Avoidable mortality trends in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in the Northern Territory, 1985-2004

Objectives: To analyse rates of avoidable mortality in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the Northern Territory (NT) from 1985 to 2004, in order to assess the contribution of health care to life expectancy improvements. Methods: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) death registration data for NT residents were used to identify 'avoidable' deaths, with further separation into three categories of conditions amenable to either medical care or health policy, and a category for ischaemic heart disease (IHD). A Poisson regression model was used to calculate the average annual change in avoidable mortality by sex and Aboriginality in the NT compared with Australia as a whole. Results: In the 20 years between 1985 and 2004, avoidable mortality rates fell 18.9% in NT Aboriginal people, 61.1% in NT non-Aboriginal people and 59.5% in Australians overall. NT Aboriginal people continued to experience higher avoidable mortality than other Australians and the disparity increased over time. Most of the decline in avoidable mortality for Aboriginal Territorians occurred for conditions amenable to medical care. Conclusion: Medical care has made a significant contribution to improvements in Aboriginal life expectancy in the NT, however, reductions in avoidable mortality from IHD and conditions amenable to health policy have been variable. Implications: The results highlight the need for ongoing investment in comprehensive programs incorporating appropriate health policy interventions and management of chronic diseases.