NUT301 - Health Needs Promotion: Analysis of Western LHD, Australia

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of health needs promotion in the Western Local Health District (LHD) of Australia. It examines population data, socioeconomic status, and health data, comparing Western LHD statistics with state and national averages. Key health issues identified include high smoking and alcohol consumption rates, as well as concerns related to obesity and dietary habits. The report also assesses access to health services in the region, focusing on Bourke and comparing it to NSW averages. The identified priority area is poor dietary habits, with a focus on high-energy, low-nutrient foods, particularly among adult females in Bourke. The report concludes by highlighting the disparities in health outcomes and emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.

Running head: HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 1
Health Needs Promotion
Student’s Name
Institution

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 2
Health Needs Promotion
Population Data
Population Data Table: Western LHD compared to state and national statistics (ABS,
2018)
Western LHD NSW Australia
Population 270,775 7,480,228 23,401,892.0
Male % 48.7 49.3 49.3
Female % 51.3 50.7 50.7
Aboriginal % 2.9 2.9 2.8
Median age (all) 36 38 38
Median age (Aboriginal) 22 22 23
Median weekly household
income ($) 1089 1486 1438
Education%
Preschool
Primary
Secondary
Technical or further ed
University
Education completed
in 10 and below
years was 37.1%,
equivalent to 10
years was 23.9% and
completed in 12
years was 49.2% of
the total population
5.7
26.2
20.1
6.2
16.2
4.8
26.7
20.1
5.9
16.1
Other
Households are
categorized to family
households (71.9%),
lone person
households (24.2%),
and other households
(3.8%)
Data Sources for above table
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/MediaRealesesByCatalogue/
02D50FAA9987D6B7CA25814800087E03?OpenDocument
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3235.0

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 3
https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/OP_PopHealth.pdf
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/lhd/pages/wnswlhd.aspx
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/pages/default.aspx
Summary
The current population for Western LHD is 270,775 of which 48.7% are males and
51.3% comprising of females. The female/male ratio in comparison to NSW and Australia is
quite similar with the latter representing a 49.3% and 50.7% for males and females respectively.
The Aboriginal population comprises a mere 2.9% of the entire population. The median age for
the entire population is 36 while that of the aboriginal group is 22. These averages are also not
far from the NSW and Australian median ages of 38 for the entire population and 23 for the
aboriginal group. Significant differences however occur when the weekly average incomes are
taken into consideration. There is a significant income disparity between Western LHD and
NSW and Australia. In this case, while the median weekly household income in Western LHD is
1089$, the same income in NSW and Australia is 1486 and 1438 respectively (ABS, 2018).
Categorization of education in Western LHD is also quite different compared to NSW an
Australia. In this light, the available data indicates the education levels in three distinct
categories comprising of mainly education completed in 10 years below (37.1% of the
population), equivalent to 10 years (23.9% of the population), and equivalent to 12 years
(49.2%). Ideally it can be presumed that these percentages represent primary, secondary and
tertiary levels of education in comparison to data available for NSW and Australia. It is also

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noteworthy that in this region, households are further subdivided into family based households,
lone households and others (ABS, 2017).
The data presented above is reliable because it is current and represents the actual
population of the region. Precisely, the data focuses on the accurate account of the region’s
population. Furthermore, it captures a wide spectrum of the population and its characteristics.
Likewise, this data also draws its strength from the fact that aside from encompassing the
region’s entire population, other aspects such as income and housing are also presented in this
data. However, this data’s credibility can also be questioned due to various weaknesses that are
associated with the provided data. For instance, since it is based on household heads, the data can
be comprised since the household heads do provide falls data. Also, the data may be subject to
inaccuracies especially in areas with high levels of illiteracy.
Socioeconomic Status: SEIFA by Local Government Area (LGA)
Bourke Mudgee Dubbo NSW
Index of relative
disadvantage (IRSD) 945 1057 955 1000
Index of relative
advantage and
disadvantage (IRSA)
876 966 1032 1000
Bourke Mudgee Dubbo NSW
ATSI population % 2.8 4.1 2,3 2.9

