Data summary on Make it Healthy now available
A new report—The Health and Wellbeing of People in Europe—was released by the Infra4nextGen project last month.
The data summary includes analysis from major cross-national surveys, with a specific focus on similarities and differences between age groups.
Written by experts from the Make it Healthy theme, the report explores four key areas influencing health: behavioural and psychosocial factors, material conditions, occupational factors, and access to healthcare.
Specifically, researchers analysed indicators including self-rated health, physical activity, nutrition, body mass index (BMI), trust, social contact, happiness, sense of control, housing problems, financial hardship, job quality, and access to healthcare.
As expected, younger people generally reported better self-rated health and higher levels of physical activity than older adults.
However, their average BMI values were close to the overweight threshold, and many reported financial constraints affecting food choices.
Material conditions revealed higher rates of housing problems and financial insecurity among young respondents, especially in urban areas.
Occupational indicators showed limited job control, higher exposure to hazards, and greater job insecurity among younger and female workers.
Unmet medical needs—not being able to access services—were also highest among young adults, particularly younger women and those who live in urban areas.
The data summary was written researchers based at Centre for Health Equity Analytics (CHAIN): Insa Backhaus-Hoven, Krisztina Gero, Mirza Balaj, Maria del Pilar Vidaurre i Texidó and Terje Andreas Eikemo.
The report states: "The report aims to support youth-oriented policy development by identifying disparities and emerging risks affecting younger generations."
The authors concluded that the health and wellbeing of young people is shaped by a wide range of social, economic, and structural conditions.
"Addressing these social determinants is critical to promoting equitable opportunities, supporting resilience, and unlocking the full potential of Europe's younger generations."
Data was analysed from three major cross-national surveys: the European Social Survey (Round 11, 2023/24), the International Social Survey Programme (2019 and 2021), and the European Quality of Life Survey (2016).
Read the report: The Health and Wellbeing of People in Europe
The Infra4NextGen project is funded by the European Union.
More information:
infra4nextgen.com/resources/da … a-summaries/healthy/
Provided by European Social Survey ERIC
