The four most commonly used illicit drugs are cannabis, ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine. It is estimated that about 2.9 million people aged 14 and over-15% of the population-are illicit drug users. This chapter also looks at illicit drug use, which contributes to substantial illness, disease and many deaths in Australia. Some population groups are far more likely to smoke daily than the general population-for example, smoking rates are much higher among single parents with dependent children, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to smoke than non-Indigenous Australians.Īlthough the overall volume of alcohol being consumed by Australians aged 15 and over has fallen to its lowest level in 50 years, some people still drink to excess, putting them at risk of short- and long-term adverse health effects. For example, in 2014–15, 23% of Australian adults had high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.īehavioural risk factors such as tobacco smoking, risky alcohol consumption, using illicit drugs, not getting enough exercise and poor eating patterns can also have a detrimental effect on health.Īlthough there is a lot to celebrate about Australia's changing smoking and drinking behaviours, there are still areas of concern. These factors can be positive in their effects (for example, being vaccinated against disease), or negative (for example, consuming alcohol at risky levels).īiomedical risk factors such as high blood pressure can have a direct impact on illness and chronic disease.

For example, in general, people from poorer social or economic circumstances are at greater risk of poor health than people who are more advantaged.Ī person's health is also influenced by biomedical factors and health behaviours that are part of their individual lifestyle and genetic make-up. Social determinants can strengthen or undermine the health of individuals and communities. These social determinants include factors such as income, education, employment and social support.

Many of the key drivers of health reside in our everyday living and working conditions-the circumstances in which we grow, live, work and age.

This chapter examines three key determinants of health: social determinants, biomedical risk factors and behavioural risk factors. Determinants of health are factors that influence how likely we are to stay healthy or to become ill or injured.

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