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Health Data
Health Data: Western LHD compared to state and national statistics
Western LHD NSW
Healthstats 2017
National
AIHW 2018
WLHD
Comparison
Smoking rates 17.4% 15% 14.5%
Smoking rates in ATSI
population
NA 40% 39%
Smoking-related deaths 100 per 100,000 60.8 per 100,000 74 per 100,000
Fruit recommended
daily consumption (2+
serves daily)
48.2% 47.3% 50%
Fruit in children –
recommended daily
consumption
67.2% 66.8% 78% 2-3yo
22% 4-8yo
39% 9-13yo
27% 14-18yo
Vegetable
recommended
consumption (5+
serves daily)
6.1% 6.6% 7%
Veg in children -
recommended daily
consumption
7.9% 7.4% <1% 2-3yo
<1% 4-8yo
<1% 9-13yo
<1% 14-18yo
Alcohol consumption
at levels posing long-
term health risk (2+
standard drinks daily)
35.2%
Males 43.1%
Females 23.8%
31.1%
Males 40.8%
Females 21.8%
17.4%
Alcohol in ATSI 39.3% 44.1%
Alcohol attributable
deaths
55 per 100,000 15.4 per 100,000 17.4 per100,000
Adequate physical
activity
46.2%
Males 47%
Females 34.3%
41.7%
Females 37%
Males 46.7%
55.5%
PA in children Children 28% Children 26%
Obese 22%
Males 18.2%
Females 22,9%
21%
Males 20.6
Females 21.4
28%
Obese ATSI 40.8% 41.6%
Obesity in children 20.2%
Boys 20.8%
21.4%
Boys 21.7%

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 6
Girls 20.1% Girls 21.1%
Overweight or obese
(Overall)
53.1%
Males 61.2%
Females 39.5%
53.5%
Males 60.3%
Females 46.6
63%
High BMI-related
deaths
26.7 per 100,000 29.5 per 100,000
Data Sources for above table
https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Downloads/Publications%20and%20Reports/
WNSWLHD_TobaccoPlan.pdf
http://www.healthstats.nsw.gov.au/Indicator/beh_smo_age
https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/OP_PopHealth.pdf
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/lhd/pages/wnswlhd.aspx
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ajum.12017
Summary
Smoking rates in Western NSW is very high compared to NSW and the nation as a
whole. This is because the smoking rate in this region is 17.4% compared to 15% and 14.5% in
NSW and Australia respectively. As a result, smoking is one the leading causes of death in this
region with an estimated 100 deaths per 100,000 individuals. This is unlike the 60.8 and 74
registered in NSW and Australia (NSW, 2015). This therefore indicates that aside from the
rates being quite high, smoking contributes to a significant number of deaths when a
comparison of the region is compared to that of the national level.
However, data on the ATSI population is limited and as such, the smoking rate
among this population is inconclusive. In comparison to smoking alcohol consumption also
a serious health issue in Western NSW. Particularly, the alcohol consumption level in
Western NSW is also high at 35.2%. Most worryingly is the fact that the consumption of
alcohol contributes to a significant number of deaths since it results in 55 deaths per 100,000

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 7
individuals. In comparison to NSW and at the national level, these rates are significantly higher
since in NSW alcohol consumption rate is 31% and associated deaths per 100,000 is 15.4%. At
the national level, the same rates are further lowered with 17.4% reported cases of alcohol
consumption contributing to an estimated 17.4 deaths per 100,000 persons (NSW, 2017). Thus,
the available evidence illustrate that there is need to address this health issue specifically in
Western NSW.
This population however strives to maintain a balanced diet in comparison to fruit and
vegetable intake. For example, the population maintains a commendable 48.2% fruit
recommended daily consumption. This is higher than the 47.3% maintained at NSW and less
than the 50% maintained at the national level. Fruit recommended intake among children is also
considerably high at 67.2% in Western NSW which is higher than the 66% observed at the NSW
region. Vegetable consumption is however lower than the 6.6% at the regional level with
Western NSW maintaining a 6.1% (NSW, 2013). This is unlike vegetable consumption in
children which is 0.5% higher than the NSW level. In addition, the population in Western NSW
also maintains high levels of physical activity as evidenced by the 46% rate of physical activity.
This healthy life can perhaps explain the lower levels of obesity and overweight cases in the
region with the former representing a rate of 22% and the latter representing a rate of
53% (Spurway et al, 2016). Hence, it is also not surprising that the number of BMI related
deaths is lower at 26.7 per 100,000, compared to the 29.5 per 100,000 observed at NSW region.
Access to Health Services
Health Service Data: Comparison of Services Available in your selected town to NSW
Service NSW data Your selected town – Bourke Mudgee or
Dubbo

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 8
Hospital services &
health services (list those
in your town)
More than 220 public
hospitals and health
services1
Public hospital = Bourke
- Emergency care
- Domiciliary care unit
- Maternity services
- Geriatric assessment unit
- Maintenance renal dialysis unit
- Nursing home care unit
- Obstetric services
- Paediatric service
- Rehabilitation programs
Other health services include:
 Elective and Emergency Surgery
 Community care & dental service
 Older person mental health service
 Medical treatment
Hospital beds (public) 21,152 80-150
Time spent in emergency
dept (median time)
2017-2018
4hrs 34mins3
2017-2018
2hrs 8mins (18,323 patients seen)
Length of stay in hosp 2,8 days (excluding maternity)4
Hospital beds (public) per
1,000 population
2.782 NA
The number of deaths arising from smoking has increased tremendously resulting in many cases of
hospitalization and an added cost incurred in meditation and rehabilitation of these patients. In some
cases, hospitals’ resources have been stretched.
Data Sources for above table
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/results/bourke-2840/tihcs-aht-10578/
community-health-services?undefined&pageIndex=1&tab=SITE_VISIT
https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/SLHD_Health_Profile_2013.pdf
https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Downloads/Publications%20and%20Reports/
WNSWLHD_TobaccoPlan.pdf
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/pages/default.aspx
Summary
There are more than 220 public hospitals in Western NSW. Particularly in Bourke, public
hospitals offer a number of services including; emergency care, maternity services, nursing home
care and rehabilitation programs amongst others. Hospital beds in these public hospitals amount

