Men in rural regions of Australia may face distinct health issues because of their location, work and lifestyle. This report provides a snapshot of some of these issues and compares the illness and mortality of men in rural and urban areas.

This report builds on the previous AIHW report Chronic disease and participation in work by showing the association between risk factors and participation in work. In 2004-05, nearly all (96%) working-age people in Australia reported one health risk factor, and three-quarters reported more than one. People who reported three or more risk factors were significantly...

People living in Australia’s regional areas access cardiovascular disease (CVD) medicines at higher rates than people in major cities or remote areas The report looks at the supply of medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS/RPBS) to different Australian regions. The report also shows a different pattern in the case...

Hip fractures are serious and may lead to disability, reduced quality of life, loss of independence and even premature death. Every day in 2006-07, more than 40 Australians - most of them aged 65 or over - broke their hip. But the incidence rate is on the decline, having fallen by 14% in males and...

This report provides information on what medicines Australians are using to manage their musculoskeletal problems, how much these medicines cost them and trends in the prescription of newer medicines. Medicines are central to managing arthritis and osteoporosis, to improve musculoskeletal functions, slow disease progression and reduce pain and inflammation. Pharmaceutical innovations over the last several...