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Characterizing the Health of Older Rural Australians Attending Rural Events: Implications for Future Health Promotion Opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Tracy L. Schumacher

    (Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
    Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia)

  • Laura Alston

    (Research Department, Colac Area Health, Colac, VIC 3707, Australia
    The Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
    Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia)

  • Luke Wakely

    (Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia)

  • Rachel Latter

    (St. George Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia)

  • Kelly Squires

    (Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia)

  • Susan Heaney

    (Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
    Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia)

  • Leanne J. Brown

    (Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
    Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia)

Abstract

This paper describes the health of older Australians (>65 years) attending rural events to inform health promotion interventions for rural populations. This cross-sectional study collected survey data and objective health measures between 2017 and 2020 at two events held in rural New South Wales, Australia. Participants included in the analysis were adults > 65 years of age. Data included demographic and health information, anthropometric measures (height, weight, waist circumference), and dietary and physical activity data. A total of 256 people > 65 years participated. Our sample, which was mostly male (59.0%), contained people aged between 66 and 75 years (72.3%). Participants lived in either a large rural (34.0%) or small rural town (22.3%), with low levels of education (60.9% did not complete high school). Dietary quality was rated as below average. All but 17.2% of the participants reported having a health condition. The risk of a health condition was associated with increasing age, lower education, and higher waist circumference, but not remoteness. Rural events may provide an opportunity to access, engage with, and understand the health of older rural Australians, especially males. They may offer ideal contexts for health and nutrition promotion opportunities in rural areas where access to health professionals is limited.

Suggested Citation

  • Tracy L. Schumacher & Laura Alston & Luke Wakely & Rachel Latter & Kelly Squires & Susan Heaney & Leanne J. Brown, 2022. "Characterizing the Health of Older Rural Australians Attending Rural Events: Implications for Future Health Promotion Opportunities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:3011-:d:764156
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laura Alston & Megan Green & Vincent L Versace & Kristy A. Bolton & Kay Widdicombe & Alison Buccheri & Didir Imran & Steven Allender & Liliana Orellana & Melanie Nichols, 2020. "Profiling Malnutrition Prevalence among Australian Rural In-Patients Using a Retrospective Census of Electronic Medical Files over a 12-Month Period," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-11, August.
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