Question 21 — Health Priorities in Australia (20 marks) (a) Account for the differences in the health status of men and women in Australia: - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 21 - 2005 - Paper 1

To account for the differences in health status between men and women in Australia, several factors need to be considered:

1. Life Expectancy

Women generally have a higher life expectancy compared to men. This can be attributed to biological factors such as hormonal differences and lower rates of risky behaviors in women.

2. Health Risks and Behaviors

Men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, which contribute to poorer health outcomes. High-risk occupations further exacerbate these issues, leading to higher injury rates among men.

3. Disease Prevalence

Certain diseases affect men and women differently. For instance, men are more prone to lung cancer due to higher smoking rates, while women face issues related to reproductive health, which can affect their overall wellbeing.

4. Access to Healthcare

Research indicates that men are less likely to seek medical help or preventative care. Women are generally more proactive in using health services, which may contribute to better health monitoring.

5. Social Roles and Responsibilities

Societal roles often place additional health burdens on women, balancing family care and work. These responsibilities can lead to mental health issues due to stress and social pressure.

6. Health Education and Awareness

There is often a gender gap in health education. Men may not receive the same level of information related to their health, leading to a lack of awareness of risk factors.

In summary, the variations in health status between men and women in Australia can be linked to biological, behavioral, and societal factors, influencing overall health outcomes.