Health problems getting worse in North says study

The first comprehensive study of Northland's health status shows people's health is getting worse and diabetes is a major problem.

Whangarei doctor Shane Reti interviewed almost 300 Northlanders to produce the study after realising that Northland Health had no direct information to help implement a Ministry of Health strategy.

The ministry's strategy outlines 13 objectives needed to help lift the health status of the country.

Dr Reti said his study depicted a deteriorating picture for Northland.

"Diabetes stands out as the single objective requiring the most urgent attention," he said.

The study shows that about 6 per cent of Northlanders have diabetes, the percentage of people with the illness increasing with age. About 4 per cent of people nationally have diabetes.

Almost half of Northlanders (48 per cent) are overweight and 39 per cent do not take part in physical activity (46 per cent of females and 42 per cent of non-Maori are inactive).

Thirty per cent of people in the region smoke, and the rate climbs to 50 per cent among Maori, with smoking more common among younger people.

Poor diet, obesity, smoking and lack of physical exercise are all contributing factors in diabetes.

Dr Reti said there was evidence of hazardous alcohol consumption, particularly among Maori, males and younger people.

Dental health was also an issue, with 20 per cent of Northlanders having dental health problems.

Sixteen per cent of children in the region had child health problems, with asthma the most common illness.

The study shows that 5 per cent of Northlanders use drugs regularly, with 10 per cent of males, 2 per cent of females and 6 per cent of Maori regular drug users.

Cannabis was the drug of choice among 93 per cent of users.

Eleven per cent of respondents had, or once had, cancer, and 16 per cent had, or once had, heart disease.

Four per cent of people had been subjected to violence in the previous year.

- NZPA