A new report has been released that shines a light on the diseases and risk factors that are of greatest burden to our health system.
The Western Australian Burden of Disease Study 2015 is set to play a key role in efforts to build resilience and lift the health and wellbeing of the Western Australian community.
Burden of disease is regarded as one of the most reliable means of assessing a population’s health.
The report provides planners and policymakers with important insights into the impact of diseases and risk factors on a community, enables optimal health service planning for the population’s healthcare needs and helps to identify opportunities for preventative action.
Produced by the Department of Health, the report draws strongly on quality local data sources including the Hospital Morbidity Data Collection, Cancer Registry, Mental Health Information system, WA Health and Wellbeing Survey and Busselton Health Study.
Findings of the new report include that:
- cancer was the disease group that contributed most to WA’s disease burden, accounting for 17 per cent of the load. It was followed by mental health and substance-use disorders that accounted for 13 per cent;
- across all age groups, males accounted for a higher burden of disease than females; and
- coronary heart disease was the individual disease causing the heaviest burden for the WA population. It was followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; back pain and problems; suicide and inflicted injuries; and depressive orders.
In addition to the main document, reports are also being produced that focus on the burden of disease on WA’s Aboriginal and regional populations.
The report is available at
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“COVID-19 has given many of us a new-found appreciation of the real importance of preventative health.
“It has also reinforced the clear findings of our own of the need to act early to avoid harms which, left unchecked, can be difficult to rein in.
“The Western Australian Burden of Disease report shines a light on the diseases and risk factors presenting the greatest challenges to our collective health and wellbeing.
“Having such knowledge also gives us a clear picture of where we must focus our efforts and resources to improve the resilience and overall health and wellbeing of our community.”
