National Health Survey: State and territory findings

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Long-term health conditions. Long-term health conditions are conditions which were current at the time of the survey interview and had lasted, or were expected to last, for 6 months or more.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Chronic conditions. Selected chronic conditions are a subset of long-term health conditions that are common and pose significant health problems.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Hypertension and high measured blood pressure. For those people whose measurements were not taken (detailed below), these measurements were imputed. For more information see Methodology.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Alcohol Consumption. Alternatively, for more information about the Australian Adult Alcohol Guideline 2020, see Methodology.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Dietary behaviour. Alternatively, for more information about the NHMRC 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines, see Methodology.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Physical Activity. Alternatively, for more information about the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines (2014) and the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5 to 17 years) (2019), see Methodology. Unless noted as an exclusion, workplace activity is included in the calculation of physical activity.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Smoking and vaping. Alternatively, for more information about smoker status definitions, see Methodology.

For definitions and information on the concepts contained on this page, see Waist circumference and BMI. For those people whose measurements were not taken (detailed below), these measurements were imputed. For more information see Methodology.

In 2022, 46.5% (3.7 million) of people in NSW had at least one chronic condition, an increase from 42.3% in 2011–12. This increase has been driven by the decrease in those with no chronic condition and an increase in those with two chronic conditions.

Females were more likely than males to have at least one chronic condition (48.7% compared to 44.2%). The most prevalent chronic conditions experienced in NSW in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 22.2%
• Arthritis – 14.7%
• Back problems – 13.9%
• Asthma – 8.9%
• Diabetes – 5.1%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 4.8%
• Osteoporosis – 3.8%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 2.2%
• Cancer – 1.9%
• Kidney disease – 0.8%.

People are more likely to have chronic conditions as they age. Older adults living in NSW aged 65 years and over were more likely than any other age group to have at least one chronic condition (75.4%).

One in seven (14.7% or 1.2 million) people in NSW had arthritis in 2022, this has remained steady from 15.5% in 2011–12. As with many other chronic conditions, arthritis prevalence increased with age. Older adults aged 65 years and over were more likely than any other age group to have arthritis (41.7%). Females were more likely to have arthritis than males (17.2% compared to 12.2%).

In 2022, people in NSW:

• Living with disability were more likely to have arthritis than those with no disability (32.5% compared to 7.4%)
• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to have arthritis than those in Outer Regional/Remote areas (23.8% compared to 14.3%) or Major Cities (23.8% compared to 12.6%).

Adults aged 18 years and over in NSW who:

• Were overweight/obese were more likely to have arthritis than those who were underweight/normal weight range (23.7% compared to 10.9%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have arthritis than those who were at lowered risk (24.0% compared to 9.5%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have arthritis than those with moderate (33.0% compared to 18.5%) or low levels of distress (33.0% compared to 17.3%).

In 2022, less than one in ten (8.9% or 713,800) people living in NSW had asthma. Over the last two decades the prevalence of asthma has decreased slightly, from 11.1% in 2001 to 8.9% in 2022. Asthma prevalence was similar between males and females (7.9% and 9.6%).

People in NSW living with disability were more likely to have asthma than those with no disability (13.5% compared to 7.0%).

Adults in NSW who:

• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have asthma than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (19.8% compared to 8.7%)
• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have asthma than those who had never smoked (11.2% compared to 7.8%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have asthma than those with moderate (17.5% compared to 10.5%) or low levels of distress (17.5% compared to 7.0%).

Prevalence of cancer in NSW has remained steady over the last twenty years, from 1.4% in 2001 to 1.9% in 2022. Cancer was similar between males and females (2.2% compared to 1.5%). Prevalence of cancer increased with age from 2.5% for people aged 45–64 years to 9.9% for those aged 75 years and over.

In 2022, 2.2% (176,900) of people had COPD. Prevalence of COPD has decreased slightly over the last twenty years, from 3.9% in 2001 to 2.2% in 2022. Males were just as likely as females to have COPD (2.3% and 2.3%).

Adults in NSW who:

• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have COPD than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (7.4% compared to 2.1%)
• Were current daily smokers were more likely to have COPD than those who had never smoked (8.0% compared to 1.2%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have COPD than those with moderate (8.1% compared to 2.5%) or low levels of distress (8.1% compared to 2.0%).

One in twenty (5.1% or 410,200) people in NSW had diabetes in 2022. Prevalence of diabetes has increased over the last twenty years, from 3.3% in 2001 to 5.1% in 2022. Diabetes prevalence was similar for males and females (5.6% and 4.7%). Prevalence increased with age, from 2.0% for people aged 25–44 years to 20.6% for those aged 75 years and older.

In 2022, people in NSW:

• Living with disability were more likely to have diabetes than those with no disability (10.9% compared to 2.7%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have diabetes than those in areas of least disadvantage (8.7% compared to 3.7%).

Adults in NSW who:

• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have diabetes than those at lowered risk (8.4% compared to 2.8%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have diabetes than those with moderate (12.6% compared to 5.9%) or low levels of distress (12.6% compared to 5.6%).

Nearly one in twenty (4.8% or 389,600) people in NSW had heart, stroke and vascular disease in 2022. Prevalence of heart, stroke and vascular disease has increased slightly over the last twenty years, from 3.9% in 2001 to 4.8% in 2022. Males were just as likely as females to have heart, stroke and vascular disease (5.4% and 4.3%). Prevalence increased with age, from 0.6% for people aged 25–44 years to 26.8% for those aged 75 years and older.

In 2022, people in NSW:

• Living with disability were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with no disability (13.2% compared to 1.4%) 
• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those in Major Cities (7.8% compared to 4.0%).

People aged 15 years and over in NSW who rated their health as either fair/poor were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than people who rated their health as good (19.7% compared to 6.7%) or excellent/very good (19.7% compared to 1.5%).

Adults in NSW who:

• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who had never smoked (10.0% compared to 4.2%)
• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (19.9% compared to 4.4%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (7.9% compared to 3.1%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with low levels of distress (10.8% compared to 4.9%).

In 2022, 8.0% (641,100) of people reported high cholesterol in NSW, this has remained steady since 2011–12 (6.7%). Males and females had similar prevalence of high cholesterol (8.8% and 7.1%).

As with many health conditions, prevalence of high cholesterol increased with age, with a steady increase from 45 years onwards. High cholesterol prevalence increased from 2.4% for people aged 25–44 years, to 12.3% for those aged 45–54 years, and then more than doubled to 28.6% for people aged 75 years and over.

More than one in ten (11.0% or 888,400) people in NSW had self-reported hypertension in 2022, this has remained steady since 2011–12 (10.8%). Prevalence of hypertension was similar for males and females (11.6% and 10.3%). Hypertension prevalence increased with age, from 2.3% for people aged 25–44 years to 46.0% for those aged 75 years and older.

People in NSW living with disability were more likely to have hypertension than those with no disability (22.0% compared to 6.7%).

Adults in NSW who:

• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have hypertension than those who had never smoked (20.8% compared to 11.7%) or were current daily smokers (20.8% compared to 10.7%)
• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have hypertension than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (24.8% compared to 12.2%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have hypertension than those at lowered risk (17.5% compared to 7.9%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have hypertension than those with low (18.5% compared to 14.6%) or moderate levels of distress (18.5% compared to 10.9%).

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

One in four (23.8% or 1.5 million) adults in NSW had high measured blood pressure in 2022, a slight increase since 2011–12 (21.4%). Prevalence of high measured blood pressure was similar for males and females (25.3% and 22.5%). High measured blood pressure prevalence increased with age, from 12.9% for people aged 25–44 years old to 45.6% for those aged 75 years and older.

In 2022, people in NSW:

• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to have high measured blood pressure than those in Major Cities (30.6% compared to 22.0%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have high measured blood pressure than those with no disability (30.4% compared to 20.2%).

The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. Of those adults with high measured blood pressure, 75.0% did not report having hypertension.

In NSW, 0.8% (63,000) of people reported having kidney disease. Over the last decade, prevalence has remained the same at 0.8% in 2011–12 and 2022. Kidney disease prevalence was similar for males and females (0.6% and 0.9%). Prevalence of kidney disease increased with age, from 0.9% for people aged 45–64 years to 4.1% for those aged 75 years and older.

One in four (25.2% or 1.6 million) adults in NSW exceeded the guideline in 2022. Males were more likely to exceed the guideline than females (34.4% compared to 16.4%). People aged 18–24 years were more likely to exceed the guideline than those aged 75 years and over (34.5% compared to 17.4%).

Adults in NSW:

• Living in areas of least disadvantage were more likely to exceed the guideline than those in areas of most disadvantage (25.3% compared to 16.8%)
• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to exceed the guideline than those in Major Cities (29.5% compared to 23.8%).

Just under one in five (17.3%) adults in NSW consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week. Males were more likely to consume more than 10 drinks in the last week than females (23.8% compared to 11.2%). 

One in five (19.2%) adults consumed 5 or more drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly. Males were more likely to consume 5 or more drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly than females (27.8% compared to 11.1%).

In 2022, less adults in NSW met the fruit and vegetable recommendations than in 2017–18:

• 45.5% adults met the fruit recommendation, a decrease from 52.4%
• 6.7% met the vegetable recommendation, a decrease from 7.0%
• 4.5% met both the fruit and vegetable recommendations, a decrease from 5.2%.

Adults in NSW ate, on average, 1.6 serves of fruit and 2.3 serves of vegetables per day.

One in four (24.3% or 1.6 million) people aged 15 years and over in NSW met the physical activity guidelines in 2022, this has increased from 17.2% in 2017–18. Males were more likely than females to meet the physical activity guidelines (28.7% compared to 20.4%).

