ABS Australian Health Survey (AHS), 2011–13 (2011–12 National Health Survey component)

Identifying and definitional attributes

The 2011–13 Australian Health Survey was the largest health survey ever conducted in Australia. It combined the existing ABS National Health Survey (NHS) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHIS) together with two new elements—a National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) and a National Health Measures Survey (NHMS).

The ABS 2011–12 NHS was conducted between March 2011 and March 2012. It was the sixth in a series of regular population surveys designed to obtain national benchmark information on a range of health-related issues and to enable the monitoring of trends in health over time.

The NHS was conducted in private dwellings selected throughout all areas of Australia other than Very remote areas. The sample was designed to ensure that within each state or territory, each person had an equal chance of selection and that reliable estimates could be produced for each state and territory. Information was obtained about one adult and one child aged 0–17 years in each selected household. A total of approximately 20,500 persons participated in the survey.

The survey focused on the health status of Australians and health-related aspects of their lifestyles.