Európske zisťovanie o zdraví
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European Health Interview Survey (EHIS)
The European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) is a sample survey that provides comprehensive data on the health status of the population and health-related topics. In Slovakia, it has been conducted since 2009, and the year 2025 marks the fourth wave of this survey.
What is the objective of the survey?
The aim of the EHIS survey is to obtain a picture of the population’s health status, use of healthcare services, and factors that positively or negatively influence public health through statistical data and health indicators. Data collection, carried out according to a harmonized methodology, allows for international comparison of health data across all EU Member States.
The indicators from the EHIS survey are of great importance for meeting policy needs and requirements set out in specific European strategies (e.g., the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the EU Global Health Strategy to improve global health security and ensure better health for all, the EU4Health programme). They are also an essential basis for addressing current health-related challenges within the EU, such as population ageing, health inequalities, and the quality and functionality of healthcare systems. The data from the survey are used by international organizations, particularly the WHO and OECD, and at the national level by state institutions and universities for scientific and research purposes.
When and where will the survey be conducted?
The survey is conducted every 5 to 6 years, and in 2025 it will take place from July 1 to December 31. Based on random sampling, more than 7,000 households have been selected for the 2025 survey in approximately 400 municipalities and towns across Slovakia, including the city districts of Bratislava and Košice.
Who will answer the questions?
The target population consists of individuals aged 15 and over who reside in private households in the territory of the Slovak Republic at the time of data collection.
What will we ask?
The survey covers, among other things, questions about the prevalence of chronic diseases, the use of inpatient and outpatient care, medication use, body height and weight, physical activity, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol consumption habits, and more.
Compared to the previous wave, the fourth wave of the survey places greater emphasis on the area of mental health.
How are the household data provided to the office protected?
All data from the questionnaires are exclusively used for state statistics, are confidential and protected according to the Slovak and European legislation. The final statistical information is always published aggregated and it is not possible to identify data on a specific household and person from it.
Can the respondent refuse to complete the questionnaire?
National legislation requires selected respondents to provide the necessary information, in accordance with Act No. 540/2001 Coll. on State Statistics, as amended. Employees of the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic are bound by a duty of confidentiality regarding all statistical and personal data obtained through their work.
The survey is also part of the European Statistical Programme and is carried out based on applicable European legislation, Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2023/2529 implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1700 of the European Parliament and of the Council. These regulations precisely define how the survey should be conducted. They specify the scope, frequency, and territorial level at which the data collection must be carried out to ensure compliance with a harmonized and internationally comparable methodology.
The Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic appreciates the willingness of all respondents who participate in the survey, as their involvement helps to identify societal issues and obtain high-quality and reliable information. In doing so, they contribute to finding solutions and fostering positive change.
How will the questionnaire be completed? How will the survey be conducted?
- The Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic contacts the selected household by letter, providing details about their inclusion in the survey. The letter also includes the name of the responsible person from the Statistical Office, along with their email address and telephone number.
- Selected households can verify the legitimacy of the survey and confirm their inclusion by contacting the managers of the eight regional offices listed in the letter or in the following table: Kontakty vedúcich oddelení pre terénne zisťovania v krajoch SR format (XLSX 24 kB) alebo format (ODS 17 kB).
- The respondent can subsequently reschedule or modify the date of the interviewer’s visit to their household, or choose an alternative meeting location outside their home. A face-to-face meeting with the interviewer is beneficial, as it speeds up the questionnaire completion and allows for more accurate and comprehensive responses (interviewers are trained in the survey methodology).
- The interviewer from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic shall present a special authorization (identification card) during the personal meeting.
- The municipality/town itself is also separately informed about the implementation of the survey and assists in addressing respondents' questions.
When and where will the results be available after processing?
After processing, the results are published in various breakdowns (e.g., by sex, age, economic status) in the products of the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic on its website, namely:
- in the public DATAcube. database in chapter 1.5 Health
- in the publication (in 2026).
Where can I find the results from the previous surveys?
The results from the previous statistical surveys on health are available on website of the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic in various statistical outputs.
For the SR:
- in the publications available in the Catalogue of Publications Pohľad na zdravotný stav obyvateľstva SR a jeho determinanty (výsledky EHIS 2014), and EHIS 2009 - Európske zisťovanie o zdraví 2009,
- in the public Datacube. database on the website of the office in the chapter
1.5.1 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS).
For the EU:
- in the Eurostat database in chapter Health