Socioeconomic differentials in life expectancy and years of life lost in Victoria,1992?1996

Socioeconomic status and risk of car crash injury, independent of place of residence and driving exposure: results from the DRIVE Study

“…As previous studies also show that rural young drivers are overinvolved in fatal or severe crashes,14 15 and SES and rural residence are strongly correlated,16 17 place of residence (eg, urban, inner regional or rural) is likely to be an important determinant of crash-related injury. However, previous studies focusing on the effect of SES among young drivers' crash risk have failed to either measure or adjust for place of residence or other important risk factors including driving exposure, which may overestimate the risk.…”

Addressing the health disadvantage of rural populations: How does epidemiological evidence inform rural health policies and research?

“…87,104,112,111,113 Thus, highest incidences of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, elevated blood lead levels, lower birthweight, and stomach, lung, cervical, ovarian and bladder cancers all occur in disadvantaged areas and populations, 22 as do higher levels of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, road traffic accidents and homicide. 46,[114][115][116][117] By contrast, however, rates of colorectal cancer, female breast cancer and leukaemia are higher in affluent areas. 117 Evidence that rurality contributes to health indicators in ways over and above socioeconomic factors is not consistent.…”

“…46,[114][115][116][117] By contrast, however, rates of colorectal cancer, female breast cancer and leukaemia are higher in affluent areas. 117 Evidence that rurality contributes to health indicators in ways over and above socioeconomic factors is not consistent. 17 Several studies have found little or no rural-urban variation in health status for particular diseases and conditions after controlling for variables relating to socioeconomic status.…”

Do health and medical workforce shortages explain the lower rate of rural consumers' complaints to Victoria's Health Services Commissioner?

“…Arguably, Australia's rural residents suffer poorer quality health care because of the acknowledged undersupply of the health and medical workforce 1,2 . These workforce shortages contribute to lower utilisation rates for medical services by rural populations along with poorer health status and health outcomes than urban populations 3–6 . Governments have invested significantly in programs to improve workforce supply and hence the quality of rural health care services as part of their commitment to ensure equity of service provision 7 …”