Experts have called for increased funding of health programs in the wake of a major report that reveals regional residents are living shorter lives and are more likely to suffer preventable problems than city residents.
Macedon Ranges residents are being urged to place greater focus on personal wellbeing and do more to combat risks associated with higher rates of heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
The Garvan Institute’s first rural health report shows people living in regional areas such as Gisborne and Kyneton are more likely to have low incomes (24 per cent) than major cities (17 per cent), increasing barriers to health services. Compiled over three years, the national report says the need for more long-distance travel and higher occupational risks, including those associated with farming, are also factors in poor health.
Country people are more likely to smoke daily (22 per cent, compared with 15 per cent in cities) and drink at risky levels (24 per cent, compared with 19 per cent).
Adults living in outer regional areas are more likely to be overweight or obese (69.5 per cent) than people living in major cities (60.2 per cent).
According to the report, the suicide rate is 66 per cent higher in the country than in major cities. Life expectancy in the country is 2.5 years less for men and 1.3 years less for women than the national averages of 79.7 and 84.2 respectively.
‘‘Populations living in rural and remote areas make up 30 per cent of the population but do not receive anywhere near 30 per cent of health funding and services,’’ the report says.
‘‘The limited supply of specialist professionals and services means it is harder for people in more remote areas to know about and access professional services, even if they want to.’’
On the positive side, the report notes that people living in the country were generally more connected to their communities, with higher rates of participation in volunteer work.
Garvan Institute Research Foundation chief executive Andrew Giles said increased funding, research and personalised medicine – using genetic information in patient diagnosis and treatment – could help rectify health problems in the country.
The Garvan Institute describes its mission as making “significant contributions to medical research”.
Macedon Ranges Health chief executive Don Tidbury said the report highlighted the large disparity between regional and metropolitan areas, and the importance of good, local services.
He said the Gisborne-based clinic, which recently opened a $5.8 million centre in Neal Street, was working on a plan to address issues such as mental health, dementia and obesity. An expanded men’s health program and new youth clinic will start soon.
