Introduction
Buckinghamshire has better health overall in comparison to England and the South East. Life expectancy is higher for men and women, however, the health of residents varies within, and between, local areas. For example, people living in more deprived areas are more likely to live in poor health and die earlier than people living in more affluent areas. They are also more likely to develop multiple long-term conditions earlier, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Unhealthy behaviours increase the risk of developing these long-term conditions. In Buckinghamshire there are increasing rates being seen in obesity in both adults and children and the COVID-19 pandemic has seen people becoming less active, eating less healthily and drinking more alcohol. Smoking remains the leading risk factor for ill health and death in Buckinghamshire. During 2017 to 2019 cancer was the leading cause of death in Buckinghamshire, followed by cardiovascular disease.
People in Buckinghamshire have also experienced poorer mental health with rising diagnosis and referral rates and greater social isolation. COVID-19 has also impacted some people’s income, employment, and children’s education – all factors that can affect people’s health and wellbeing.
Data
Life expectancy
This data includes charts showing the life expectancy of men and women in Buckinghamshire, healthy life expectancy, as well as, maps showing how life expectancy varies according to where residents live and the year they were born. These are important summary measures of ill-health and death within the population.
Smoking status at time of delivery
This data shows the percentage of mothers who are known to be smokers when they give birth. The data shown is a percentage of all maternities where the smoking status is known.
Healthy eating
This data shows the proportion of the population who report that they eat the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables on a usual day.
Physically active children
This data shows the percentage of children aged 5 to 16 who take part in at least 60 minutes physical activity each day across a week.
Physically inactive adults
This data shows the percentage of adults who are physically inactive in Buckinghamshire, the South East and England.
Overweight and obese children
This data shows the percentage of overweight and obese children in Buckinghamshire, as well as comparative data from the South East and England.
Overweight and obese adults
This data shows the percentage of overweight and obese adults in Buckinghamshire, as well as comparative data from the South East and England.
Drug treatment
This data shows successful completions as a proportion of all in treatment. A successful completion means a drug user is free of drug dependence.
Alcohol treatment
This data shows successful completions as a proportion of all in treatment. A successful completion means an alcohol user is free of alcohol dependence.