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were asked to describe their usual workday. Almost half (48.1%) described their day as mostly sitting, with standing (18.6%) and walking (18.4%) the next most common activities:

• Females were more likely than males to describe their workday as mostly sitting (51.8% compared to 44.9%).
• Males were more likely than females to describe their workday as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (20.2% compared to 7.6%).

One in ten (10.0% or 627,400) adults in NSW were current daily smokers in 2022, this prevalence has steadily declined over the last twenty years from 22.2% in 2001. Six in ten (59.2%) adults had never smoked, and three in ten (29.5%) were ex-smokers. The proportion of people who have never smoked in NSW has increased from 50.5% in 2001 to 59.2% in 2022.

Males were just as likely as females to be current daily smokers (11.1% compared to 9.3%).

Adults in NSW who were:

• Living with disability were more likely to be current daily smokers than those with no disability (13.4% compared to 7.9%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to be current daily smokers than those living in areas of least disadvantage (16.5% compared to 5.1%).

One in seven (14.2%) adults in NSW had used an e-cigarette and vaping device at least once in their life and 4.8% reported currently using a device:

• Males were more likely than females to have used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once (17.4% compared to 11.8%)
• Males were more likely to report current use of e-cigarette and vaping devices than females (6.2% compared to 3.1%).

Nine in ten (91.0%) young people aged 15–17 years had never smoked, and eight in ten (80.1%) had never used an e-cigarette and vaping device.

In 2022, the average waist measurement for adults in NSW was 94.5cm (98.9cm for males and 90.1cm for females). Two in three (65.5% or 4.1 million) adults in NSW had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease, an increase from 61.5% in 2011–12. Females were more likely than males to have a waist circumference that put them at increased risk (70.4% compared to 60.7%).

Adults in NSW who:

• Were living with disability were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those with no disability (75.3% compared to 60.3%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those living in areas of least disadvantage (69.6% compared to 60.3%)
• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those in Major Cities (73.9% compared to 63.3%).

Almost two thirds (63.1% or 3.9 million) of adults in NSW were overweight/obese in 2022. Over the last decade, the proportion of adults who were overweight/obese has remained steady from 61.3% in 2011–12. Of adults in NSW:

• 36.2% were underweight/normal weight range
• 32.9% were overweight
• 30.4% were obese.

The proportion of people who were overweight/obese increased with age, from 37.7% for people aged 18–24 years to 66.2% for those aged 75 years and older. Males were more likely to be overweight/obese than females (68.3% compared to 58.4%).

Adults in NSW who were:

• Living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (71.1% compared to 58.7%).
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to be overweight/obese than those living in areas of least disadvantage (63.7% compared to 56.6%)
• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to be overweight/obese than those in Major Cities (70.4% compared to 61.1%).

Almost half (48.9% or 3.2 million) of people in Victoria had at least one chronic condition in 2022. Females were more likely to have at least one chronic condition than males (51.8% compared to 46.5%). The proportion of people with no chronic conditions has decreased over the last decade, from 58.6% in 2011–12 to 51.0% in 2022.

The most prevalent chronic conditions experienced in Victoria in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 25.6%
• Back problems – 14.7%
• Arthritis – 13.6%
• Asthma – 12.9%
• Diabetes – 5.0%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 4.8%
• Osteoporosis – 2.7%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 2.1%
• Cancer – 1.4%
• Kidney disease – 1.0%.

The NHS 2022 showed that as people age, they are more likely to have at least one chronic condition. In Victoria, eight in ten (80.6%) older adults aged 65 years and over had at least one chronic condition, more than any other age group.

One in seven (13.6% or 887,100) people in Victoria had arthritis in 2022, and this has remained steady since 2001 (13.0%). Females were more likely than males to have arthritis (15.9% compared to 11.4%).

As with many other chronic conditions, arthritis prevalence increases with age. The proportion of people with arthritis was more than four times higher for people aged 45–64 years than for those aged 25–44 years (19.5% compared to 4.6%). Prevalence more than doubled between 45–64 years and for those aged 65 years and over (19.5% compared to 46.2%).

In 2022, people in Victoria who experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have arthritis than either those with moderate (59.9% compared to 30.8%) or very mild/mild bodily pain (59.9% compared to 14.6%).

Almost one in eight (12.9% or 845,300) people in Victoria had asthma in 2022. Asthma prevalence has remained steady over the last twenty years, from 12.1% in 2001 to 12.9% in 2022. Overall, females were more likely than males to have asthma (15.1% compared to 10.9%).

In 2022, people in Victoria:

• Born in Australia were more likely than those born overseas to have asthma (14.9% compared to 8.5%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have asthma than those living in areas of least disadvantage (18.8% compared to 13.0%).

In 2022, 1.4% (93,900) of people in Victoria had cancer. This is a slight drop from 2017–18 (2.1%), although cancer prevalence has overall remained stable since 2001 (1.3%). Males were just as likely as females to have cancer (1.2% and 1.4%).

COPD prevalence in Victoria has remained steady over the last decade, from 1.8% in 2011–12 to 2.1% (137,700 people) in 2022. Prevalence was similar between males and females (1.9% and 2.5%). Like many other chronic conditions, COPD increased with age, from 1.1% of people aged 0–24 years to 8.7% of those aged 75 years and over.

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have COPD than those who rated their health as good (10.3% compared to 2.4%), or excellent/very good (10.3% compared to 1.2%).

One in eight (12.1%) adults who experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview had COPD. Additionally, adults who were current daily smokers were more likely to have COPD than those who had never smoked (6.5% compared to 1.7%).

One in twenty (5.0% or 330,500) people in Victoria had diabetes in 2022, a slight increase from 3.5% in 2001. Diabetes prevalence was similar for males and females (5.2% and 5.4%). As with cancer and COPD above, prevalence of diabetes increased with age. One in seven (14.0%) older adults aged 65 years and over had diabetes, which was more than any other age group. Additionally, people who were living with disability were more likely to have diabetes than those with no disability (12.0% compared to 2.4%).

In 2022, adults in Victoria with a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have diabetes than those at lowered risk (8.4% compared to 1.6%).

Almost one in twenty (4.8% or 313,800) people in Victoria had heart, stroke and vascular disease in 2022, and this has remained steady since 2001 (4.1%). Males were more likely than females to have heart, stroke and vascular disease (6.2% compared to 3.6%). Prevalence increased with age, from 0.9% of people aged 25–44 years to 25.3% of those aged 75 years and over.

In 2022, people in Victoria:

• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those in areas of least disadvantage (7.7% compared to 2.2%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with no disability (12.9% compared to 1.8%).

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who rated their health as excellent/very good (17.9% compared to 2.3%).

Adults with a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (8.2% compared to 2.4%).

In 2022, 8.8% (577,100) of people in Victoria reported high cholesterol. High cholesterol prevalence has remained steady since 2011–12 (7.6%). Males and females were just as likely to have high cholesterol (8.5% compared to 9.3%).

As with many health conditions, prevalence of high cholesterol increased with age with a sharp rise from 45 years onwards. Prevalence of high cholesterol increased from 2.6% for people aged 25–44 years to 14.6% for those aged 45–64 years. It then doubled to 29.1% for people aged 65 years and over.

One in eight (12.0% or 785,500) people in Victoria had self-reported hypertension in 2022, a slight increase since 2011–12 (9.9%). Males and females were just as likely to have hypertension (11.4% and 12.3%). Hypertension prevalence increased with age, with people aged 45–64 years more likely to have hypertension than those aged 25–44 years (18.6% compared to 3.5%). Prevalence continued to increase with age, doubling to 42.1% of older adults aged 65 years and over.

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

In 2022, almost one in four (23.9% or 1.2 million) adults in Victoria had high measured blood pressure, with similar prevalence between males and females (25.2% compared to 22.7%). The proportion of adults with high measured blood pressure has remained stable from 2011–12 to 2022 (22.6% compared to 23.9%). Prevalence increased with age, more than doubling from 13.8% of people aged 25–44 years to 31.8% of those aged 45–64 years. It then continued to increase to 40.8% of older adults aged 65 years and over.

The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. In 2022, more than three quarters (76.3%) of adults in Victoria with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension. Almost nine in ten (88.2%) people aged 18–44 years with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension, compared to 64.5% of older adults aged 65 years and over.

Kidney disease prevalence in Victoria has remained steady over the last decade, from 0.6% of people in 2011–12 to 1.0% (68,300 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have kidney disease (0.6% and 1.5%). One in thirty (3.2%) older adults aged 65 years and over had kidney disease.

One in four (24.3% or 1.2 million) adults in Victoria exceeded the guideline in 2022. This includes those who either consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week and/or consumed 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the last 12 months (on at least 12 occasions per year). Males were more likely to exceed the guideline than females (31.6% compared to 17.7%).

Almost one in six (16.5%) adults consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week. Consumption peaked in later years, with people aged 55–64 years more likely than those aged 18–24 years to consume more than 10 drinks in the last week (24.6% compared to 11.6%).

Less than one in five (17.9%) adults in Victoria consumed 5 or more standard drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly. One in three (33.2%) young adults aged 18–24 years consumed 5 or more standard drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly, more than any other age group.

In 2022, adults in Victoria:

• Born in Australia were more likely to exceed the guideline than those born overseas (30.4% compared to 14.2%)
• Who spoke English as the main language at home were more likely to exceed the guideline than those who spoke any other language (28.9% compared to 6.7%)
• Living in areas of least disadvantage were more likely to exceed the guideline than those in areas of most disadvantage (35.0% compared to 16.2%).

In 2022, most (95.9% or 4.9 million) adults in Victoria did not meet the fruit and vegetable recommendations. This has remained steady since 2011–12 (95.8%). In 2022:

• Just over half (55.3%) did not meet the fruit recommendation, an increase from 2017–18 (48.5%)
• Over nine in ten (93.6%) did not meet the vegetable recommendations, a similar proportion to 2017­–18 (92.1%)
• Females were more likely to meet both the fruit and vegetable recommendations than males (5.1% compared to 2.6%).

