Social inequalities impact the EU population’s health, states EuroHealthNet report

Social inequalities impact the EU population’s health, states EuroHealthNet report

On 25 September, EuroHealthNet published a report on social inequalities in health in the EU. The report explores the concept of Health Inequalities, which are differences in people’s health that are linked to social disadvantage. They are caused by obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, lack of power, and unequal access to the resources that help people stay healthy. These include fair jobs, safe environments, quality education, housing, healthcare, and social support. These factors are called the social determinants of health. 

Research shows that healthcare explains just 10% of differences in health. 5 Structural factors drive the rest: financial security, housing, the environment, social networks, and working and living conditions. These factors reflect deeper inequalities in power and opportunity. They shape the conditions in which people live and restrict the choices available to them.

The report provided statistics on self-reported health and mental health: 

• In 2024, almost one in three (30%) Europeans reported their health as fair to very poor. This represents a slight overall decline in poor health (1.8%), although there were large variations between countries. Moreover, across Europe, people with the lowest education are about twice as likely to report poor health (40%) as those with the highest education (20%). 
• The report also stated that, across Europe, one in eight adults (12%) reported poor mental health in 2024. This has not changed much compared to 2014, despite changes within and between countries. 
• Moreover, the report also states there are rising levels of chronic diseases in Northern and Western Europe, with more people living with multiple chronic health conditions at the same time. By contrast, chronic diseases are decreasing in Eastern Europe, except in Lithuania, where they continue to grow.

Moreover, the report concluded that the the strongest factor explaining mental health and health inequalities is people’s feeling about their financial situation, whether they believe they have enough money to live comfortably

EuroHealthNet Report on Social Inequalities in Health in the EU available here.