South Australia has been ranked as the fourth healthiest region in the country, according to National Health Survey results for 2022. The survey, conducted by training course provider CPR First Aid, assessed various health markers including self-reported health statuses, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, smoking rates, and physical activity levels across Australian states and territories.
Taking the top spot as the healthiest state or territory in Australia was Victoria. South Australia landed half way down the list, while Tasmania ranked last, in eighth place. The list is as follows:
Rank Area Self-assessed health status – Very Good Total Normal BMI (18.50–24.99) Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables — Did not meet either recommendation Never smoked Zero minutes of physical activity in last week 1 Victoria 38.8% 33.3% 52.9% 60.6% 11.9% 2 Australian Capital Territory 41.9% 33.9% 55.5% 67.8% 16.2% 3 New South Wales 34.7% 35.1% 53.2% 60.3% 14.1% 4 South Australia 35.5% 31.2% 55.8% 59.2% 14.9% 5 Western Australia 36.2% 30.2% 54.2% 59.2% 16.0% 6 Northern Territory 33.1% 34.7% 56.9% 55.5% 15.4% 7 Queensland 37.7% 29.2% 56.8% 56.1% 15.9% 8 Tasmania 34.4% 27.7% 57.0% 56.1% 16.4%
Data provided by CPR First Aid
For SA, the fourth-place holder, findings were mixed. Large percentages of the population reported their health to be very good (35.5%), and more than half have never smoked (59.2%). But, like other states, there was still a considerable portion of the population, 55.8%, not meeting the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. Perhaps it’s time the nostalgic ‘Eat 2 & 5’ adverts made a triumphant comeback!
Owena Cleary, Director of CPR First Aid, said, “These findings provide valuable insight into the changing health trends across Australia. Victoria’s top ranking is based on a combination of healthier lifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity and lower smoking rates, which are key factors to good overall well-being. On the other hand, areas like Tasmania highlight the challenges some regions face when it comes to meeting basic health recommendations, such as daily fruit and vegetable intake and maintaining a healthy BMI.”
These health trends show the widely varying degrees of health awareness and lifestyle choices prevalent across Australian states and territories.
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