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HMS, HIC 2014 HSC 29a

How does the health status of young people compare with that of other age groups in the Australian population?   (8 marks)

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  • Young people generally have the best health status of all age groups because they experience lower rates of chronic diseases and higher self-reported wellbeing. This occurs when comparing mortality and morbidity data across different age cohorts in Australian health reports.
  • Self-assessed health ratings demonstrate that young people report excellent or very good health more frequently than older populations. These positive perceptions result from fewer chronic conditions and greater physical capabilities. However, mental health issues create concerning trends specifically affecting this demographic.
  • Mortality patterns show injury and poisoning as leading causes of death for young people. This contrasts with older age groups where chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer predominate. The shift occurs because longer exposure to risk factors accumulates health problems over time.
  • Chronic disease prevalence increases significantly with age as lifestyle behaviours and environmental exposures compound over decades. For example, cardiovascular disease rarely affects young people but becomes the leading cause of death in those aged 45-64 years.
  • Mental health presents a notable exception where young people experience higher rates than some older groups. This trend reflects increased anxiety and depression particularly affecting females aged 16-24. Social media and academic pressures contribute to these concerning patterns.
  • Preventable conditions like dental disease and sexually transmitted infections disproportionately affect young people. These issues occur because risk-taking behaviours and limited health service engagement characterise this age group’s health-seeking patterns.
Show Worked Solution
  • Young people generally have the best health status of all age groups because they experience lower rates of chronic diseases and higher self-reported wellbeing. This occurs when comparing mortality and morbidity data across different age cohorts in Australian health reports.
  • Self-assessed health ratings demonstrate that young people report excellent or very good health more frequently than older populations. These positive perceptions result from fewer chronic conditions and greater physical capabilities. However, mental health issues create concerning trends specifically affecting this demographic.
  • Mortality patterns show injury and poisoning as leading causes of death for young people. This contrasts with older age groups where chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer predominate. The shift occurs because longer exposure to risk factors accumulates health problems over time.
  • Chronic disease prevalence increases significantly with age as lifestyle behaviours and environmental exposures compound over decades. For example, cardiovascular disease rarely affects young people but becomes the leading cause of death in those aged 45-64 years.
  • Mental health presents a notable exception where young people experience higher rates than some older groups. This trend reflects increased anxiety and depression particularly affecting females aged 16-24. Social media and academic pressures contribute to these concerning patterns.
  • Preventable conditions like dental disease and sexually transmitted infections disproportionately affect young people. These issues occur because risk-taking behaviours and limited health service engagement characterise this age group’s health-seeking patterns.

HMS, HIC 2019 HSC 28a

  1. Describe the nature and extent of ONE major health issue that affects young people.  (4 marks)
  2. Explain risk factors and protective factors related to the major health issue identified in part (i).  (4 marks)

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i.    Health issue – Mental health

  • Mental health conditions represent a significant health issue affecting young Australians aged 12-25 years.
  • The nature of mental health issues includes anxiety disorders, depression and stress-related conditions that impact psychological and emotional wellbeing.
  • These conditions affect daily functioning, academic performance and social relationships among young people.
  • The extent of the issue demonstrates widespread impact across Australian youth populations.
  • Nearly two in five young people aged 16-24 experience mental health conditions within a 12-month period.
  • Females experience higher rates than males, with anxiety disorders being most prevalent.
  • Mental health issues represent the leading cause of disease burden for young Australians, indicating substantial impact on quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

ii.   Health issue – Mental health

  • Risk factors increase vulnerability to mental health conditions among young people. Academic pressure and social media exposure contribute to anxiety development. This occurs because unrealistic expectations create stress and comparison behaviours. Family breakdown and substance abuse lead to emotional instability and poor coping mechanisms.
  • Protective factors reduce mental health risks through supportive environments. Strong family relationships and peer support networks provide emotional stability during challenging periods. This helps because social connections offer resilience and coping strategies. Regular physical activity and adequate sleep patterns strengthen mental wellbeing by improving mood regulation and stress management.

 

Show Worked Solution

i.    Health issue – Mental health

  • Mental health conditions represent a significant health issue affecting young Australians aged 12-25 years.
  • The nature of mental health issues includes anxiety disorders, depression and stress-related conditions that impact psychological and emotional wellbeing.
  • These conditions affect daily functioning, academic performance and social relationships among young people.
  • The extent of the issue demonstrates widespread impact across Australian youth populations.
  • Nearly two in five young people aged 16-24 experience mental health conditions within a 12-month period.
  • Females experience higher rates than males, with anxiety disorders being most prevalent.
  • Mental health issues represent the leading cause of disease burden for young Australians, indicating substantial impact on quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

ii.   Health issue – Mental health

  • Risk factors increase vulnerability to mental health conditions among young people. Academic pressure and social media exposure contribute to anxiety development. This occurs because unrealistic expectations create stress and comparison behaviours. Family breakdown and substance abuse lead to emotional instability and poor coping mechanisms.
  • Protective factors reduce mental health risks through supportive environments. Strong family relationships and peer support networks provide emotional stability during challenging periods. This helps because social connections offer resilience and coping strategies. Regular physical activity and adequate sleep patterns strengthen mental wellbeing by improving mood regulation and stress management.

