Health Characteristics
Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada.
Vital Signs Data
Updated March 8, 2024
Research shows that the social determinants of health (SDOH) can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. SDOH includes factors such as economic stability, access to health care, physical environment, education, food quality and access, and community and social contact.
HPE health characteristics
Prince Edward County is within the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) health region.
| 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 (2015 to 2017) | -- | 82.6 years |
| obese adults | 31.2% | 35.1% | 34.1% | 28.1% |
| healthy diet: fruits & 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)
PEC birth and death rates
| PEC 2006 | PEC 2011 | PEC 2016 | PEC 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth in years (HPE) | -- | -- | 80.1 | -- |
| Births (5 years) | 906 | 891 | 899 | 898 |
| Deaths (5 years) | 1,521 | 1,600 | 1,504 | 1,709 |
PEC 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 |
Health trends in Canada
Self-reported health characteristics 2015 to 2020: Statistics Canada Health Characteristics
- Increasing rates of poor mental health
- Increasing body mass index among adults
- Increasing rates of diabetes
- Decreasing body mass index among youth
- Decreasing rates of smoking
- Decreasing rates of heavy drinking
- Increased rates of influenza immunization
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
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