Work

Political, social and environmental indicators relevant to non-communicable diseases in Germany

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Health is related to political, social and environmental contexts. These contextual factors impact behaviour like smoking, physical inactivity and poor diet, which are risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We highlight recent trends for selected contextual factors relevant to NCDs in Germany. Methods Using a broad definition of contextual factors including relational factors and measures, indicators were selected and operationalised through a multi-stage Delphi process. Results are provided for the indicators means of transport, tobacco control, prevention expenditure, consumer price index, food taxation, and poverty risk rate with data for 2008-2023 from various sources. Results Between 2008-2017, cars were the main means of transport. In 2017, 40% of distances were covered by driving a car and 14% by being a car passenger, followed by walking (22%), cycling (11%), and public transport (9%). Based on the European Tobacco Control Scale, Germany remained among the five lowest-ranked European countries between 2015 and 2021. In the German health care system, the share of prevention expenditure for measures intended to prevent the occurrence or spread of diseases at an initial or early stage remained stable between 1992 (3.7%) and 2020 (3.6%), but rose in 2021 (6.6%) and 2022 (7.9%) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The consumer price index shows a rise in food prices since 2015, with smaller increases for sweets and ready-made meals. Food and beverage value added tax rates remained unchanged since 1990 at 7% and 19%, respectively, independent from their health value. In 2023, 16.6% of the population and 20.7% of children in Germany were at risk of poverty, compared to 15.7% and 19.7% in 2015. Conclusions Findings suggest a need for stronger policy efforts across these factors. Monitoring trends is essential for developing evidence-based preventive measures. Additional indicators are being developed to reflect a broader spectrum of contextual conditions. Key messages • Contextual factors such as transportation, tobacco control, prevention expenditure, food taxation and poverty risk affect population health and must be considered in NCD prevention. • Observed contextual factors reflect a great potential for improvement in Germany regarding the prevention of NCDs, underlining the need for stronger targeted policy interventions.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf161.868

Authors: L Neuperdt, O Tuncer, S Jordan, A Starker, S Müters, C Heidemann

Institution: Robert Koch Institute

Language: English

Topic: Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181