New Tasmanian study reveals powerful link between poverty and stroke risk
A landmark Tasmanian study has exposed an alarming link between postcode and stroke risk, despite Australia’s universal healthcare system.
A new Tasmanian study has found people living in lower socio-economic areas are significantly more likely to experience stroke than people living in more affluent areas.
The research, by the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, analysed Tasmanian hospital and death records from 2007 to 2020, identifying nearly 5000 first-ever stroke cases between 2015 and 2020.
Lead author Professor Seana Gall said the study revealed that individuals in the lowest SES group had a 33 per cent higher risk of stroke compared to those in the highest SES group.
She said it was the first study to use linked administrative data to estimate stroke incidence across Tasmania, providing critical insights for health policy and planning.
“Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and our findings show that socio-economic disadvantage plays a major role in who is most affected,” Prof Gall said.
“It was especially concerning that the effect of lower SES on having a stroke was greater for younger people.
“As we have a universal health care system, we might have expected less of a link between socio-economic status and having a stroke.”
Prof Gall said the study pointed to the need for a focus on trying to prevent strokes.
“We found that people that lived in more disadvantaged areas had more risk factors for stroke like hypertension and heart disease than people in more advantaged areas in Tasmania,” she said.
“We need to get better at identifying and managing the risk factors for stroke, which include smoking, high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart conditions like atrial fibrillation.
“These results underscore the importance of improving access to healthcare, education, and preventive services in Tasmania’s most vulnerable regions.
“Our Cardiovascular Research Flagship is working to spread awareness, but more investment is needed across the sector to better educate Tasmanians and help them reduce their risk of stroke.”
Prof Gall said studies overseas showed that the socio-economic status of where a person lived was associated with the risk of stroke but there were few examples of this type of analysis in Australia.
“Previous studies of this association were conducted more than 20 years ago and based on data from Melbourne and Perth, not Tasmania.
“These are the first data we have on the incidence of stroke for Tasmania.
“It shows that we have incidence rates that are a little bit higher than the national averages.”
Prof Gall said people needed to improve their levels of physical activity and “the quality of our diets”, because they were linked to the development of stroke risk factors.
“Doing this isn’t just the job of individual people – it is also a job for local, state and federal governments; community services and organisations; businesses; schools and workplaces.
“The message to everyone is that they should get their risk factors measured, particularly blood pressure.”
The survivor's mission: Hope after a stroke
Since Michael Whittle survived two strokes he has been on a mission to help others.
He co-founded the Hobart Stroke Support Group and plays a key role in an advisory group to the Cardiovascular Research Flagship at UTAS’ Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
Mr Whittle, who had his strokes 10 years ago, was surprised when he was recently named the national winner of the volunteer of the year award by the Stroke Foundation.
“There were many more worthy people than me and I didn’t have a speech prepared for the awards in Melbourne,” he said.
Mr Whittle was unable to read or write after his strokes and while he did not lose any movement of his body his sight in one eye was affected along with his short term memory.
After six months’ rehabilitation he was able to return to his job at the CSIRO.
“It’s a lifetime journey – I’m alive. A lot of people die from strokes and some don’t survive the first 12 months after,” Mr Whittle said.
“An essential part of my recovery was, and still is, my interaction with fellow stroke survivors.
“We share our stories of recovery. We share ideas and we support each other.
“Learning how others are coping makes us feel less isolated and more confident about life after stroke.
“I visit people in the rehab unit and want them to know there is light at the end of the strike journey.”
Menzies lead Professor Seana Gall said: “Our Lived Experience Advisory Group members play a vital role in our Cardiovascular Research Flagship, by helping to shape the direction of research and providing unique insights – and Mike is no exception.
“He is using his own experience to support and improve outcomes for others and it’s great to see his contributions recognised in this way.”
She said he was dedicated to advancing stroke research, had served as a judge for national cardiovascular research awards, evaluated research applications, and contributed to several national stroke research projects.
Stroke Foundation CEO Dr. Lisa Murphy said the awards shone a light on the extraordinary impact individuals can have within and beyond the stroke community.
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