Australia's young people healthier, but more work to do - AMA
The AMA welcomed a major report released today that shows that Australia's young people have achieved significant improvements in their health and quality of life, but warns there are still major problem areas such as obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, skin cancer and unsafe sex.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report, Australia's Young People: Their Health and Wellbeing, found that over 80 per cent of young Australians consider their quality of life to be good to excellent.
The report shows that suicide rates and transport accident rates in young people fell considerably between 1982-2001.
AMA youth health spokesperson, Dr Choong-Siew Yong, said the AIHW report is encouraging but there are some areas we need to continue working on.
"In particular, the rate of sexually transmitted disease caused by chlamydia has more than tripled in the last ten years," Dr Yong said.
"Because such diseases can cause infertility, this is a major concern for the long term.
"Other health concerns for young people are related to sun and sex. Too many young people are going into the sun without protection, and having sexual intercourse without protection.
"We need to keep emphasising the need for sunscreen and condoms," Dr Yong said.
The report also highlights the positive links between health and high levels of education and employment.
Dr Yong said this should give Governments the message that access to both education and employment for young people is essential for their health and wellbeing.
"The lack of education and employment opportunities is especially evident in rural and remote areas, and is reflected in a poorer health status of young people in the country compared to their city counterparts.
"Special attention must also be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who have lower levels of school completion and employment, and poorer health and quality of life than other young Australians," Dr Yong said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761