Profiling health and socioeconomic disadvantage in the northern Adelaide Local Health Network population.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe and compare aspects of the socioeconomic and health status of the population within regions of an Australian capital city. DesignThis comparative study harnessed publicly available, deidentified, population level data from the 2021 census spanning measures of relative disadvantage, population demographics, health status and risk factors known to contribute to health outcomes. We describe data for greater Australian capital cities and compare aggregate public health area data that reflect local health network boundaries within greater Adelaide. ResultsNorthern Adelaide is a region of greater relative disadvantage, demonstrated by the low Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage score (945) compared to the national average (1000) and scores for the central and southern Adelaide regions. Social determinants that contribute to this relative disadvantage include the proportion of people with no or limited education (26%) and those living on constrained income sources (e.g. unemployment benefits / aged pension, 10% and 72%, respectively). The northern Adelaide region has higher burdens of long-term health conditions including but not limited to diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and lung diseases. We demonstrate that the comparatively high prevalence of obesity (37%) for people in the north of Adelaide were correlated with low numbers of people with adequate fruit intake (48%) and the higher proportion of people who currently smoke (16%) and who undertake low or no levels of exercise (73%). ConclusionsSocial disadvantage in the northern Adelaide region compared to the less disadvantaged central and southern regions of Adelaide is associated with poorer health outcomes and correlated with higher levels of health risk behaviours. Understanding the challenges within this local community setting may provide opportunities for local health networks to lead interventions to mitigate social risks and thereby improve health outcomes in this population. Short Key Question SummaryO_ST_ABSWhat is known about the topic?C_ST_ABSSocial disadvantage is correlated with poor health outcomes What does this paper add?Profiles the types and prevalence of social determinants of health and the health status of a community region within an Australian capital city. What are the implications for practitioners?This profile of adverse social determinants of health relevant to the local community setting provides a context for the health system to respond, advocate for and intervene effectively to improve the well-being needs of this disadvantaged community.