Vital Signs Data
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Social Determinants of Health
Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics
Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics
| Health Status Indicator | HPE 2015/16 | HPE 2017/18 | HPE 2019/20 | Ontario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| perceived health: very good or excellent | 53.1% | 58.9% | 54.5% | 61.8% |
| perceived mental health: very good or excellent | 66.1% | 67.7% | 59.9% | 64.7% |
| life satisfaction: satisfied or very satisfied | 90.5% | 92.3% | 92.6% | 92.7% |
| life expectancy at birth in years | 80.1 years | 80.1 years (2015 to 2017) | -- | 82.6 years |
| obese adults | 31.2% | 35.1% | 34.1% | 28.1% |
| healthy diet: fruit and vegetables 5+ times daily | 25.6% | -- | -- | 27.8% |
| physical activity: 150 minutes/week, adults | 55.6% | 52.0% | -- | 54.9% |
| has a regular healthcare provider | 92.8% | 88.4% | 85.4% | 90.6% |
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01 Health characteristics, two-year period estimates
Source: Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0389-01 Life expectancy
Perceived good health is considerably lower than the province. The older population could be a factor. The status was rising in 2017/18 but fell in 2019/20, possibly influenced by the pandemic.
Perceived good mental health status across all age groups declined in 2019/20.
Obesity: In adults in HPE and Ontario, rates of obesity have been increasing over time. HPE is 6 percentage points higher than the provincial average. There are higher rates of overweight and obesity in adults in rural areas.
Access to a regular healthcare provider decreased from 92.8% to 85.4% (2016 to 2020), 5.2% less than average for Ontario. Also see PEC Health Care Services – doctor access.
Rates of chronic disease
HPE residents fall within several high-risk health categories. When compared with the province, the median age of citizens is higher, as is the prevalence of chronic disease. HPE has a high level of potentially avoidable mortality, which is the combination of both treatable and preventable causes of death when compared to Ontario.
See Prince Edward Family Health Team Living Well with Chronic Conditions (COPD, CHF, diabetes, asthma, depression (mild-moderate), or attending Cardiac Rehab)
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
SDG 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness. Canadians in the lowest income group are 3 to 4 times more likely than those in the highest income group to report poor to fair mental health. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Pandemic-related lockdowns intensified a sense of isolation and disconnection, and people have lost their sense of safety as well as certainty about the future, jobs and lives. (Canadian Mental Health Association, “COVID-19 Effects the Mental Health of Vulnerable Populations”) The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on all ages, especially impacting youth mental health. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) 2021 survey found that 59% of students surveyed said the pandemic has made them feel depressed about the future, and 18% had seriously contemplated suicide in the past year.
The increased need for mental health services is further straining a system that was already overwhelmed. Local mental health support for both children and adults is scarce, with long waitlists and limited services. Addiction treatment requires travel to Kingston for the nearest detox program. PEC OPP have seen a 25% Increase in mental health act incidents in 2023 (over the 9 year average 2014 to 2023). (Police Services Board 2024 Report)
Mental Health of PEC Youth
The Greater Than County Youth Collective PEC youth surveys in 2021 captured the experiences of County youth between the ages of 12-29. Overall, 72 youth participated in the surveys and 19 took part in focus groups. The report compared results from youth surveys in 2017, 2018, and 2021. See the full report.
The most vulnerable subgroups include those who are racialized, low-income, are living with disabilities, and LGBTQSIA+ youth. Barriers to mental health support expressed by PEC youth are:
- long wait times for mental health support
- the desire for counsellors with lived experience, esp. to support LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC youth
- transportation, especially for those in rural areas and youth with physical disabilities.
Problematic Substance Use
Substance use disorder (sometimes called problematic substance use or substance abuse) happens when a person’s use of certain drugs or other substances, including alcohol and tobacco, causes health problems or problems at work, school, or home.
Substance use can lead to a brain injury, particularly in the case of opioids or impairment from alcohol and other drugs. (Brain Injury Canada)
Substance use was on the rise in Canada during COVID-19. Canadians who described their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ were more likely to have increased their use of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco during the early stages of the pandemic. Their increased substance use is attributed to feelings of stress and anxiety, loss of routine and social isolation. (Canadian Mental Health Association, “COVID-19 Effects the Mental Health of Vulnerable Populations”)
Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)
Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)
Problematic substance use in the Hastings Prince Edward Health Region (HPEC) is higher than the Ontario average.
| Problematic Substance Use | HPE 2016 | HPE 2018 | HPE 2020 | HPE 2021 | HPE 2022 | Ontario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| opioid overdoses hospital attended, per 100K | 40.3 | 63 | 123.6 | 113.8 | 78.8 | 80.2 |
| opioid-related deaths, per 100K | 7.3 | 11.5 | 16.9 | 17.5 | 18 | 16.7 |
| cannabis harms hospital attended, per 100K | 68 | 205.8 | -- | 212.9 | -- | 121.9 |
| alcohol harms hospitals attended, per 100K | 558.5 | 600.7 | 555.6 | 596.4 | -- | 543.3 |
| adult self-reported heavy drinking | 17.5% | 27.6% | 16.3% | -- | -- | 15.6% |
| adult self-reported daily smoking | 21.2% | 21.5% | 16.1% | -- | -- | 13% |
Sources:
- Public Health Ontario Interactive Opioid Tool
- Public Health Ontario Cannabis Harms
- Public Health Ontario Alcohol Harms
- Public Health Ontario Smoking Status
- Source: Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01 Health characteristics, two-year period estimates
Increased Health Risks for Seniors
Hastings Prince Edward residents face increased health risks, with a higher median age and greater prevalence of chronic diseases (Ontario Public Health)and amputations (Ontario Health) compared to the provincial average.
Support is essential for:
- Preventive healthcare
- Helping seniors live independently at home longer
Birth & Death Rates for Prince Edward County
| PEC 2006 | PEC 2011 | PEC 2016 | PEC 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth in years (Hastings Prince Edward) | -- | -- | 80.1 | -- |
| Births (5 years) | 906 | 891 | 899 | 898 |
| Deaths (5 years) | 1,521 | 1,600 | 1,504 | 1,709 |
Prince Edward County Birth Rates by Age
| Year | Total births | Ages <=19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 188 | 8 | 37 | 57 | 62 | 24 |
| 2020 | 190 | 4 | 23 | 58 | 58 | 47 |
