Discuss how cultural attitudes and government policies contribute to variations in health outcomes between Australia and other OECD countries. (6 marks)
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Benefits of cultural attitudes and policies
- [P] Australian cultural attitudes towards outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles contribute to better health outcomes compared to many OECD countries.
- [E] The favourable climate and widespread access to recreational facilities encourage physical activity participation and outdoor pursuits across the population.
- [Ev] Government policies such as strict tobacco regulations and comprehensive vaccination programs have successfully reduced smoking rates and prevented infectious diseases more effectively than countries with weaker public health policies.
- [L] Therefore, the combination of health-promoting cultural values and strong government intervention creates better population health outcomes than countries lacking these supportive environments.
Challenges of cultural attitudes and policies
- [P] However, certain Australian cultural norms and policy gaps contribute to poorer performance in specific health areas compared to other OECD countries.
- [E] Cultural attitudes surrounding alcohol consumption and dietary habits negatively impact health outcomes, contributing to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity.
- [Ev] Some OECD countries like Mediterranean nations achieve better obesity rates through cultural diets rich in fruits and vegetables, while Australia’s cultural food preferences contribute to lifestyle-related health problems.
- [L] Consequently, while Australia’s policies excel in some areas, cultural barriers and policy limitations in nutrition and alcohol prevention result in weaker performance compared to countries with more comprehensive lifestyle interventions.
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Benefits of cultural attitudes and policies
- [P] Australian cultural attitudes towards outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles contribute to better health outcomes compared to many OECD countries.
- [E] The favourable climate and widespread access to recreational facilities encourage physical activity participation and outdoor pursuits across the population.
- [Ev] Government policies such as strict tobacco regulations and comprehensive vaccination programs have successfully reduced smoking rates and prevented infectious diseases more effectively than countries with weaker public health policies.
- [L] Therefore, the combination of health-promoting cultural values and strong government intervention creates better population health outcomes than countries lacking these supportive environments.
Challenges of cultural attitudes and policies
- [P] However, certain Australian cultural norms and policy gaps contribute to poorer performance in specific health areas compared to other OECD countries.
- [E] Cultural attitudes surrounding alcohol consumption and dietary habits negatively impact health outcomes, contributing to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity.
- [Ev] Some OECD countries like Mediterranean nations achieve better obesity rates through cultural diets rich in fruits and vegetables, while Australia’s cultural food preferences contribute to lifestyle-related health problems.
- [L] Consequently, while Australia’s policies excel in some areas, cultural barriers and policy limitations in nutrition and alcohol prevention result in weaker performance compared to countries with more comprehensive lifestyle interventions.