European Youth's Perception of Their Health Status
In the European Union (EU), a significant disparity exists in the long-term health issues faced by young women compared to men. According to recent data, women are more likely to experience long-term health problems, with the disparity being particularly pronounced in countries like Denmark (7.1% higher) and Finland (almost 11% higher).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Long-standing health problems, such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes, affect 16.3% of young people in the EU.
The perception of health among individuals in the EU is influenced by various factors, including overall health standards, social and cultural differences, and income level. Higher income is generally linked to better perceived health. In 2024, 86.7% of young people in the lowest income group perceived their health as good or very good, compared to 94.0% in the wealthiest group. This income-related gap is particularly pronounced in countries like the Netherlands and Denmark.
Socio-economic disparities strongly impact well-being, with lower income groups reporting lower levels of perceived health. In 2024, 90.1% of young people in the EU considered themselves to be in good or very good health, a decline from 92% in 2010.
Gender disparities also affect health perception. Men in the EU are more likely to report very good or good health than women (70.5% vs. 65.4% in 2023), with the gender health gap varying considerably by country. Young people in Romania, Greece, and Croatia have the highest self-reported health, with 98.2%, 97.7%, and 96.2% respectively.
Discrimination and structural inequalities further influence well-being. Discrimination in employment, education, housing, and healthcare limits economic opportunities and access to quality care, which in turn increases vulnerability to poor physical and mental health. LGBTI people, Roma, and Travellers, for example, report discrimination in healthcare settings, affecting their health outcomes and their confidence in accessing healthcare services.
Additional barriers to healthcare access for racialised populations include language difficulties, complex administrative procedures, economic costs, and cultural stereotypes or biases from healthcare providers. These factors compound socio-economic and gender disparities, creating systemic inequities in well-being.
In conclusion, the perception of health in the EU is shaped by a combination of socio-economic status, gender, cultural context, and experiences of discrimination. Higher income and male gender generally correlate with better perceived health, while discrimination and structural inequalities worsen health outcomes and access to care. The article does not provide information on the causes or potential solutions for these disparities, nor does it provide information on the long-term health issues faced by young men in the EU or young people in countries outside the EU.
- Although chronic diseases like cancer, stroke, and diabetes affect a higher percentage of young people in the EU, there is a growing concern about the prevalence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, in this demographic, which could have long-term effects on their overall health and well-being.
- Besides addressing the income-related disparities in healthcare access and health perception in countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, it's crucial to focus on women's health, as data indicates a significant disparity in long-term health issues faced by young women compared to men, with conditions like chronic diseases and medical-conditions being more prevalent among women.
- In line with promoting health and wellness for all, including fitness and exercise, it's essential to provide targeted mental health services, resources, and support for women, as well as address issues related to discrimination and access to quality care in areas like mental health and women's health, to ensure equitable health outcomes and improve the overall health landscape in the EU.
