4364.0.55.002 - Australian Health Survey: Health Service Usage and Health Related Actions, 2011-12

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/03/2013 First Issue

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Contents >> Health actions taken for specific long-term health conditions >> Kidney disease

KIDNEY DISEASE

Kidney disease is a chronic disease in which a person's kidney function is reduced or damaged. This affects the kidney's ability to filter blood and therefore control the body's water and other hormone levels, leading to increased fluid and waste within the body. The increase in these fluids can cause high blood pressure, anemia, and uremia. People with kidney disease are also likely to have other chronic disease such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease¹.

In 2011-12, 0.8% of the Australian population (181,900 people) reported having kidney disease. Of these, 57.7% had consulted a GP in the last 12 months for their condition. Around half (52.8%) had consulted a specialist in the last 12 months, the second highest of all other long-term health conditions (see Health actions taken for specific long-term health conditions). Less than 1 in 10 (7.1%) people with kidney disease had consulted an other health professional in the last 12 months.

Around 1 in 5 people with kidney disease (19.3%) who were employed or studying/at school took time off work or study/school in the last 12 months due to their kidney disease.

Of all people with kidney disease, 7.9% had ever had dialysis.

Footnote(s): (a) In last 12 months.

Source(s): Australian Health Survey: Health Service Usage and Health Related Actions

For information on prevalence of kidney disease by age and sex see Australian Health Survey: First Results, 2011-12 (cat. no. 4364.0.55.001).

1. Department of Health and Ageing, June 2012, Chronic Disease, <http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pq-ckd-eskd>, Last accessed 22/03/2013.