31 July 2015
People in rural and remote Australia have more health risk factors that result in a higher prevalence of chronic disease, and also have poorer access to the primary care services through which chronic conditions can be addressed. This submission presents data on how the higher rates of risk factors, greater prevalence and poorer access to services adds to the burden of chronic disease outside of urban areas. The impact of chronic disease on Indigenous health and the relationship with socio-economic status are also discussed. Evidence of best practice and potential solutions to improve the management and prevention of chronic disease in rural and remote populations comprise the final sections of the submission.