The proportion of adults who met the fruit guidelines increased with age, with older adults aged 65 years and over more likely than those aged 25–44 years to meet the guidelines (50.4% compared to 40.5%).

One in four (24.5% or 1.3 million) people aged 15 years and over in Victoria met the physical activity guidelines in 2022. This has increased from 16.8% in 2017–18. Males and females were just as likely to meet the guideline (26.3% compared to 22.8%). When measured against the appropriate guidelines for their age:

• 6.3% of young people aged 15–17 years met the physical activity guidelines
• 22.4% of people aged 18–64 years met the physical activity guidelines
• 35.5% of people aged 65 years and over met the physical activity guidelines.

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were also asked to explain their usual workday. In Victoria, almost half (48.5%) of adults aged 18–64 years described their day at work as mostly sitting. Walking (20.6%) and standing (20.6%) were the next most common activities. Males were more likely than females to describe their day at work as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (14.3% compared to 5.6%).

Almost one in ten (9.3% or 475,600) adults in Victoria were current daily smokers in 2022. This has steadily declined over the last ten years from 16.3% in 2011–12 and is primarily driven by those aged under 55 years. For those aged 55 years and over, the proportion of current daily smokers has remained steady.

Males were more likely than females to be current daily smokers (11.9% compared to 6.7%). One in twenty-five (4.0%) young adults aged 18–24 years were current daily smokers – this proportion gradually increased with age to peak at 14.9% among those aged 55–64 years.

Nearly three in five (59.8%) adults had never smoked, an increase over the last decade from 51.6% in 2011–12.

In 2022, adults in Victoria living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to be current daily smokers than those in areas of least disadvantage (16.9% compared to 3.0%).

One in seven (14.5%) adults had used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once in their life, while 3.8% reported currently using a device:

• Males were more likely than females to have used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once (17.7% compared to 11.3%)
• Males were more likely to report current use of e-cigarette and vaping devices than females (5.2% compared to 2.5%).

Almost three in ten (29.6%) young people aged 15–24 years had used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once, and 7.2% reported current use. The proportion of people who used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once consistently declined with age, from 19.9% of people aged 25–44 years, to 8.1% of people aged 45–64 years, and then 1.7% of those aged 65 years and over.

The average waist measurement for adults in Victoria was 94.6cm (98.4cm for males and 90.9cm for females). Over two in three (67.0% or 3.4 million) adults in Victoria had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease in 2022. This has increased from 58.7% in 2011–12. Females were more likely than males to have a measured waist circumference at increased risk (71.5% compared to 62.8%).

The proportion of people with a measured waist circumference of increased risk increased with age. Eight in ten (80.3%) adults aged 45 years and over had a measured waist circumference of increased risk, compared to 53.2% of those aged 18–44 years.

Adults in Victoria who:

• Were born in Australia were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those born overseas (70.7% compared to 60.8%)
• Were living with disability were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those with no disability (76.9% compared to 62.2%).

Almost two in three (65.3%) adults in Victoria were overweight/obese in 2022, which has increased since 2011–12 (61.0%). This change was primarily driven by the increase in the proportion of adults categorised as obese, which increased from 25.6% to 30.5% over the same period. Males were more likely to be overweight/obese than females (72.1% compared to 58.8%).

As with waist circumference, the proportion of adults who were overweight/obese increased with age. People in Victoria aged 45 years and over were more likely than those aged 18–44 years to be overweight/obese (73.4% compared to 56.3%).

Adults in Victoria who:

• Were born in Australia were more likely to be overweight/obese than born overseas (69.5% compared to 58.6%)
• Were living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (72.6% compared to 60.9%).

Over half (53.6% or 2.8 million) of people in Queensland had at least one chronic condition in 2022, this has increased from 42.2% in 2011–12.

Prevalence of at least one chronic condition increased with age, from 26.9% of those aged 0–14 years to 80.3% of those aged 65 years and over. Males and females were just as likely to have at least one chronic condition (52.3% and 55.3%).

The proportion of those with no chronic condition in Queensland has decreased over the last decade, from 57.8% in 2011–12 to 46.2% in 2022. This has coincided with an increase in the proportion of those with one chronic condition (from 25.5% to 30.2%), two conditions (from 10.6% to 12.7%), and three or more conditions (from 6.1% to 10.7%) over the same time period.

The most prevalent chronic conditions in Queensland in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 30.8%
• Back problems – 17.2%
• Arthritis – 13.6%
• Asthma – 11.4%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 6.5%
• Diabetes – 5.1%
• Osteoporosis – 3.5%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 3.3%
• Cancer – 1.9%
• Kidney disease – 1.1%.

One in seven (13.6% or 705,300) people in Queensland had arthritis. Over the last twenty years, arthritis prevalence has remained the same – from 13.6% in 2001 to 13.6% in 2022. Females were more likely than males to have arthritis (16.6% compared to 10.4%). As with other conditions, prevalence of arthritis increased with age, from 4.6% of people aged 25–44 years to 44.2% of those aged 65 years and over.

In 2022, people in Queensland:

• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have arthritis than those living in areas of least disadvantage (16.6% compared to 11.4%)
• Living in lone person households were more likely to have arthritis than any other household type (29.7%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have arthritis than those with no disability (27.2% compared to 5.9%).

In 2022, adults in Queensland:

• Who were ex-smokers were more likely to have arthritis than either those who were current daily smokers (24.8% compared to 14.8%) or those who had never smoked (24.8% compared to 14.3%)
• Who had experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have arthritis than those who had not (21.9% compared to 5.4%)
• With a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have arthritis than those at lowered risk (21.1% compared to 9.5%).

One in ten (11.4% or 591,700) people in Queensland had asthma in 2022, a prevalence that has remained steady over the last twenty years from 12.1% in 2001. Females were more likely than males to have asthma (13.1% compared to 9.8%).

In 2022, people in Queensland who were:

• Born in Australia were more likely to have asthma than those born overseas (12.7% compared to 7.5%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have asthma than those with no disability (16.8% compared to 8.6%).

Adults who had experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have asthma than those who had not (14.6% compared to 9.1%). Additionally, adults who had experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have asthma than those who had experienced low levels of distress (20.9% compared to 8.5%).

One in fifty (1.9% or 100,800) people in Queensland had cancer. Prevalence of cancer has remained steady over the past twenty years from 1.6% in 2001 to 1.9% in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have cancer (1.9% and 1.7%).

Prevalence of COPD in Queensland has similarly remained steady over the past twenty years, from 3.5% in 2001 to 3.3% (169,300 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have COPD (2.8% and 3.3%).

One in twenty (5.1% or 265,700) people in Queensland had diabetes. This proportion has increased slightly from 3.2% in 2001 to 5.1% in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have diabetes (6.4% and 4.1%). Prevalence of diabetes increased slightly with age, from 2.2% of people aged 25–44 years to 15.3% of those aged 65 years and over.

In 2022, people in Queensland:

• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have diabetes than those in areas of least disadvantage (8.5% compared to 3.7%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have diabetes than those with no disability (9.8% compared to 2.4%).

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have diabetes than either those who rated their health as good (19.0% compared to 7.5%) or excellent/very good (19.0% compared to 1.8%).

In 2022, adults in Queensland:

• With a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have diabetes than those at lowered risk (8.6% compared to 1.7%)
• With high measured blood pressure were more likely to have diabetes than those with normal/low blood pressure (10.9% compared to 5.2%).

Prevalence of heart, stroke and vascular disease in Queensland has increased over the last twenty years, from 4.5% in 2001 to 6.5% (337,100 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease (6.8% and 6.1%).

In 2022, people in Queensland:

• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those in areas of least disadvantage (9.9% compared to 2.8%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with no disability (14.8% compared to 1.7%).

In 2022, adults in Queensland:

• Who had experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who had not (9.4% compared to 4.0%)
• Who had experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who had experienced low levels (16.0% compared to 5.3%)
• Who had a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (10.1% compared to 4.0%)
• With high measured blood pressure were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with normal/low blood pressure (12.0% compared to 7.4%).

Over the last decade, prevalence of reported high cholesterol in Queensland has increased slightly from 6.1% in 2011–12 to 8.5% (440,400 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have high cholesterol (7.8% and 9.5%).

Prevalence of self-reported hypertension in Queensland has remained steady over the last twenty years, from 9.9% in 2001 to 11.1% (577,900 people) in 2022. Females were more likely than males to have self-reported hypertension in 2022 (12.8% compared to 9.5%). Prevalence of self-reported hypertension increased with age from 3.0% of people aged 25–44 years to 36.2% of those aged 65 years and over.

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

One in five (20.0%) adults in Queensland had high measured blood pressure. Prevalence has remained steady over the last decade, from 19.1% in 2011–12 to 20.0% in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have high measured blood pressure (20.5% and 19.2%). Prevalence of high measured blood pressure increased with age to over one in three (35.5%) older adults aged 65 years and over.

The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. Of those adults with high measured blood pressure, three in four (73.6%) did not self-report having hypertension in 2022.

Prevalence of kidney disease in Queensland has remained steady over the past decade, from 0.9% in 2011–12 to 1.1% (58,400 people) in 2022.

Three in ten (29.4% or 1.2 million) adults in Queensland exceeded the guideline in 2022. This includes those who either consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week and/or consumed 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the last 12 months (on at least 12 occasions per year):

• Males were more likely to exceed the guideline than females (38.0% compared to 21.2%)
• Almost four in ten (37.6%) young adults aged 18–24 years exceeded the guideline in 2022.

One in five (20.1%) adults consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week. Consumption peaked in later years, with one in four (26.3%) adults aged 55–64 years consuming more than 10 standard drinks in the last week.

