Which chronic disease prevalence is 2.1 times higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Cardiovascular disease
• C. Cancer
• D. Respiratory disease

Answer: (B)

The main idea is the overall burden of cardiovascular disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Data show cardiovascular disease occurs about 2.1 times more often in Indigenous populations, reflecting a higher mix of risk factors—smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol—and greater obstacles to prevention and timely treatment, especially in remote communities. These factors together drive the higher prevalence and impact on heart health and stroke risk.

Other chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions are also more common in Indigenous groups, but the specific 2.1 times higher prevalence is the figure reported for cardiovascular disease, which is why this option best fits.