Population Health and its Determinants

Description

The Public Health Branch, Rural and Regional Health and Aged Care Services, Department of Human Services, has published the findings from the Victorian Population Health Survey – a population-based survey on the health of Victorians and the determinants of their health. The information tells us about the health and lifestyle choices of Victorians, including levels of physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, intake of fruit and vegetables, selected health screening behaviours, extent of chronic conditions (such as obesity, asthma and diabetes), levels of psychological distress, and extent of social networks.

Quality and Applicability

Established in 1998, the Victorian Population Health Survey provides high quality indicators of population health that are intended to influence policy development and program planning across government and the wider community. The survey method involves computer-assisted telephone interviews of a representative sample of adults aged 18 years and over (n = 7,500). The content of the survey is based on a review of the determinants of major chronic diseases experienced by Victorians (now and into the future). Interviews are conducted in major languages other than English to ensure Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are included.

Findings from the Victorian Population Health Survey are best to use if you want to know about the health (i.e. extent of chronic conditions) and lifestyle choices (i.e. the determinants of chronic conditions) of a given area.

Coverage

Findings from the Victorian Population Health Survey are released as fact sheets that present information on health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, health checks and alcohol consumption at the regional level.

Reference Date

The most current Victorian Population Health Survey was undertaken between August and December 2006. The survey is conducted annually.

Release Date

Findings from the 2006 Victorian Population Health Survey were published in 2007. Regional fact sheets are updated triennially with the current round of updates scheduled for 2007-2008.

Access

Access the Victorian Population Health Survey through the Victorian Government Health Information portal. Click on 'Victorian Population Health Survey' to find current (and past) reports and regional fact sheets.

Cost and Format

Reports and regional fact sheets from the Victorian Population Health Survey are downloadable free of charge in PDF format.

More Information

Contact the Health Surveillance and Evaluation Section, Rural and Regional Health and Aged Care Services Division, Department of Human Services, telephone (03) 9096 0396 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Additional Data Source(s)

None.