Age and sex characteristics

Tables 4, 6 and 7 present the age groups and sex of the new individual patients/clients seen in 1998/99. Tables 30, 31 and 32 present this information by area of residence. The trends in the age and sex characteristics in the period 1992/93 and 1998/99 are shown in Table 5. A summary of the trend is shown in Charts 3 and 4 below.

Age profile 1994/95-1998/99 r As in previous years, the most common age group in 1998/99, accounting for nearly one third of individuals (31 per cent), is 20-24 years; the 25-29 age group accounts for a further 26 per cent. Fifteen per cent of individuals reported to the Database are under 20 years of age. r Data for years 95/96-97/98 are revised.

Sex profile 1994/95 -1998/99 r The overall gender profile of individuals attending services and reported to the Database has been consistent over each of the last five years: in 1998/99, 69 per cent were male and 31 per cent were female. r Data for years 95/96-97/98 are revised.

Ethnic origin

Tables 8 and 33 present information about the ethnic origin of the patients/clients attending services. Of the 8967 individuals whose ethnic origin was recorded in 1998/99, less than 1 per cent (38 individuals) were from an ethnic minority.