The Grim Reality

In general individuals who live in regional and remote areas are more likely to be smokers, drink alcohol in hazardous quantities, overweight or obese
and more likely to be physically inactive. – 2003 Rural Health Report.

Compared to urban youth, Australian rural youth are:

• Up to 4 times more likely to commit suicide.
• Up to 5 times more likely to be involved in a motor-vehicle accident.
• Up to 4 times more likely to commit an alcohol-related crime.
• Up to 3 times more likely to die from external causes and injury.
• Up to 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalised due to pregnancy.
• Up to 11 times more likely to experience physical abuse if female (as compared to males) living in a rural community.
• More likely to use illicit substances.
• 1 in 3 rural youth aged 14-19 have been victims of alcohol related verbal and/or physical abuse.

— from “Influencing the Lives of Rural Young People,” Revolve, September 2004, No 7.