Anzac Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the Social Determinates of Health. In particular, the health inequalities experienced by our veteran population. With ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members having a higher prevalence of chronic disease (long-term health conditions) compared with those non-serving Australians (AIHW, 2022).
IPCIUM understand that the Social Determinants of Health is one of the most significant factors in the development and prevalence of Chronic Disease (both physical and mental) for individuals across the world, playing a critical role in our long-term health outcomes, quality of life, risk factors and comorbidity development.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Social Determinants of Health as, “the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems”.
Highlighted by the prevalence of Chronic Disease within our Australian Veteran population, who experience higher rates of:
🌏 Obesity & Overweight (75% compared with 61%)
🌏 Arthritis (33% compared with 12%)
🌏 Back problems (31% compared with 19%)
🌏 Mental Health & Behavioural conditions (27% compared with 17%)
🌏 Heart, stroke &vascular disease (15% compared with 5.9%)
🌏 Diabetes (14% compared with 6.9%)
🌏 Cancer (6.7% compared with 2.6%)
🌏 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD2) (3.6% compared with 1.0%)
IPCIUM are bringing innovative new equitable digital healthcare solutions to the global healthcare market to support those individuals (including our Veterans) who are facing the daily challenges of managing multiple co-morbidities. Equipping & empowering individuals living with chronic disease, with the skills, knowledge and tools required to manage their care pathways and live healthier & more productive lives.
For reference, IPCIUM have utilised the following resources:
