hospitalisation needs.

    High child hospital admission rates can also reflect broader societal issues affecting children's wellbeing, such as poverty or environmental hazards, emphasising the importance of addressing underlying determinants of health.

  • Indicators

    • Chickenpox

    • Diphtheria

    • Fully immunised

    • Haemophilus influenza type b

    • Hepatitis B

    • Measles

    • Meningococcal disease

    • Polio

    Policy context

    Measuring childhood immunisation coverage helps track how protected the community is against vaccine-preventable diseases and reflects the capacity of the healthcare system to effectively target and provide vaccinations to children. Fully immunised status is measured at ages 1, 2 and 5 and means that a child has received all the scheduled vaccinations appropriate for their age.¹

    References

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Canberra ACT. Health of children. 2023 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/health-of-children

  • Indicators

    • ED presentations due to injury, poisoning or other external causes

    • Fatally injured in a road accident

    • Hospital admissions due to injury or poisoning

    Policy context

    Injury is a leading cause of child deaths and a major cause of hospitalisation.¹ Children are vulnerable to certain types of injuries depending on their age, reflecting their stage of development. Very young children face an increased vulnerability to injuries since they lack the capacity to effectively assess risks associated with new activities and avoid potential hazards. In the case of older children, injuries are increasingly influenced not only by their physical and social environment but also by risk-taking behaviours.²

    Injury death and disability can be prevented by identifying and removing the causes or reducing children’s exposure to them. Recognising the impact of injury on children, a new National Injury Prevention Strategy is being developed to reduce the risk of injury for children.³

    References

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2022. Australia's children. Injuries [cited 2023 October 30]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/injuries

    2. Ibid

    3. Ibid

  • Indicators

    • ED presentations for mental and behavioural disorders

    • Experiences of psychological distress

    • Experiences of sadness and depression

    • Experiences of stress - Growing up in Queensland Survey

    • Experiences of sadness - Speaking Out Survey WA

    • Level of life satisfaction

    • Mental or emotional health condition - Growing up in Queensland Survey

    • Resilience - Speaking Out Survey Western Australia

    Policy context

    Good mental health is an essential component of wellbeing and means that children and young people are more likely to have fulfilling relationships, cope with adverse circumstances and adapt to change.

    Poor mental health is associated with behavioural issues, a diminished sense of self-worth and a decreased ability to cope. This has adverse effects on a young person’s quality of life, emotional wellbeing and relationships as well as their capacity to engage in school and other activities.¹

    The most currently available national data on child and adolescent mental health is the 2013–14 Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (also known as the Young Minds Matter survey).²

    Most states and territories conduct their own surveys among school students, addressing aspects including mental health and wellbeing. However, these survey findings are typically only made available in the form of a summarised report specific to each state or territory. In some states, no public reporting takes place.

    References

    1. Christensen D et al 2017, Longitudinal trajectories of mental health in Australian children aged 4-5 to 14-15 years, PLoS ONE, Vol 12, No 11. Cited in: Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Mental health [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-12-to-17-years/mental-health/

    2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Canberra ACT. Health of children. 2023 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/health-of-children

  • Indicators

    • Child mortality

    • Young people mortality

    Policy context

    The primary causes of child mortality vary between different stages of childhood.

    The majority of deaths between the ages of 0 and 5 years of age occur within the first year of life, with the highest risk of death being in the first month.¹ The main causes of death between the ages of 0 and 5 years include conditions originating in the perinatal period, congenital diseases, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, injury related to traffic accidents, drowning and accidental threats to breathing, and cancer.²

    In addition to the personal consequences of the death of a child on individuals in Western Australian communities, child mortality can be used as an indicator of the health of a population due to its association with a range of social and economic factors. Child mortality is associated with social and economic disadvantage, access to health care, nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, maternal education, unemployment, community awareness of child mortality risk factors, and immunisation programs .¹ʼ³ʼ⁴

    Child mortality is an important indicator for health providers and policy-makers to inform policy, strategy, and intervention, providing insight into the health of young children as well as the broader population.¹ The importance of child mortality statistics is amplified by the knowledge that many of the causes of death in this period, such as traffic accidents or accidental drowning, are preventable.¹

    References

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2023, Deaths in Australia [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/life-expectancy

    2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016, Australia's Health, How healthy are Australia's children? [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/australias-health-2016/contents/summary

    3. United Nations Population Division 2017, Levels and Trends in Child Mortality Report 2017 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/mortality/child-mortality-report-2017.shtml

    4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017, Deaths in Australia 2017 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/life-expectancy

  • Indicators

    • Nutrition

    • Obesity and healthy weight

    • Physical activity

    Policy context

    Physical health is a basic building block for children and young people’s current wellbeing and future life outcomes. Being physically healthy includes being physically active, having a good diet and being in the healthy weight range.