HMS, HIC 2020 HSC 28ai

Outline the current patterns of mortality for young people.   (3 marks)

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  • Young males aged 15-24 years experience higher mortality rates than females due to greater risk-taking behaviours.
  • Intentional self-harm (suicide) represents the leading cause of death among young people, with rates increasing over recent years. Males have suicide rates approximately three times higher than females.
  • Land transport accidents constitute the second leading cause of mortality, predominantly affecting males through motor vehicle crashes.
  • Deaths from accidental poisoning, commonly linked to alcohol and drug use, rank third among young people.
  • Overall mortality patterns show preventable causes dominating young people’s deaths, contrasting with chronic disease patterns seen in older populations.
Show Worked Solution
  • Young males aged 15-24 years experience higher mortality rates than females due to greater risk-taking behaviours.
  • Intentional self-harm (suicide) represents the leading cause of death among young people, with rates increasing over recent years. Males have suicide rates approximately three times higher than females.
  • Land transport accidents constitute the second leading cause of mortality, predominantly affecting males through motor vehicle crashes.
  • Deaths from accidental poisoning, commonly linked to alcohol and drug use, rank third among young people.
  • Overall mortality patterns show preventable causes dominating young people’s deaths, contrasting with chronic disease patterns seen in older populations.

♦♦ Mean mark 45%.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 066 MC

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the trend in obesity rates among young people in Australia from 1995 to 2017-18?

  1. Rates steadily declined across all age groups of children and young people.
  2. Rates remained stable with minimal fluctuation over the period.
  3. Rates initially increased but more recently show a trend toward fewer young people being overweight.
  4. Rates consistently increased at the same rate for both males and females in the 5-17 age group.
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct as the data shows that although rates of obesity had been rising over time, more recent figures show a slightly declining trend.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect because rates did not steadily decline across the entire period; they initially increased before showing signs of decline more recently.
  • B is incorrect because there were significant fluctuations in the rates over the period rather than stability.
  • D is incorrect because there’s no evidence of this trend.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 79

Statistics reveal emerging patterns in the health of young Australians.

Describe the key health trends for young people over the past decade, highlighting both improvements and areas of decline.   (4 marks)

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Concerning health trends:

  • Mental health issues have significantly increased among young people, with anxiety and depression rates rising, particularly among females aged 16-24.
  • Technology-related health concerns have emerged, including increased screen time associated with poor sleep quality, sedentary behaviour, and the rise of vaping/e-cigarette use replacing traditional tobacco products.
  • Social media influence has contributed to health misinformation, body image concerns and eating disorders.

Improving health trends:

  • Physical health indicators show decreasing rates of risk behaviours such as tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, with smoking rates declining steadily and fewer young people engaging in risky drinking patterns.
  • Social media offers new platforms for health information and peer support networks. This can positively influence health literacy and help-seeking behaviours.
Show Worked Solution

Concerning health trends:

  • Mental health issues have significantly increased among young people, with anxiety and depression rates rising, particularly among females aged 16-24.
  • Technology-related health concerns have emerged, including increased screen time associated with poor sleep quality, sedentary behaviour, and the rise of vaping/e-cigarette use replacing traditional tobacco products.
  • Social media influence has contributed to health misinformation, body image concerns and eating disorders.

Improving health trends:

  • Physical health indicators show decreasing rates of risk behaviours such as tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, with smoking rates declining steadily and fewer young people engaging in risky drinking patterns.
  • Social media offers new platforms for health information and peer support networks. This can positively influence health literacy and help-seeking behaviours.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 61 MC

Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the current health status of young people as a group in Australia?

  1. Young people primarily suffer from infectious diseases rather than lifestyle-related conditions.
  2. Young people experience the highest rates of chronic disease compared to all other age groups.
  3. Young people generally have positive physical health but increasing prevalence of mental health conditions.
  4. Young people have equal health outcomes regardless of socioeconomic or geographic factors.
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct as data shows young people have relatively good physical health indicators but increasing rates of mental health conditions.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect because while infectious diseases affect young people, lifestyle-related conditions and mental health issues are more prevalent.
  • B is incorrect because chronic disease rates are generally higher in older populations, not young people.
  • D is incorrect because significant health inequities exist among young people based on socioeconomic status and geographic location.