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New study exposes unhealthy divisions
HEALTH inequalities between the richest and poorest parts of Camden have been brutally exposed in a new report.
The Camden Primary Care Trust (PCT) annual public health report highlights stark differences in life expectancy and incidence of disease across the borough.
Director of Health Dr Anthony Kessel is the author of the report.
He said: "It's the 19th most deprived borough out of 354. There's a huge range in deprivation and wealth across the borough. It's quite shocking that the average age a male will live to is just over 69 on average in St Pancras and Somers Town, compared to Hampstead Town where one lives to over 81 on average. There's over 11 years difference - that figure alone illustrates the range of health and inequality within the area."
Male life expectancy in St Pancras and Somers Town is the second lowest of any ward in the capital. The unemployment rate there is 9.7 per cent compared to 1.7 per cent in Hampstead Town.
Around 1,400 Camden residents die each year and the most common causes of death were cancer (25 per cent), coronary heart disease (19 per cent) and respiratory system disorders (11 per cent).
The study reveals approximately 30 per cent of adults smoke in Camden compared to 25 per cent across England. And some of the highest rates of smoking are found in St Pancras and Somers Town, West Hampstead and Kilburn.
Dr Kessel said: "If you ever had a doubt about the link between smoking, deprivation and health you could overlay the map showing deprivation with that showing smoking prevalence, life expectancy and deaths from circulatory diseases."
The PCT hopes the ban on smoking in public places will make a difference and recommends a publicity campaign to coincide with it.
Dr Kessel said: "There is a huge amount of work we are doing and need to continue to do to stop people smoking."
Camden has the fourth highest alcohol-related death rate in London and between 2001 and 2003 the ambulance call-out rate for alcohol-related incidents was 380 per 100,000 people - more than double the figure for London as a whole. But in contrast to other health indicators, the incidence of binge drinking among adults is highest in some of the richest wards such as Hampstead, Fortune Green and Belsize.
To tackle the problem, the PCT is employing specialist alcohol workers in accident and emergency wards in the borough's hospitals. It also recommends more programmes with young people in schools.
The news is not all doom and gloom in Camden. A higher percentage of people in Camden reported their health as good (71.3) than in England (68.8) although again there were wide variations between wards. And despite being the 19th most deprived borough, the level of adult obesity in Camden is 15.5 per cent - significantly lower than the average for England of 22.1 per cent.
Dr Kessel said: "Fruit and vegetable consumption is significantly higher for Camden children and adults than for England as a whole. Obesity tends to follow deprivation as well - it doesn't quite add up."
haroon.siddique@hamhigh.co.uk
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