Over one in five (22.9%) adults consumed five or more drinks on any day in the last 12 months at least monthly. Two in five (40.2%) young adults aged 18–24 years consumed 5 or more standard drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly, more than any other age group.

In 2022, adults in Queensland:

• Born in Australia were more likely to exceed the guideline than those born overseas (33.7% compared to 20.5%)
• Who spoke English as their main language at home were more likely to exceed the guideline than those who spoke another language (31.2% compared to 8.8%).

In 2022, less adults in Queensland met the fruit and vegetable recommendations than in 2017–18:

• Over four in ten (43.2%) met the fruit recommendation, a decrease from 51.4%
• Almost one in twenty (4.7%) met the vegetable recommendation, a decrease from 7.2%
• 3.7% met both the fruit and vegetable recommendations, a decrease from 5.2%.

Adults in Queensland ate, on average, 1.5 serves of fruit and 2.2 serves of vegetables daily.

Almost one in four (23.6% or 990,300) people aged 15 years and over in Queensland met the physical activity guidelines in 2022, an increase from 14.8% in 2017–18. Males were just as likely as females to meet the physical activity guidelines (24.5% and 22.3%). When measured against the appropriate guidelines for their age:

• 12.6% of young people aged 15–17 years met the physical activity guidelines
• 22.0% of people aged 18–64 years met the physical activity guidelines
• 31.8% of people aged 65 years and over met the physical activity guidelines.

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were also asked to explain their usual workday. In Queensland, almost half (46.6%) of adults aged 18–64 years described their day at work as mostly sitting. Walking (21.3%) and standing (16.0%) were the next most common activities. Males were more likely than females to describe their day at work as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (23.0% compared to 6.8%).

One in seven (14.0% or 560,400) people in Queensland were current daily smokers in 2022. This has decreased over the last twenty years from 23.8% in 2001.

Males were more likely than females to be current daily smokers (16.9% compared to 11.6%), and almost one in five (18.3%) people aged 25–34 years were current daily smokers in 2022.

Adults in Queensland living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to be current daily smokers than those living in areas of least disadvantage (19.1% compared to 10.5%).

In 2022:

• Almost three in ten (29.3%) adults were ex-smokers
• Over five in ten (55.4%) had never smoked, an increase over the last twenty years from 47.0% in 2001
• Females were more likely than males to have never smoked (60.0% compared to 50.3%)
• Most (97.6%) young people aged 15–17 years reported that they had never smoked.

One in seven (14.4%) adults in Queensland had used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once in their life, while 3.3% reported currently using a device:

• Males and females were just as likely to have used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once (13.4% compared to 9.3%)
• Males and females were just as likely to currently use an e-cigarette and vaping device (2.9% and 3.9%).

The average waist measurement for adults in Queensland was 96.2cm in 2022 (100.3cm for males and 92.3cm for females). Seven in ten (70.3% or 2.8 million) adults had a measured waist circumference that put them at an increased risk of disease.

Females were more likely than males to have a waist circumference that put them at increased risk (74.1% compared to 66.6%). Almost nine in ten (88.5%) older adults aged 65 years and over had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk, more than any other age group.

Adults living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have a waist circumference that put them at increased risk than those living in areas of least disadvantage (77.8% compared to 66.0%).

In 2022, almost seven in ten (68.8% or 2.7 million) adults were overweight/obese. Of all adults:

• Less than one in three (29.8%) were underweight/normal weight range
• One in three (34.1%) were overweight
• One in three (34.6%) were obese.

Males were more likely than females to be overweight/obese (72.7% compared to 65.3%). Over eight in ten (85.0%) people aged 65–74 years were overweight/obese in 2022, more than any other age group.

Over the last decade, the proportion of adults in Queensland who were overweight/obese has increased slightly from 65.0% in 2011–12 to 68.8% in 2022. This has primarily been driven by an increase in adults who were obese over the same time period (from 30.3% in 2011–12 to 34.6% in 2022).

In 2022, adults in Queensland:

• Who were born in Australia were more likely to be overweight/obese than those born overseas (71.6% compared to 62.8%)
• Living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (73.8% compared to 65.4%).

In 2022, more than half (53.6%) of people living in SA had at least one chronic condition. The proportion of people with no chronic conditions has decreased since 2011–12, from 53.7% to 46.3% in 2022. At the same time, the proportion of people with one chronic condition has remained stable since 2011–12 and the proportion of people with two or more chronic conditions has increased (from 19.4% in 2011–12 to 25.5% in 2022).

Females were more likely to have at least one chronic condition than males (56.2% compared to 50.5%). The proportion of people with at least one chronic condition increased with age, from 28.8% of people aged 0–24 years to 86.2% of those aged 75 years and over.

The most prevalent chronic conditions in SA in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 28.8%
• Arthritis – 18.2%
• Back problems – 17.5%
• Asthma – 11.8%
• Diabetes – 7.2%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 5.0%
• Osteoporosis – 3.0%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 2.7%
• Cancer – 2.1%
• Kidney disease – 0.9%.

Almost one in five (18.2% or 324,200) people in SA had arthritis in 2022. The prevalence of arthritis increased between 2001 and 2004–05 (13.9% compared to 18.1%) and has since remained stable. Arthritis prevalence increased with age from 2.4% of people aged 0–24 years to 28.8% of those aged 45–64 years. It then almost doubled to 47.4% for older adults aged 65 years and over. Females were more likely than males to have arthritis (21.8% compared to 14.6%).

In 2022, people:

• Born overseas were more likely to have arthritis than those born in Australia (23.1% compared to 16.6%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have arthritis than those living in areas of least disadvantage (22.0% compared to 15.1%)
• Living in Inner Regional (22.9%) and Outer Regional/Remote areas (26.4%) were more likely to have arthritis than people living in Major Cities (16.2%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have arthritis than those with no disability (40.4% compared to 6.1%).

Adults in SA who:

• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have arthritis than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (56.2% compared to 18.0%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at an increased risk of disease were more likely to have arthritis than those at lowered risk (28.1% compared to 10.4%)
• Had high measured blood pressure were more likely to have arthritis than people with normal/low blood pressure (33.3% compared to 19.0%).

Over one in ten (11.8% or 210,400) people in SA had asthma in 2022 and this has remained steady since 2001 (12.5%). Prevalence was similar for females and males (13.9% and 10.5%).

In 2022, people:

• Born in Australia were more likely to have asthma than those born overseas (13.1% compared to 8.5%)
• Aged 15 years and over and did not meet physical activity guidelines were more likely to have asthma than people who met guidelines (14.8% compared to 8.4%) 
• Aged 18 years and over and were overweight/obese were more likely to have asthma than those in the underweight/normal weight range (15.3% compared to 9.9%).

In 2022, one in fifty (2.1% or 37,800) people in SA had cancer, this has remained steady since 2001 (1.3%). Prevalence of cancer increased with age, from 2.9% of people aged 45–64 years to 6.5% of those aged 65 years and over. Cancer prevalence was similar between males and females (2.4% and 1.5%).

In 2022, over one in fifty (2.7% or 47,300) people living in SA had COPD, and this has remained steady since 2001 (3.1%). COPD prevalence increased with age from 2.3% of people aged 25–44 years to 8.1% of those aged 75 years and over. Males were just as likely as females to have COPD (2.9% and 2.1%).

Adults who were current daily smokers (11.7%) or ex-smokers (4.8%) were more likely to have COPD than those that had never smoked (0.9%).

Prevalence of diabetes in SA has increased from 3.4% in 2001 to 7.2% (128,400 people) in 2022. The prevalence of diabetes increased with age, from 4.6% of people aged 25–44 years, to 10.5% of those aged 45–64 years, and then 17.4% of people aged 65 years and over. Males were just as likely as females to have diabetes (8.6% and 6.4%).

In 2022, people: 

• Born overseas were more likely to have diabetes than those born in Australia (10.7% compared to 6.1%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have diabetes than those living in areas of least disadvantage (11.4% compared to 4.7%).

Adults in SA who:

• Were overweight/obese were more likely to have diabetes than those who were underweight/normal weight range (12.2% compared to 3.0%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have diabetes than those at lowered risk (12.0% compared to 2.3%).

One in twenty (5.0% or 88,800) people in SA had heart, stroke and vascular disease in 2022. Prevalence has remained steady since 2001 (4.8%). Heart, stroke and vascular disease prevalence was similar in males and females (4.5% and 5.9%). Prevalence increased steadily with age, from 1.2% of people aged 25–44 years to 22.6% of those aged 75 years and over.

Adults in SA who:

• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (7.6% compared to 3.1%)
• Had high measured high blood pressure were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with normal/low blood pressure (9.1% compared to 5.6%).

Almost one in ten (8.3% or 147,800) people in SA reported high cholesterol. Over the last decade prevalence has remained steady, from 8.2% in 2011–12 to 8.3% in 2022. Prevalence was similar between males and females (9.3% and 7.2%). High cholesterol increased with age, from 2.8% of people aged 25–44 years to 27.0% of those aged 65 years and over.

One in seven (13.7% or 243,100) people in SA had self-reported hypertension in 2022, this has increased slightly from 11.2% in 2017–18. Males and females were just as likely to have hypertension (14.3% and 13.0%). Hypertension increased with age, from 4.5% of people aged 25–44 years to 54.1% of those aged 75 years and over.

People in SA who were:

• Born overseas were more likely to have hypertension than those born in Australia (20.0% compared to 11.8%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have hypertension than those living in areas of least disadvantage (14.6% compared to 8.5%)
• Living in Outer Regional/Remote areas were more likely to have hypertension than those living in Major Cities (17.7% compared to 12.5%).

People aged 15 years and over that did not meet the physical activity guidelines were more likely to have hypertension than those who met the guidelines (17.9% compared to 12.9%).

