Mental Health and Well-being
CONTACT
Assistant Director
Health Surveys
Health Section
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Telephone (02) 6252 6403
Facsimile (02) 6252 8007
DESCRIPTION
This survey provides information about the number of Australians with selected major mental disorders, disability associated with these disorders, and the use made of health and human services. The survey was conducted by the ABS and funded by the then Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services (now the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care).
Mental health and well-being data are particularly relevant to families, as often the burden of care falls to family members.
SCOPE
All persons aged 18 years and over in private dwellings except members of the permanent Australian defence forces, certain diplomatic personnel of overseas governments, members of non-Australian defence forces (and their dependants) stationed in Australia and overseas residents visiting Australia. The survey is conducted in both urban and rural areas in all States and Territories, but excludes persons living in some remote and sparsely settled parts of Australia.
DISSEMINATION
Publications
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Profile of Adults, Australia (cat. no. 4326.0)
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Profile of Adults, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Data Report (cat. no. 4326.1-4.40.001)
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Profile of Adults, Western Australia (cat. no. 4326.5)
National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults: Users' Guide, (cat. no. 4327.0)
Information Paper: Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults, Australia, Confidentialised Unit Record File (cat. no. 4329.0).
Data service
Customised unpublished data are available in a variety of formats.
Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults, Australia: Confidentilised Unit Record File on CD-ROM (cat. no. 4329.0.30.001)
Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults, Western Australia: Confidentilised Unit Record File on CD-ROM (cat. no. 4329.5.30.001).
Data Details
Data are available at person level only.
Demographic and Family Information
Age
Sex
Relationship in household
Social marital status
Number of times married/defacto
Birthplace
Year of arrival in Australia
Main language spoken at home
Indigenous status
Health
Specific disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Affective disorders
- Substance use disorders
Disability
Health services utilisation
Perceived health needs
General health status
Other selected topics
Employment
Income
Education
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
Australia only.
FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION
Irregular. Conducted in 1997.
METHOD OF COLLECTION
Special Social Survey. The survey was conducted between May and August 1997. ABS interviewers conducted personal interviews with approximately 10,600 persons. Due to the possibility of lengthy interview times and the sensitive nature of the questions, only one person per household was selected to take part in the survey. Disorders were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI) developed by the World Health Organisation Training and Reference Centre for CIDI.
HISTORICAL DATA
None.