Introduction
In order to try to maximise the health of people living in the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) it is necessary to know the current health status of the community. This epidemiological profile has been compiled using available data sources to identify levels of morbidity (ill health) and mortality (death), and to characterise demographic and lifestyle (disease risk factor) aspects of the North Coast Area population.
Methodological Considerations
Because the data sources are primarily used for non-epidemiological purposes they are subject to a number of limitations. The data should only be used as indicators of health status. Priority health issues identified in this report may require further specific and focussed research to both validate findings and provide a more detailed picture of underlying causes and associations.
Population Estimates
One specific problem of all data sources is recorded place of residence for each person. When individuals are included in hospital statistics, or cancer and death registries, they may state or be assigned a current but temporary place of residence. This can have a considerable effect on disease rates, especially when populations are small. Many reasons for temporary residence occur. Some people follow seasonal work. Unemployed individuals may move in search of employment or to take advantage of seasonal climatic conditions. People living in country areas may have postal addresses in a nearby town in another Local Government Area (LGA). People who are sick may move closer to specialised treatment facilities or may stay with relatives who can provide care. They may become sick or die whilst away home. Older people may move from longstanding residences to nursing homes for their remaining years.
Disease rates in border regions of NSW are also influenced by residents who seek treatment or may die in another State. Attempts have been made throughout this profile to include all available data for North Coast Area residents from other State agencies.
Comparative Statistics
Comparisons have been drawn between North Coast Area, other health areas and/or NSW to identify diseases that are significantly more or less common in the Area. When comparing rates, the different age distribution of the North Coast Area and NSW populations have been adjusted for via direct standardisation of rates, in order for them to be truly comparable. Direct standardisation allows comparison between the North Coast Area and other health areas, and also between LGA populations, or sub-groups of diseases within the area and NSW.