Adults in SA who:

• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have hypertension than those that had never smoked (23.2% compared to 13.9%)
• Were overweight/obese were more likely to have hypertension than those who were underweight/normal weight range (21.6% compared to 8.6%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at an increased risk were more likely to have hypertension than those at lowered risk (21.7% compared to 7.4%).

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

Over one quarter (26.9% or 376,500) of adults in SA had high measured blood pressure. Prevalence has increased since 2011–12 (23.2%). The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. Over seven in ten (71.5%) of adults with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension.

In 2022, 0.9% (or 16,700) of people had kidney disease in SA. Prevalence has remained steady over the last decade, from 0.6% in 2011–12. Males were just as likely as females to have kidney disease (1.5% and 0.7%). Prevalence increased with age, from 1.3% of people aged 45–64 years to 4.4% of those aged 65 years and over.

In 2022, three in ten (29.3% or 412,400) adults in SA exceeded the guideline. This includes those who either consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week and/or consumed 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the last 12 months (on at least 12 occasions per year). Males were more likely to exceed the guideline than females (41.3% compared to 18.0%). However, females were more likely to have never consumed alcohol than males (11.4% compared to 7.0%).

Over one in five (22.2%) adults in SA consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week in 2022. Adults aged 45 years and over were more likely than those aged 18–44 years to consume more than 10 drinks in the last week (24.9% compared to 18.5%).

Over one in five (21.5%) adults in SA consumed 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the last 12 months in 2022. Adults aged 18–44 years were more likely than those aged 45 years than over to consume 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly (25.2% compared to 17.9%).

In 2022, adults in SA who:

• Born in Australia were more likely to exceed the guideline than those born overseas (34.0% compared to 16.6%)
• Living in areas of least disadvantage were more likely to exceed the guideline than those living in areas of most disadvantage (41.0% compared to 22.6%)
• Living in Outer Regional/Remote Areas were more likely to exceed the guideline than those living in Major Cities (36.0% compared to 27.6%).

In 2022:

• Four in ten (41.7%) adults met the fruit recommendation, a decrease since 2017–18 (48.2%)
• 7.6% of adults met the vegetable recommendation, which has remained steady since 2017–18 (6.7%)
• 4.2% of adults met both the fruit and vegetable recommendation, which has remained steady since 2017–18 (4.6%).

Adults in SA ate, on average 1.4 serves of fruit and 2.6 serves of vegetables.

Almost one in four (24.0% or 353,000) people aged 15 years and over in SA met physical activity guidelines in 2022. This proportion has increased from 15.6% in 2017–18. Males were just as likely to meet physical activity guidelines as females (26.3% and 22.4%). At the same time, one in eight (12.5%) people reported zero minutes of physical activity in the last week, a decrease since 2017–18 (16.3%).

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were also asked to explain their usual workday. Two in five (40.4%) adults in SA described their day at work as mostly sitting. Walking (23.3%) and standing (21.9%) were the next most common activities. Males were more likely to describe their day at work as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (20.2% compared to 7.0%).

The proportion of current daily smokers in SA has more than halved since 2001, from 22.1% to 9.7% (136,100 people) in 2022. At the same time, the proportion of those who had never smoked has increased from 48.4% in 2001 to 57.2% in 2022.

Males were just as likely as females to be current daily smokers (11.3% compared to 8.3%). However, females were much more likely to have never smoked than males (64.3% compared to 49.7%).

One in seven (14.1% or 198,400) adults in SA had used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once in their life, while 4.4% reported currently using a device:

• Males were more likely to have used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once than females (17.9% compared to 11.0%)
• Males and females were just as likely to currently use an e-cigarette and vaping device (4.5% and 3.8%).

The average waist circumference for adults in SA was 96.2cm (100.7cm for males and 91.8cm for females). Seven in ten (69.7% or 977,400) adults had a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease. This has remained steady over the last decade from 69.8% in 2011–12. Females were more likely than males to have a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk (73.1% compared to 65.3%).

Seven in ten (68.0% or 953,400) adults were overweight/obese in 2022. Of adults in SA:

• 31.1% were underweight/normal weight range
• 34.5% were overweight
• 33.3% were obese.

In 2022, just over half (50.8% or 1.4 million) of people in WA had at least one chronic condition, an increase from 41.7% people in 2011–12.

The most prevalent chronic conditions in WA in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 27.0%
• Back problems – 17.6%
• Arthritis – 14.3%
• Asthma – 9.7%
• Diabetes – 5.2%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 5.0%
• Osteoporosis – 3.0%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 2.6%
• Cancer – 2.1%
• Kidney disease – 1.1%.

The NHS 2022 demonstrated that as people age, they are more likely to have at least one chronic condition. Older adults aged 65 years and over were more likely than any other age group to have at least one chronic condition (78.2%). Females were more likely than males to have at least one chronic condition (54.7% compared to 46.8%).

One in seven (14.3% or 385,700) people in WA had arthritis in 2022, this has remained steady since 2011–12 (14.4%). Females were more likely than males to have arthritis (16.3% compared to 12.2%). Prevalence increased with age, from 5.5% of people aged 25–44 years to 51.1% of those aged 75 years and over.

People in WA who were:

• Living in Inner Regional areas were more likely to have arthritis than to those who lived in Outer Regional/Remote areas (24.7% compared to 16.8%) or Major Cities (24.7% compared to 12.8%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have arthritis than those living in areas of least disadvantage (20.2% compared to 12.9%).

People aged 15 years and over in WA who rated their health as either fair/poor were more likely to have arthritis than those who rated their health as good (42.7% compared to 21.9%) or excellent/very good (42.7% compared to 9.0%).

Adults in WA who:

• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have arthritis than adults with low (27.8% compared to 18.1%) or moderate levels (27.8% compared to 15.7%)
• Experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have arthritis than those who experienced no pain (24.2% compared to 7.1%)
• Were overweight/obese were more likely to have arthritis than adults who were underweight/normal weight range (21.6% compared to 12.8%).

One in ten (9.7% or 262,200) people in WA had asthma in 2022. Asthma prevalence has remained stable since 2001 (10.6%). Females were more likely to have asthma than males (11.4% compared to 7.7%). Prevalence was consistent across age groups, from 8.9% of people aged 0–24 years to 8.3% of those aged 65 years and over. 

People in WA who were living with disability were more likely to have asthma than those with no disability (14.5% compared to 7.6%). People aged 15 years or older and rated their health as excellent/very good were less likely to have asthma than those who rated their health as fair/poor (6.9% compared to 17.9%) or good (6.9% compared to 13.2%).

Adults in WA who experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have asthma than people with moderate (19.2% compared to 12.3%) or low levels (19.2% compared to 8.2%).

In 2022, 2.1% (57,000) of people in WA had cancer. Prevalence was similar for males and females (2.4% and 1.5%). One in ten (10.9%) older adults aged 75 years and over had cancer.

People who were living with disability were more likely to have cancer compared to those with no disability (4.9% compared to 1.0%). Adults who were ex-smokers were more likely to have cancer than those who had never smoked (5.4% compared to 1.6%).

Around 70,600 (2.6%) people in WA had COPD in 2022. Prevalence of COPD was similar for males and females (2.5% and 2.8%). COPD increased with age, from 1.1% for people aged 0–24 years to 11.8% of those aged 75 years or older.

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have COPD than those who rated their health as good (10.5% compared to 3.7%). Adults who were ex-smokers were more likely to have COPD than adults who had never smoked (6.2% compared to 1.5%).

One in twenty (5.2% or 140,400) people in WA had diabetes in 2022, which has increased from 2.8% in 2001. Prevalence was similar for males and females (5.9% and 5.1%). One in six (15.9%) older adults aged 65 years and over had diabetes, which was higher than any other age group.

People in WA who:

• Were living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have diabetes than those living in areas of least disadvantage (10.3% compared to 2.7%)
• Were living with disability were more likely to have diabetes than those with no disability (10.7% compared to 3.3%).

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have diabetes than people who rated their health as good (19.6% compared to 8.0%) or excellent/very good (19.6% compared to 2.5%).

One in twenty (5.0% or 133,300) people in WA had heart, stroke and vascular disease in 2022, an increase from 3.5% in 2001. Prevalence was similar for males and females (5.5% and 4.2%). Almost one in four (23.4%) older adults aged 75 years and over had heart, stroke and vascular disease.

People in WA who were living with disability were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with no disability (12.8% compared to 1.4%).

Adults who experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than people with low (12.8% compared to 5.4%) or moderate levels (12.8% compared to 4.9%).

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who rated their health as good (24.4% compared to 5.9%) or excellent/very good (24.4% compared to 1.5%).

One in fourteen (7.8% or 209,200) people in WA reported high cholesterol in 2022. This increased from 5.4% in 2011–12. Prevalence was similar for males and females (7.6% and 8.0%). High cholesterol increased with age, with older adults aged 65 years and over being more likely than any other age group to have high cholesterol (21.7%).

More than one in ten (11.3% or 303,900) people in WA had self-reported hypertension in 2022, this has increased from 8.5% in 2017–18. Males were more likely to have hypertension than females (13.3% compared to 9.7%). Hypertension increased with age, with older adults aged 65 years and over (35.3%) more likely to have hypertension than any other age group.

People in WA who:

• Were living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have hypertension than those living in areas of least disadvantage (16.3% compared to 7.6%)
• Were living with disability were more likely to have hypertension than those with no disability (20.2% compared to 7.5%).

Adults in WA who:

• Experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have hypertension than those who experienced no pain (17.6% compared to 9.5%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have hypertension than those at lowered risk (18.2% compared to 6.1%).

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

Almost one quarter (24.2%) of adults in WA had high measured blood pressure in 2022. Older adults aged 65 years and over were more likely than any other age group to have high measured blood pressure (43.5%). 

