Standardization of national data collection activities for European health information on nutrition and physical activity

Standardization of national data collection activities for a European Health Information System on Nutrition and Physical Activity

Background:

Against the background of the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the European population, standardised data collection becomes increasingly important for the early assessment of health risks and the application of suitable, evidence based measures. For that purpose, the comparability of national health data at European level is an essential precondition. The establishment of common European indicators on nutrition and physical activity in national health reporting activities is a key issue regarding comparability of national data at European level. Indicators on both determinants have already been suggested.

Question:

This paper analyses to what extend data for the suggested indicators are already available and whether there is any indication of the comparability of already existing data.

Method:

Data on available national health data on nutrition and physical activity in the EU Member States, EEA and candidate countries were collected and analysed.

Results:

The majority of the countries investigated hold available data for the indicators on nutrition and/ or physical activity. Available data differ, however, to a considerable extend with respect to geographical coverage, applied methods of data collection, data collection intervals and used indicators.

Discussion: Due to the heterogeneity of available national data on nutrition and physical activity, there is a strong need to further pave the way for the establishment of European Indicators on nutrition and physical activity

Summary:

Different national circumstances in health reporting systems imply considerable challenges for the standardization of national data collection activities. In order to provide for the comparability of national data at European level it is indispensable to further develop and establish a European indicator system as well as methods of data collection. Sustainability of standardization efforts can only be ensured if national peculiarities and specifics in the assessments of both risk factors are carefully considered.