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 9
to a total of 21,152 beds (NSW, 2018). In comparison to Bourke, the number of hospital beds
has been estimated to range between 80 and 120. In regards to the time spent in emergency
department, Bourke observed a 2 hours and 18 minutes average compared to the 4 hours and 34
minutes observed at the regional level. Also, Bourke had an estimated 2.8 days length in
hospitalization (Healthdirect.gov, 2018).
Identified and Justified Priorities
The identified area of priority comprising of food and nutrition related health risk factors
is the practice of poor dietary habits. In this case, the focus will be on consumption of foods that
are rich in energy such as starch, fat and sugars, but with low amounts of essential nutrients
(Reddy & Katan, 2014). Ideally, the consumption of such foods have adverse effects on an
individual’s health especially since it contributes to energy excess as well as other health
conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Hence, the consumption of such foods can hamper the
well-being of an individual and expose them to life threatening chronic conditions (Burkert et al,
2014).
The targeted population comprises of adults residing in Bourke. From the available data
on Western NSW, it is evident that the population strive to maintain a healthy life especially
through physical exercises and, fruit and vegetable intake. However, the rates of overweight and
obesity is also high indicating the consumption of high energy foods could be high. Specifically,
for the female gender, the data indicates that they could be at the highest risk of such health
conditions. As such, the focus shall be placed on the female population residing in this region
and particularly in Bourke.
Conclusion

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 10
The demographic data on the population residing in Western LHD indicate that the
composition of this population in regards to the male/female ratio, median age and aboriginal
composition is quite similar. Differences only occur in the income levels and the level of
education. In consideration of the available health data, it is noteworthy that the smoking rates
and alcohol consumption rates as well as their associated deaths are quite higher than those
observed at the regional and national level. Although they maintain somewhat commendable
dietary habits, the rates of overweight cases and obesity cases have been high. Focusing on the
female population in Bourke can help illustrate this disparity and also indicate the probable
causes inclusive of consumption of high energy foods.

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 11
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2018). Census: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Population. Retrieved from
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/MediaRealesesByCatalogue/02D50FAA9987D
6B7CA25814800087E03?OpenDocument
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2017). Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia,
2016. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3235.0
Burkert, N. T., Muckenhuber, J., Grobschadl, F., Rasky, E., & Freidi, W. (2014). Nutrition and
Health: The Association between Eating Behavior and Various Health Parameters: A
Matched Sample Study. PLoS ONE, 9(2), 1-7. Retrieved from
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088278&type=print
able
Healthdirect.gov. (2018). Community Health Services, Bourke NSW. Retrieved from
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/results/bourke-2840/tihcs-aht-
10578/community-health-services?undefined&pageIndex=1&tab=SITE_VISIT
NSW Government. (2013). A Picture of Health SLHD Health Profile 2013. Retrieved from
https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/SLHD_Health_Profile_2013.pdf
NSW Government. (2015). Western NSW Local Health District Tobacco Strategic Plan 2015-
2021. Retrieved from https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Downloads/Publications
%20and%20Reports/WNSWLHD_TobaccoPlan.pdf

HEALTH NEEDS PROMOTION 12
NSW Government. (2017). Current Smoking in Adults. Retrieved from
http://www.healthstats.nsw.gov.au/Indicator/beh_smo_age
NSW Government. (2018). Hospitals/ Health Services. Retrieved from
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/pages/default.aspx
NSW Government. (2018). Population Health: Operational Plan 2014-2018. Retrieved from
https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/OP_PopHealth.pdf
NSW Government. (2018). Western NSW. Retrieved from
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/lhd/pages/wnswlhd.aspx
Reddy, K. S., & Katan, M. B. (2014). Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Hypertension and
Cardiovascular Diseases. Public Health Nutrition, 7(1), 167-186. Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/public_health_nut5.pdf
Spurway, J., Logan, P., Pak, S. C., & Phil, S. N. (2016). A Comparison of a Regional NSW
Obstetrics Population to District, State and National Statistics. Australasian Journal of
Ultrasound in Medicine, 19(3), 118-122. Retrieved from
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ajum.12017