October 18, 2017
South Burnett residents have been invited to make a real difference in helping bridge the city-country health divide by taking part in some quick University of Southern Queensland research.
According to the USQ, statistically nearly one regional Queenslander dies every day just because they live outside a major city.
USQ researchers have been working with Cancer Council Queensland on research aimed at bridging this gap.
Researchers at the university’s Institute for Resilient Regions are investigating health behaviour in Australia and, in particular, looking at who choose to take part in regular cancer screening and cancer prevention measures.
Residents from rural and regional areas are being encouraged to take part in a short online survey, to provide important data towards this study.
USQ Professor of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Jeff Dunn, said gaining a deeper understanding into the challenges faced by regional Queenslanders would shape future initiatives and support services designed to combat regional inequalities.
“Our research is looking at the barriers and challenges to screening in remote and rural areas, so it can be detected and treated earlier,” Prof Dunn said.
“This survey is a rewarding opportunity for community members – they can contribute to important health research by assisting our researchers develop solutions to improve the screening practices and health of older Australians.
“I encourage everyone eligible to take the time to complete the survey.”
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said the charity was proud to partner with USQ on the project.
“We know that cancer screening participation rates are often lower in regional and remote areas than in the city which is concerning,” she said.
“Cancer patients living in outer regional areas are also more likely to die within five years of a diagnosis than those living in cities.
“Early detection gives a better chance of treating the disease successfully which is why it’s paramount to understand the obstacles that prevent some Queenslanders from taking part in recommended cancer screening programs.”
Residents aged 50 years and over are eligible to take part in the 15-minute online survey, with a prize draw of $50 Coles Myer vouchers on offer for some lucky participants.
All information provided by respondents will remain anonymous.
- Click here to complete the survey or type “tinyurl.com/myhealthsurvey ” (with no quotation marks) into the address bar of your browser.