The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. Of adults who had high measured blood pressure, almost three quarters (74.3%) did not report having hypertension. Nine in ten (90.2%) people aged 18–44 years with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension, compared to six in ten (61.4%) of those aged 65 years and over.

In 2022, 1.1% (29,300) of people in WA had kidney disease. Prevalence was similar for males and females (0.9% and 1.0%). Almost one in twenty (4.5%) older adults aged 65 years and over had kidney disease.

Three in ten (29.9% or 622,400) adults in WA exceeded the guideline in 2022. Males were more likely to exceed the guideline, with four in ten (41.1%) males compared to two in ten (19.0%) females. Older adults aged 75 years and over were less likely to exceed the guideline than any other age group (12.6%).

One in five (20.7%) adults consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week. Males were more likely to have consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week than females (29.5% compared to 11.9%).

One in four (24.4%) adults consumed 5 or more drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly. Males were more likely to have consumed 5 or more drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly than females (35.4% compared to 14.2%).

Adults in WA living in areas of least disadvantage were more likely to exceed the guideline than those living in areas of most disadvantage (39.0% compared to 24.3%).

In 2022, less adults in WA met the fruit recommendations than in 2017–18:

• Four in ten (43.7%) met the fruit recommendation, a decrease from 50.8%
• 4.8% met both the fruit and vegetable recommendations, a decrease from 6.9%.

One in thirteen (7.8%) adults met the vegetable recommendation, this has remained steady from 2017–18 (8.9%). Adults in WA ate, on average, 1.5 serves of fruit and 2.5 serves of vegetables daily.

Almost one in four (23.2% or 504,600) people aged 15 years and over in WA met the physical activity guidelines in 2022. This has increased from 18.1% in 2017–18. Males and females were just as likely to meet the physical activity guideline (24.8% and 21.1%).

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were asked to describe their usual workday. In WA, four in ten (42.1%) adults described their day as mostly sitting, and two in ten (19.9%) described their day as mostly standing. Males were more likely than females to describe their work day as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (23.7% compared to 9.4%), and females were more likely than males to describe their work day as mostly walking (27.8% compared to 15.7%).

One in ten (10.5% or 218,500) adults in WA were current daily smokers in 2022. The proportion of current daily smokers in WA has halved over the last twenty years, from 21.5% in 2001, to 10.5% in 2022. Nearly six in ten (57.9%) adults had never smoked, and three in ten (30.3%) were ex-smokers. The proportion of adults who have never smoked in WA has increased from 48.8% in 2001 to 57.9% in 2022.

Males were more likely to be current daily smokers than females in WA (13.1% compared to 8.4%). Adults who were living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to be current daily smokers than those living in areas of least disadvantage (17.9% compared to 6.0%).

One in seven (14.6%) adults in WA had used an e-cigarette and vaping device at least once in their life, while 4.2% reported currently using a device:

• Males were more likely than females to have used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once (19.2% compared to 10.3%)
• Males were more likely to report current use of e-cigarette and vaping devices than females (6.7% compared to 2.4%).

Almost three in ten (29.1%) young people aged 15–24 years had used e-cigarette or vaping devices at least once, and one in ten (10.5%) young people aged 15–24 years reported currently using e-cigarette or vaping devices, this declines with age.

The average waist measurement for adults in WA was 95.3cm (99.8cm for males and 90.9cm for females). Seven in ten (70.8% or 1.5 million) adults in WA had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease in 2022. This has increased from six in ten (61.2%) in 2017–18. Females were more likely than males to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk (75.1% compared to 67.1%). 

People in WA who:

• Were living in Major Cities were less likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than people who lived in Inner Regional (69.1% compared to 79.8%) or Outer Regional/Remote areas (69.1% compared to 76.4%)
• Were living with disability were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those with no disability (78.0% compared to 67.5%).

Almost seven in ten (68.0% or 1.4 million) adults in WA were overweight/obese in 2022. Prevalence has remained steady since 2011–12 (65.1%). Of adults in WA:

• 31.6% were underweight/normal weight range
• 36.4% were overweight
• 31.5% were obese.

Males were more likely to be overweight/obese than females (72.9% compared to 62.4%).

Adults in WA who were:

• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to be overweight/obese than those living in areas of least disadvantage (73.9% compared to 64.6%)
• Living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (71.7% compared to 65.5%).

In 2022, six in ten (58.4% or 326,400) people in Tasmania had at least one chronic condition, this has increased from 46.5% in 2011–12.

Males and females were just as likely to have at least one chronic condition (57.8% and 58.7%).

The most prevalent chronic conditions in Tasmania in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioral conditions – 29.5%
• Back problems – 20.8% 
• Arthritis – 20.5%
• Asthma – 12.7%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 8.1%
• Diabetes – 6.1%
• Osteoporosis – 4.1%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 3.2%
• Cancer – 2.4%
• Kidney disease – 2.0%.

As people age, the prevalence of chronic conditions increased. Older adults aged 65 years and over were more likely than any other age group to have at least one chronic condition (84.8%).

One in five (20.5% or 114,600) people in Tasmania had arthritis in 2022, this has decreased since 2014–15 (23.4%). Prevalence of arthritis was similar for males and females (20.0% compared to 21.3%).

In 2022, people in Tasmania:

• Living with disability were more likely to have arthritis those with no disability (38.9% compared to 9.0%)
• Living in Outer Regional/Remote areas were more likely to have arthritis than those in Inner Regional areas (25.5% compared to 17.9%).

Adults in Tasmania who:

• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have arthritis than people who were current daily smokers (34.9% compared to 23.4%) or those who had never smoked (34.9% compared to 20.4%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have arthritis than people with moderate (33.1% compared to 24.8%) or low levels of distress (33.1% compared to 23.7%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have arthritis those at lowered risk (30.2% compared to 13.7%).

In 2022, 12.7% (71,100) of people living in Tasmania had asthma. Over the last twenty years, prevalence of asthma has remained steady, from 11.6% in 2001 to 12.7% in 2022.

People in Tasmania living with disability were more likely to have asthma than those with no disability (17.7% compared to 9.6%).

People aged 15 years and over in Tasmania who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have asthma than those who rated their health as good (23.7% compared to 14.1%) or excellent/very good (23.7% compared to 8.7%).

Adults in Tasmania who:

• Were current daily smokers were more likely to have asthma than adults who never smoked (22.2% compared to 10.8%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have asthma than people with moderate (26.7% compared to 13.6%) or low levels of distress (26.7% compared to 8.8%) 
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have asthma than those at lowered risk (15.5% compared to 8.4%).

In 2022, 2.4% (13,200) of people in Tasmania had cancer. Prevalence of cancer in Tasmania has increased slightly over the last twenty years, from 1.0% in 2001 to 2.4% in 2022. 

In 2022, 3.2% (17,900) of people in Tasmania had COPD. Prevalence of COPD has remained the same over the last twenty years (3.2% in 2001). COPD prevalence was similar for males and females (3.6% and 3.5%).

Adults in Tasmania who:

• Were current daily smokers were more likely to have COPD than adults who were ex-smokers (12.4% compared to 6.4%)
• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have COPD than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (11.8% compared to 1.6%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have COPD than those with low distress (9.5% compared to 2.9%).

More than one in twenty (6.1% or 34,400) people in Tasmania had diabetes. Prevalence has increased over the last twenty years (from 3.3% in 2001 to 6.1% in 2022) and was similar for males and females (7.5% and 5.4%).

In 2022, people in Tasmania:

• Living with disability were more likely to have diabetes than those with no disability (11.4% compared to 3.1%)
• Living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have diabetes than those in areas of least disadvantage (8.4% compared to 3.6%).

Adults in Tasmania who:

• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have diabetes than those who had never smoked (11.9% compared to 5.8%) or were current daily smokers (11.9% compared to 3.9%)
• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have diabetes than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (18.1% compared to 4.9%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have diabetes than people who were at lowered risk (10.1% compared to 1.5%).

Almost one in ten (8.1% or 45,400) people in Tasmania had heart, stroke and vascular disease. Prevalence of heart, stroke and vascular disease has increased over the last twenty years, from 5.6% in 2001 to 8.1% in 2022.

In 2022, people in Tasmania living with disability were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with no disability (17.3% compared to 2.3%).

People aged 15 years and over in Tasmania who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who rated their health as good (25.9% compared to 9.0%) or excellent/very good (25.9% compared to 4.0%).

Adults in Tasmania who:

• Who were ex-smokers were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who were current daily smokers (15.6% compared to 8.8%) or never smoked (15.6% compared to 7.5%)
• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who experienced moderate (24.1% compared to 13.5%) or very mild/mild bodily pain (24.1% compared to 6.2%)
• Experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those with low levels (15.3% compared to 9.1%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (12.9% compared to 3.1%)
• Had high measured blood pressure were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who had normal/low blood pressure (15.3% compared to 8.3%).

In 2022, 9.3% (52,000) of people reported high cholesterol in Tasmania, an increase from 2017–18 (6.8%). Females were more likely than males to have high cholesterol (10.7% compared to 7.3%).

In Tasmania, 16.2% (90,400) of people had self-reported hypertension. Prevalence of hypertension has increased from 13.6% in 2011–12 to 16.2% in 2022. Males were just as likely as females to have hypertension (16.1% and 16.2%).

In 2022, people in Tasmania:

• Living with disability were more likely to have hypertension those with no disability (26.4% compared to 9.2%)
• Living in Outer Regional/Remote areas were more likely to have hypertension than those in Inner Regional areas (19.9% compared to 13.6%).