    During childhood and adolescence, children and young people form health-related attitudes and behaviours that can stay with them for life, making it a critical time to support positive and deter negative health practices.¹

    Based on measured data from the 2017–18 National Health Survey, the majority of children aged 5–14 (67% or an estimated 2 million) were a normal weight and around 1 in 4 (24% or an estimated 746,000) were overweight or obese. Almost 1 in 13 (7.7%) children aged 5–14 were obese.²

    References

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2011, Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2011, AIHW, p.1 Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/14eed34e-2e0f-441d-88cb-ef376196f587/12750.pdf.aspx?inline=true

    2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Canberra ACT. Health of children. 2023 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/health-of-children

  • Indicators

    • Knowledge and skills about safe sexual and reproductive health behaviours

    • Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    Policy context

    Good sexual health is important for young people’s physical health and overall wellbeing. Sexual health includes not only safe sex practices to reduce the risk of sexually transmissible infections (STI) and pregnancy but also appropriate access to information and services that are inclusive and culturally safe.

    STIs are most commonly contracted through unsafe sexual practices and can be either bacterial or viral and have serious long-term complications if left untreated.¹ These consequences include chronic abdominal pain, infertility and genital, heart and brain damage.¹ They are often undiagnosed as they can have no symptoms.¹

    The most common STIs that are considered a health risk for young people are chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea. These STIs are nationally notifiable diseases. This means state and territory health authorities supply notifications of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System to collect information relating to diseases of public importance.

    References

    1. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Australian Social Trends: June 2012 – Sexually transmissible infections [cited 2023 September 15]. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features10Jun+2012

  • Indicators

    • Alcohol (ASSAD survey)

    • Alcohol (NDSHS)

    • Drugs (ASSAD survey)

    • Drugs (NDSHS)

    • E-cigarettes (ASSAD survey)

    • E-cigarettes (NDSHS)

    • Smoking (ASSAD survey)

    • Smoking (NDSHS)

    Policy context

    Most Australian young people engage in healthy behaviours, yet participating in risk-taking behaviour including experimentation with alcohol and other substances can be part of the transition to adulthood. Evidence suggests that the earlier young people commence consuming alcohol and other drugs, the greater the likelihood of dependency and associated problems in later life.¹

    Research indicates alcohol can adversely affect brain development in adolescents and be linked to health complications and alcohol-related complications later in life.¹ Chronic health conditions linked to alcohol include heart problems, cancer and liver damage.¹ Alcohol is also a contributing factor to the three leading causes of death among adolescents – unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide.²

    Illicit drug use is a major cause of preventable disease and illness in Australia overall. Aside from the considerable health and behavioural problems associated with illicit drug use, children and young people are at particular risk of harm from drug use, as it negatively impacts the development of neurological pathways and is strongly associated with long-term drug dependency issues.³

    Adolescent e‐cigarette use (vaping) and its harms are public health concerns.⁴ A national survey in 2019 found that 10% of 14–17‐year‐old Australians had used e‐cigarettes.⁴ More recent studies, smaller or non‐representative, have suggested that the rate is rapidly increasing.⁴

    It is imperative to address any health concerns or risky behaviours early to improve future health and wellbeing outcomes and quality of life for young people.⁵

    References

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2011, Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2011, Cat no PHE 140 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/14eed34e-2e0f-441d-88cb-ef376196f587/12750.pdf.aspx?inline=true

    2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2016, Australia’s health 2016 – Chapter 5.4 Health of young Australians, Australia’s health series no 15, Cat no AUS 199 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/e8cd6dc6-ba74-4fa0-93ee-11b018f4bf69/ah16-5-4-health-young-australians.pdf.aspx

    3. Miller J et al 2012, Australian School Student Alcohol and Drug Survey: Illicit Drug Report 2011 – Western Australian results, Surveillance Report Number 9, Drug and Alcohol Office, WA Government, p. 1 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available at: https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/media/1599/2011-assad-illicit-drug-report.pdf

    4. Gardner LA et al 2023, Prevalence, patterns of use, and socio‐demographic features of e‐cigarette use by Australian adolescents: a survey, Medical Journal of Australia, 219(8) [cited 2023 September 15]. Available at: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/8/prevalence-patterns-use-and-socio-demographic-features-e-cigarette-use

    5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2016, Australia’s health 2016 – Chapter 5.4 Health of young Australians, Australia’s health series no 15, Cat no AUS 199 [cited 2023 September 15]. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/e8cd6dc6-ba74-4fa0-93ee-11b018f4bf69/ah16-5-4-health-young-australians.pdf.aspx