There are over 7,000 births per annum in Devon. The rates of births by age group over time shows increasing rates of births to mothers aged 35 and above and decreasing rates in those aged under 35. The rate of births to mothers aged 40 is now just above the rate in under 20 year olds which is showing a gradual decrease. Overall teenage conception rates are showing a strong downward trend, a pattern that is also seen nationally. The Health Survey for England found among boys and girls aged two to 15, the proportion of children who were classified as obese increased from 11.7% in 1995 and peaking at 18.9% in 2004.The national childhood measurement programme (NCMP) records height and weight in children in both Reception year and in Year 6 although there is fluctuation, rates of obesity are relatively stable in both. Nationally according to the health survey for England obesity among adults rose from 15% in 1993 to 26% in 2010, with higher rates seen in adults aged between 45 and 74. There were 548 hospital admissions for self-harm in persons aged 10 to 24 in Devon in 2012-13. Within the 10 to 24 age group admission rates were highest in those aged 15 to 19. Admission rates also are higher in more deprived areas. Rates of hospital admission for self-harm are three times higher in females than males and the gap has widened in recent years.
Inequalities in Health affecting children and young people in Devon
Source: Devon Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Devon Overview, 2015