The terrible impact of chronic disease in Australia Study
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW):
- In 2014-15, more than 11 million Australians—50% of our population—reported having at least one of the following chronic diseases: arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions.
- In the same 12-month period, 30% of problems managed by Australian GPs were associated with these same chronic conditions.
- In 2013-14, they were responsible for 39% of potentially preventable hospitalisations.
- In 2012, the estimated cost of treating liver disease was $423 million, with total cost estimated at $5.4 billion annually.