After adjusting for the differences in age structure between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, Indigenous women were twice as likely as non-Indigenous women to report fair/poor health. This snapshot provides an overview of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Topics covered include health status, long-term health conditions, mortality, health risk factors, exposure to violence, social and emotional wellbeing, health-related actions and health screening and contraception. Unless otherwise stated, Indigenous women in this article refers to those aged 18 years and over.

The health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is affected by a complex range of socioeconomic and environmental factors. Indigenous women are more likely than non-Indigenous women to be unemployed, to have carer responsibilities for children other than their own, to receive welfare payments and to have finished school at an earlier age (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, 2004). Indigenous women are also more likely to be a victim of violence and to live in communities where violence is prevalent. Nevertheless, four in ten Indigenous women reported their health as excellent or very good in 2004-05. Holistic health approaches, including those that encompass spirituality and connections to family, community and country, and the sharing of Indigenous women's knowledge, skills and networks have been identified as important components in addressing the health disadvantages experienced by many Indigenous women.