8 Public Health

Issues and Priorities

  • Although the South West is a generally healthy region there are, nevertheless inequalities.
  • Mortality, life expectancy, smoking, and teenage pregnancy rates in the South West compare favourably with England as a whole.
  • However, HIV incidence is high and there are specific cancers - notably malignant melanoma and prostate cancer - which occur at rates significantly above those for England. Heavy drinking amongst women is also of concern, particularly in the younger age groups.
  • Obesity prevalence is also rising. Whilst evidence suggests that eating habits in the South West are healthier than in other regions, nationally obesity levels are forecast to continue rising. 
  • Regional health patterns mask sub-regional variations as well as disparities between socio-economic groups. 
  • Variations in health are primarily a result of lifestyle differences, which are highly correlated with deprivation. Socio-economic deprivation must therefore be addressed if quality of health is to be improved. In particular, tackling lifestyle issues that affect health, such as smoking, diet, physical activity and variations in alcohol and drug misuse must be a priority.
  • Young people in the South West are of particular concern. Young females are showing increasing tendency to abuse alcohol and teenage pregnancy rates in some of the South West’s local authorities are very high.
  • The South West's population is ageing which has major implications for health and health services in the region.