Adults in Tasmania who:

• Were ex-smokers were more likely to have hypertension than those who had never smoked (28.3% compared to 17.8%) or were current daily smokers (28.3% compared to 11.8%)
• Experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have hypertension than those who experienced very mild/mild bodily pain (32.9% compared to 18.7%)
• Were overweight/obese were more likely to have hypertension than those who were underweight/normal weight range (24.7% compared to 9.5%)
• Had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have hypertension than those at lowered risk (24.5% compared to 7.6%).

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

In Tasmania, 29.2% (129,200) of people had high measured blood pressure. Prevalence has remained steady over the last decade, from 28.1% in 2011–12 to 29.2% in 2022. Males were just as likely as females to have high measured blood pressure (29.8% and 28.3%). High blood pressure prevalence increased with age, from 16.0% for people aged 25–44 years to 48.9% for those 75 years and over.

The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. In Tasmania, 65.3% of adults with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension.

Kidney disease prevalence has remained steady from 1.4% in 2011–12 to 2.0% (11,000) of people in 2022. Prevalence was similar for males and females (1.8% and 2.0%).

In 2022, 28.9% (128,500) of adults in Tasmania exceeded the guideline. This includes those who either consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week and/or consumed 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the last 12 months (on at least 12 occasions per year).

One in five (20.9%) consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week, and just over one in five (21.7%) consumed 5 or more drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly.

Less adults in 2022 met the fruit recommendation than in 2017–18 (41.1% compared to 47.1%). However, a similar number of adults met the vegetable recommendation in 2017–18 and 2022 (11.2% and 10.5%). This resulted in a similar number of adults meeting both the fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2017–18 and 2022 (7.0% and 6.8%).

Adults in Tasmania ate, on average, 1.5 servings of fruit and 2.7 servings of vegetables per day.

Over one in five (22.9% or 106,300) people aged 15 years and over in Tasmania met the physical activity guidelines in 2022, an increase from 16.4% in 2017–18. Males were more likely than females to meet the physical activity guidelines (25.7% compared to 20.3%).

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were asked to describe their usual workday:

• 36.0% described their day as mostly sitting and 20.0% as mostly standing
• Females were more likely than males to describe their workday as mostly sitting (40.5% compared to 31.2%)
• Males were more likely than females to describe their workday as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (24.7% compared to 7.2%).

In 2022, 12.4% (55,300) of adults in Tasmania were current daily smokers, this has decreased over the last twenty years from 21.4% in 2001. More than half (54.2%) of adults had never smoked and 32.3% were ex-smokers. The proportion of people who never smoked has increased from 49.1% in 2001 to 54.2% in 2022.

Males were more likely to be current daily smokers than females in Tasmania (14.7% compared to 10.1%).

One in seven (12.5%) adults in Tasmania had used an e-cigarette and vaping device at least once in their life, while 2.2% reported currently using a device.

In 2022, the average waist measurement for adults in Tasmania was 96.9cm. Seven in ten (73.4%) adults in Tasmania had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease in 2022, this has increased from 63.4% in 2011–12.

People in Tasmania who were:

• Living with disability were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those with no disability (82.1% compared to 65.9%)
• Living in Outer Regional/Remote areas were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those in Inner Regional areas (81.3% compared to 69.4%).

Almost two thirds (70.5%) of adults in Tasmania were overweight/obese in 2022. This has increased over the last decade from 64.7% in 2011–12.

In 2022, of adults in Tasmania:

• 28.5% were underweight/normal weight range
• 33.5% were overweight
• 37.0% were obese.

Adults in Tasmania who were:

• Living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (77.3% compared to 64.3%)
• Living in Outer Regional/Remote areas were more likely to be overweight/obese than those in Inner Regional areas (77.2% compared to 66.6%).

The NHS 2022 demonstrated that as people age, they are more likely to have at least one chronic condition. Over four in ten (45.2% or 82,100) people in the NT had at least one chronic condition in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have at least one chronic condition (44.7% and 45.0%).

Over the last decade in the NT, there has been a decrease in the proportion of people with no chronic conditions (from 63.9% in 2011–12 to 55.0% in 2022). At the same time there has been an increase in the proportion of people with one chronic condition (from 22.8% in 2011–12 to 28.6% in 2022).

The most prevalent chronic conditions in the NT in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 21.6%
• Back problems – 15.2%
• Arthritis – 11.2%
• Asthma – 7.8%
• Diabetes – 5.7%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 4.4%
• Kidney disease – 1.7%
• Cancer – 1.6%
• Osteoporosis – 1.5%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 1.1%.

One in ten (11.2% or 20,400) people in the NT had arthritis in 2022. Over the last twenty years, arthritis prevalence has increased – from 7.8% in 2001 to 11.2% in 2022. Females were more likely to have arthritis than males (13.2% compared to 9.1%).

One in three (32.7%) people living with disability had arthritis, this was almost eight times higher than those with no disability (4.1%).

As with many other conditions, prevalence of arthritis generally increases with age and age can be strongly associated with patterns in sociodemographic characteristics. One in four (25.0%) people living in lone person households had arthritis in 2022.

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have arthritis than those who rated their health as good (29.6% compared to 16.5%) or excellent/very good (29.6% compared to 8.8%).

In 2022, adults:

• With a waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have arthritis than those at lowered risk (17.5% compared to 8.1%)
• Who had experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have arthritis than those who had not (21.8% compared to 2.1%).

One in fourteen (7.8% or 14,200) people in the NT had asthma in 2022. Prevalence of asthma has remained steady over the past twenty years, from 10.8% in 2001 to 7.8% in 2022. Females were more likely to have asthma than males (9.9% compared to 5.6%).

In 2022, people:

• Born in Australia were more likely to have asthma than those born overseas (9.2% compared to 5.7%)
• Living with disability were more likely to have asthma than those with no disability (13.4% compared to 6.2%).

In 2022, adults:

• Who experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have asthma than those who had not (11.4% compared to 5.3%)
• Who had a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have asthma than those at lowered risk (10.1% compared to 5.0%).

Around one in sixty (1.6% or 2,900) people in the NT had cancer in 2022. Cancer prevalence has remained steady over the past decade, from 2.0% in 2011–12 to 1.6% in 2022. Males were just as likely as females to have cancer (2.0% and 1.2%).

Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the NT has similarly remained steady over the past decade, from 1.5% in 2011–12 to 1.1% (2,000 people) in 2022.

As with cancer and COPD, prevalence of diabetes in the NT has remained steady over the past decade, from 4.8% in 2011–12 to 5.7% (10,300 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have diabetes (5.5% and 5.5%).

People aged 15 years and over who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to have diabetes than those who rated their health as good (20.8% compared to 11.1%) or excellent/very good (20.8% compared to 3.3%).

Prevalence of heart, stroke and vascular disease in the NT has increased slightly from 2.0% in 2017–18 to 4.4% (8,000 people) in 2022. Males were more likely than females to have heart, stroke and vascular disease (6.3% compared to 2.4%).

In 2022, adults:

• Who had experienced bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those who had not (7.6% compared to 2.5%)
• With a waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (7.4% compared to 2.2%).

Over the last decade, prevalence of reported high cholesterol in the NT has increased from 4.0% in 2011–12 to 7.8% (14,100 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have high cholesterol (7.9% and 7.0%).

Prevalence of self-reported hypertension in the NT has increased over the past twenty years, from 6.3% in 2001 to 10.2% (18,600 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have hypertension (9.9% compared to 10.2%).

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

One in five (19.6% or 26,700) adults in the NT had high measured blood pressure. This has remained steady over the last decade, from 16.2% in 2011–12 to 19.6% in 2022. The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. Of those adults with high measured blood pressure, over three in four (77.6%) did not report having hypertension.

Prevalence of kidney disease in the NT has remained steady over the past decade, from 0.8% in 2011–12 to 1.7% (3,000 people) in 2022. Males and females were just as likely to have kidney disease (1.3% and 2.5%).

Three in ten (31.1% or 42,800) adults in the NT exceeded the guideline in 2022. This includes those who either consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week and/or consumed 5 or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the last 12 months (on at least 12 occasions per year). Males were more likely than females to exceed the guideline (40.2% compared to 21.6%).

In 2022, less adults in the NT met the fruit and vegetable recommendations than in 2017–18:

• 40.0% met the fruit recommendation, a decrease from 47.7%
• 6.4% met the vegetable recommendation, a decrease from 10.3%
• 3.3% met both the fruit and vegetable recommendations, a decrease from 6.6%.

Adults in the NT ate, on average, 1.5 serves of fruit and 2.3 serves of vegetables daily.

One in four (24.6% or 35,400) people aged 15 years and over in the NT met the physical activity guidelines in 2022, an increase from 15.5% in 2017–18. Males were more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines than females (28.0% compared to 20.5%).

Adults aged 18–64 years who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were also asked to explain their usual workday. In the NT, half (50.8%) of adults aged 18–64 years described their day at work as mostly sitting. Walking (21.6%) and standing (16.2%) were the next most common activities. Males were more likely than females to describe their day at work as mostly heavy labour or physically demanding work (17.6% compared to 4.3%).

One in seven (13.5% or 18,600) adults in the NT were current daily smokers in 2022. Smoking prevalence has more than halved over the last twenty years from 30.3% in 2001.

Males were just as likely as females to be current daily smokers (14.6% and 11.3%). One in ten (10.1%) people aged 15–44 years were current daily smokers, this increased with age to 19.6% of those aged 45–64 years before decreasing to 10.0% for people aged 65 years and over.

In 2022:

• Almost three in ten (28.7%) adults were ex-smokers
• Over five in ten (55.6%) adults had never smoked, an increase over the last twenty years from 41.0% in 2001
• Females were more likely than males to have never smoked (63.3% compared to 47.6%).

Eight in ten (83.2%) young people aged 15–24 years reported that they had never smoked, an increase over the last twenty years from 24.3% in 2001.

