Chronic diseases

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) peoples are affected by chronic diseases at higher rates, and at younger ages [51055], than other people in Australia. The burden of chronic disease is also higher for people living in regional and remote areas when compared to urban centres [42443].

Chronic conditions that disproportionately affect First Nations peoples include heart and circulatory diseases (such as ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and rheumatic heart disease), diabetes, respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma), kidney diseases and some cancers [51056]. These chronic conditions lead to higher rates of hospitalisations and contributes to the gap in life expectancy between First Nations peoples and other Australians. This disparity is an effect of socioeconomic factors and historical trauma, compounded by issues in being able to access culturally safe and appropriate healthcare [50938].

Reducing the disparity of chronic disease rates between First Nations peoples and other Queenslanders is a priority for the Queensland Government. For example, concerted efforts over the last decade have seen reductions in the burden of cardiovascular disease for First Nations peoples [51057].

The Queensland Cancer Strategy 2024, co-developed by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council and Queensland Health, acknowledges the disparity in health outcomes for First Nations peoples and other Queenslanders, particularly those living in remote areas, and provides a framework that integrates health, cultural and social determinants with the aim of addressing the gap in cancer care outcomes for First Nations peoples [49641].