How healthy are the people of Estonia?
Starting on 1 May, residents of Estonia will receive invitations to participate in the Estonian Health Interview Survey, which aims to assess the health status of the population, factors influencing it, and the use of health services. The survey covers the entire population of Estonia aged 15 and older.
Karina Valma, leading analyst at Statistics Estonia, said that collecting data with the Health Interview Survey is necessary so that the state can better support people's health and well-being.
“The survey gives us a comprehensive overview of the health status of different population groups. It also allows us to see how health is linked to people's socio-economic status. In addition, the data can be used to estimate how many people need support due to their health conditions,” the analyst pointed out.
Opportunity to develop better health services and support healthy ageing
The data collected through the survey are very valuable, as the results will be used in planning public health programs and prevention measures and in evaluating existing activities.
“Estonia's results can later be compared with those of other European Union countries, which will make it possible to develop more effective health and social policies, reduce inequalities, and support healthy aging,” Valma noted.
Statistics Estonia is conducting this survey in Estonia for the fifth time in cooperation with the National Institute for Health Development. “The first Health Interview Survey was carried out in 1996, followed by surveys in 2006, 2014, and 2019. The data from different survey waves allow us to monitor changes over time, enabling us to guide health policy in a science-based manner,” said Jane Idavain, Head of the Health Statistics Department at the National Institute for Health Development, adding that the 2025 survey will continue until the end of this year.
The survey can be completed online or by telephone
The survey will involve a random sample of 8,500 people. All those selected for the sample will be notified by email. The survey questionnaire can be completed online or by telephone.
The initial notification will be sent to the email address indicated in the Population Register. If no email address is available, a notification letter is sent by post. The questionnaire takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and is voluntary for respondents.
The Estonian Health Interview Survey is conducted jointly by the National Institute for Health Development, Statistics Estonia, and the Ministry of Social Affairs. The activities are co-financed by the European Union.
When using Statistics Estonia’s data and graphs, please indicate the source.
For further information:
Heidi Kukk
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 5696 6484
press [at] stat.ee (press[at]stat[dot]ee)