One in eight (12.6%) adults in the NT had used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once in their life, while 2.8% reported currently using a device:

• Males and females were just as likely to have used e-cigarette and vaping devices at least once (14.9% and 11.4%)
• Males and females were just as likely to currently use an e-cigarette and vaping device (3.2% and 3.0%).

The average waist measurement for adults in the NT was 94.9cm in 2022. Almost seven in ten (68.4% or 93,300) adults had a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease. This has remained steady over the last decade, from 63.2% of adults in 2011–12.

The proportion of adults with a measured waist circumference of increased risk has increased from six in ten (60.2%) for adults aged 18–44 years to peak at eight in ten (79.6%) for those aged 45–64 years. This proportion remained steady at 76.5% for adults aged 65 years and over.

Adults living with disability were more likely to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk than those with no disability (76.9% compared to 64.6%).

In 2022, almost two thirds (63.8% or 86,900) of adults were overweight/obese. Of adults in the NT:

• Over one in three (35.4%) were underweight/normal weight range
• Less than one in three (29.6%) were overweight
• One in three (34.3%) were obese.

Over the last decade, the proportion of adults in the NT who were overweight/obese has remained stable from 62.1% in 2011–12 to 63.8% in 2022. At the same time, there has been an increase in the proportion of adults who were obese in the same period, from 27.1% to 34.3% in 2022.

The proportion of adults who were overweight/obese increased from 57.7% for adults aged 18–44 years and peaked at eight in ten (78.7%) for those aged 45–64 years. This proportion then decreased with age to 59.5% for adults aged 65 years and over.

In 2022, adults:

• Who were born in Australia were more likely to be overweight/obese than those born overseas (68.9% compared to 56.5%)
• Living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (72.4% compared to 59.2%).

More than half (52.3% or 233,500) of people in the ACT had at least one chronic condition, an increase from 44.2% in 2011–12.

Females were more likely to have at least one chronic condition than males (55.0% compared to 49.5%). The most prevalent chronic conditions in the ACT in 2022 were:

• Mental and behavioural conditions – 28.1%
• Back problems – 16.7%
• Arthritis – 13.9%
• Asthma – 11.5%
• Osteoporosis – 4.0%
• Diabetes – 3.4%
• Heart, stroke and vascular disease – 3.4%
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 2.5%
• Kidney disease – 1.3%
• Cancer – 1.0%.

One in seven (13.9% or 62,000) people in the ACT had arthritis in 2022, and this has remained steady since 2011–12 (13.7%).

People living with disability were more likely to have arthritis than those with no disability (32.9% compared to 6.3%). Adults with a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease were more likely to have arthritis than those at lowered risk (23.1% compared to 7.4%).

Over one in ten (11.5% or 51,500) people in the ACT had asthma. Over the last decade the prevalence of asthma has remained steady, from 10.2% in 2011–12 to 11.5% in 2022. Males and females had a similar prevalence of asthma (10.8% and 12.4%).

In 2022, people in the ACT:

• Born in Australia were more likely to have asthma than those born overseas (13.4% compared to 6.7%)
• People living with disability were more likely to have asthma than those with no disability (17.9% compared to 9.2%).

In 2022, 1.0% (4,500) of people in the ACT had cancer, this is a slight decline from 2017–18 (2.1%). Prevalence of cancer was similar for males and females (1.4% and 0.7%).

COPD prevalence has remained steady over the last decade in the ACT, from 2.1% in 2011–12 to 2.5% (11,100 people) in 2022. Females and males had a similar prevalence of COPD (3.2% and 2.1%). Adults who experienced severe/very severe bodily pain in the last four weeks prior to interview were more likely to have COPD than those who experienced mild/very mild bodily pain (11.9% compared to 2.6%).

Around 3.4% (15,300) of people in the ACT had diabetes. Diabetes prevalence has remained steady in the ACT from 3.0% in 2001 to 3.4% in 2022. Prevalence was similar between males and females (4.0% and 2.4%). People born overseas were more likely to have diabetes than those born in Australia (5.0% compared to 2.9%). People living with disability were more likely to have diabetes than those with no disability (6.6% compared to 1.6%).

Around 3.4% (15,300) of people in the ACT had heart, stroke and vascular disease in 2022. Prevalence has decreased slightly from 5.4% in 2011–12 but remained steady from 2017–18 (4.5%) to 2022. Heart, stroke and vascular disease prevalence was 3.3% for both males and females. Adults who had a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk were more likely to have heart, stroke and vascular disease than those at lowered risk (6.2% compared to 1.5%).

In 2022, 7.7% (34,500) of people in the ACT reported high cholesterol, which has remained steady from 2011–12 (7.8%). Males and females were just as likely to have high cholesterol (6.7% and 8.2%).

Over one in ten (12.1% or 54,100) people in the ACT had self-reported hypertension in 2022, a slight increase since 2017–18 (9.8%). Males and females were just as likely to have hypertension (12.5% and 11.6%).

People living with disability were more likely to have hypertension than those with no disability (21.8% compared to 7.9%). Adults who were current daily smokers were more likely to have hypertension than those who had never smoked (25.2% compared to 11.3%).

In addition to asking respondents whether they had ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had hypertension or high blood pressure, they were also invited to have their blood pressure measured.

Over one in five (22.6% or 78,400) adults in the ACT had high measured blood pressure in 2022. Prevalence has remained steady since 2014–15 (23.2%). The proportion of adults with high measured blood pressure increased with age, from 11.8% of people aged 18–44 years to 45.5% of those aged 65 years and over.

The inclusion of two methods (self-reported and measured) for assessing prevalence of high blood pressure in the NHS allows an assessment of whether people with the condition are aware that they have it. In 2022, more than two in three (68.0%) adults with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension.

Kidney disease prevalence has remained steady over the last decade in the ACT, from 1.2% in 2011–12 to 1.3% (5,600 people) in 2022. Males were just as likely as females to have kidney disease (1.0% and 1.2%).

More than one in four (27.4% or 9,500) adults in the ACT exceeded the guideline in 2022:

• Almost one in five (18.2%) adults consumed more than 10 drinks in the last week
• One in five (20.7%) adults consumed 5 or more standard drinks on any day in the last year at least monthly.

In 2022, adults in the ACT:

• Born in Australia were more likely to exceed the guideline than those born overseas (33.9% compared to 15.2%)
• Who spoke English as the main language at home were more likely to exceed the guideline than those who spoke any other language (31.2% compared to 7.1%).

In 2022, four in ten (41.4%) adults in the ACT met the fruit recommendation, a decrease from 48.1% in 2017–18, and 7.7% adults met the vegetable recommendation in 2022.

Adults in the ACT ate, on average, 1.4 serves of fruit and 2.7 serves of vegetables per day.

The NHS 2022 showed that nationally more people were meeting the physical activity guidelines in 2022 than in 2017–18. However, one in five (20.3% or 73,400) people aged 15 years and over in the ACT met the physical activity guidelines in 2022, this was similar to 2017–18 (20.4%). At the same time, there was an increase in the proportion of people completing zero minutes of physical activity in the last week from 9.1% in 2017–18 to 14.6% in 2022.

In 2022, one in five (19.9%) adults in the ACT aged 18–64 years met the physical activity guideline. Although four in five (80.0%) people aged 18–64 years in the ACT did not meet the guidelines, the majority were active in the week prior to interview:

• Over half (55.6%) undertook at least some physical activity on five or more days
• Two thirds (69.3%) did at least 150 minutes of physical activity in the week.

Adults aged 18–64 years in the ACT who were employed and worked in the week prior to interview were asked to describe their usual workday. Two thirds (65.0%) described their day as mostly sitting, with standing (14.6%) and walking (13.6%) the next most common activities.

Almost three in ten (27.4%) older adults aged 65 years and over in the ACT met the physical activity guidelines in 2022. Almost four in ten (39.9%) did at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days and over two in ten (23.7%) completed at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Over three in ten (33.4%) did more than 300 minutes of physical activity in the last week, and similarly 32.7% engaged in daily physical activity.

In the ACT, 5.9% (20,600) of adults in the ACT were current daily smokers in 2022, this has declined from 19.7% in 2001.

Of adults in the ACT:

• One in four (25.5%) were ex-smokers
• More than two in three (67.6%) adults in the ACT have never smoked, this increased from 54.0% in 2011–12
• Females were more likely to have never smoked than males (74.3% compared to 59.8%)
• Adults aged 18–44 years were more likely to have never smoked than those aged 65 years and over (76.1% compared to 51.6%).

In 2022, more than one in ten (11.5%) adults in the ACT used e-cigarette or vaping devices at least once.

The average waist circumference for adults in the ACT was 93.8cm (98.1cm for males and 89.7cm for females) in 2022. More than two in three (64.0% or 222,300) adults had a measured waist circumference that put them at increased risk of disease. Females were more likely than males to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk (67.7% compared to 61.7%). Prevalence of adults with a measured waist circumference of increased risk increases with age. Older adults aged 65 years and over were more likely than those aged 18–24 years to have a measured waist circumference of increased risk (81.6% compared to 22.3%).

Almost two thirds (64.0% or 222,100) of adults in the ACT were overweight/obese. Over the last decade, the proportion of adults who were obese has increased from 25.3% in 2011–12 to 29.7% in 2022. Of adults in the ACT:

• 35.1% were underweight/normal weight range
• 34.0% were overweight
• 29.7% were obese.

Males were more likely to be overweight/obese than females (69.0% compared to 58.8%). Of adults in the ACT who were overweight/obese, one in four (25.3%) had back problems and one in five (21.5%) had arthritis.

In 2022, adults in the ACT:

• Born in Australia were more likely to be overweight/obese than those who were born overseas (66.8% compared to 59.1%). 
• Living with disability were more likely to be overweight/obese than those with no disability (72.3% compared to 59.4%).