Explain how health inequities affect Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians and propose TWO specific strategies to address these inequities. (6 marks)
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*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “Explain” keyword is bolded in the answer below. Gap in life expectancy: Higher chronic disease rates: Strategy 1 Strategy 2
*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “Explain” keyword is bolded in the answer below.
Gap in life expectancy:
- Indigenous Australians have a lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians. This occurs because of ongoing health inequities resulting from colonisation and systemic discrimination.
Higher chronic disease rates:
- Indigenous Australians experience disproportionately higher rates of chronic conditions. This happens when social disadvantage combines with limited healthcare access.
- As a result, diabetes rates are 3-4 times higher among Indigenous Australians. This is due to historical disruption of traditional diets which led to reliance on processed foods.
Strategy 1
- Expanding Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) would lead to improved health outcomes. This works by providing culturally safe healthcare which causes increased trust and service use.
- Nunkuwarrin Yunti in South Australia demonstrates how Indigenous-led healthcare results in better health. This occurs because patients feel understood and respected.
Strategy 2
- Housing improvement programs would cause reduced disease rates. This happens when better infrastructure prevents overcrowding and poor sanitation.
- The Housing for Health program shows how fixing houses directly leads to fewer infectious diseases. This relationship results from improved living conditions enabling better hygiene practices.