New Australian Study to Measure Nation's Health

In Australia, the government has commissioned a multi-year study overseen by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, to uncover the mental and physical health of the nation. According to reports, it will involve 60,000 citizens, cost about $90m and take three years to complete.

The new 'Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study' comprises four surveys covering mental health, general health, nutrition and physical activity. The first study will be a mental health and wellbeing survey, which will kick-off in mid-2020; followed by the National Health Study, looking at the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Australians, as well as the incidence of long-term health conditions. Later, a National Nutrition and Physical Activity Study will take place; followed by a National Health Measures Study, which will include voluntary collection of blood and urine samples.

Health Minister Greg Hunt (pictured) comments: 'Under our long-term national health plan, we aim to build the world's best health system. To do that, we must have the best information, the most up-to-date data on the state of Australians' health. That's why this study is so important.'

Web site: www.health.gov.au .