Report on adults 45 years & over from the NSW Population Health Survey

This report provides the first ever snapshot of the health and wellbeing of adults 45 years and over in New South Wales. The report supports planning, implementation and evaluation of health services and programs targeting this significant population group.

The report presents information on health behaviours, including alcohol, cancer screening and hysterectomy, fire safety in the home, fruit and vegetable consumption, adequate physical activity, current smoking, and smoke-free households.

This is followed by a chapter on health status, including self-rated health, asthma, cardiovascular disease precursors (blood pressure and cholesterol), diabetes or high blood glucose, mental health (psychological distress), oral health, overweight or obese, hearing, and vision.

Next there is a chapter on health services including private health insurance, difficulties getting health care, emergency department presentations, hospital admissions, general practitioner services, public dental services, and community health centres. Finally, there is a chapter on social capital including participation in the local community, trust and safety, and reciprocity and neighbourhood connectedness.

This is a descriptive report and there is a wealth of information in the survey dataset that may be of specific interest. Comments on the New South Wales Population Health Survey are welcome.

Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/survey/hsa/0745plua.asp