A RECENT health report conducted by the Irish Examiner has highlighted suicide and alcohol problems as the most prevalent health issues facing its citizens. In addition to this, between 15 and 15.4% of the county’s population is obese.
The nationwide report focused on each county giving statistics in various issues of health areas. According to the report, 128,280 people in Wexford or 88.3% of the population stated that they were in very good health – this was on a par with the national average.
However, suicide levels remain the fourth highest in the country and the rate of treatment for alcohol abuse is at the top end of the scale with 224.3 people per every 100,000 receiving treatment.
The rate of alcohol treatment in the county was also on the high end of the scale with 224.3 people per every 100,000 (aged 15-64) receiving help for alcohol-related issues.
The Health Board warns that the South East and North West, both of which have high alcohol treatment rates, have other common characteristics including high unemployment rates. However, whether this fuels harmful alcohol use is debatable.
[Full report in this week’s Echo]