Health risk factors
A person’s health and wellbeing is influenced by a range of factors including genetic makeup and health behaviours. Factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, weight, diet and physical activity can have big effects on health.
Household smoking
In 2018–19, among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 1–14:
- 57% (145,600) lived in a household with a daily smoker.
- Those living in remote areas were more likely to live in a household with a daily smoker (71% or 30,800) than those living in non-remote areas (54% or 115,300).
- Of those who lived in a household with a daily smoker, 16% (23,000) lived in a household where daily smokers smoked indoors (Figure CH 17).
Weight
In 2018–19, 54% (129,100) of Indigenous children aged 2–14 were within the normal weight range. Similar proportions of Indigenous boys (55% or 67,500) and girls (53% or 61,500) were in the recommended weight range (Figure CH 18).
Physical activity
In 2012–13, 27% (32,200) of Indigenous children aged 5–14 met physical and screen-based activity recommendations. More Indigenous boys (35% or 27,100) than girls (18% or 10,600) met the guidelines (Figure CH 19).
Diet
In 2018–19 among Indigenous children aged 2–14:
- 69% (163,200) met the recommended guidelines for daily fruit intake.
- 7% (15,500) met the recommended guidelines for daily vegetable intake.
- 6% (14,700) met both fruit and vegetable guidelines (Figure CH 20).
Sleep
In 2014–15, 31% (48,000) of Indigenous children aged 5–14 had problems sleeping in the last 4 weeks. More Indigenous children in non-remote areas (35% or 44,400) had problems sleeping than in remote areas (11% or 3,400) (Figure CH 21).