THE proportion of 16- to 34-year-olds with a long-term health condition has risen from one-in-ten Islanders to one-in-three in eight years.
The figures were revealed in the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey 2025, which was published yesterday by Statistics Jersey.
The annual survey provides insight into how Islanders live and work, and their opinions on a range of issues – with responses helping to inform policy making decisions.
More than 4,000 households were randomly selected to take part in the survey between May and July 2025, with around 1,400 questionnaires completed. The results were weighted to be broadly representative of Jersey’s adult population.
The survey revealed that the proportion of Islanders with a long-term health condition or illness has increased to 35% this year, from 26% in 2017.
According to the data, this has been primarily driven by the increase in the proportion of 16- to 34-year-olds with a long-term health condition – from one-in-ten (12%) in 2017 to one-in-three (30%) in 2025. Anxiety levels were also highest within this age group.
Survey respondents were asked to imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom – meaning “worst possible life” – to 10 at the top – meaning “best possible life”. They were then asked rate which step of the ladder they feel they stand.
Adults with a long-standing health condition had a lower average life ladder rating, according to the survey. The proportion of Islanders who placed themselves on step seven or higher was 48% for those with long-standing health condition, compared to 69% of those without.
Meanwhile, one-in-five adults (22%) had, or were concerned they had, high blood pressure, while one-in-fourteen (7%) had, or were concerned they had, Type 2 Diabetes.
One-in-seven (14%) identified as having a neurodiverse condition – the most common being ADHD (6%), dyslexia (5%) and autism (5%).
Adult prevalence of ADHD is currently estimated at 3-4% in the UK, where health secretary Wes Streeting has recently launched a review into the rising demand for mental health, ADHD and autism services.
It is now estimated to take up to five years to get an ADHD diagnosis in Jersey, with the service facing challenges in managing referrals and prescribing.
Over 1,000 Islanders are currently awaiting an assessment for the neuro-developmental condition.
