Swedish Regions Launch 2026 Health Surveys to Track Community Wellbeing

Several Swedish regions, including Skåne, Västerbotten, and Värmland, have commenced comprehensive health surveys this year to assess the wellbeing of their residents and guide future public health planning. This coordinated effort, part of the National Public Health Survey "Health on Equal Terms," targets tens of thousands of randomly selected participants aged 16 and older.

In Skåne, nearly 100,000 residents received invitations via digital mailbox or postal mail to participate in the survey, offering both digital and paper response options. The survey, which closes on May 5, will yield results available in late 2026 or early 2027, presenting data for the region and its municipalities. Anna Råman, Region Skåne's analysis chief, stressed that understanding health, lifestyle habits, and living conditions is crucial for planning equitable healthcare and community development. Previously, Skåne's 2022 survey revealed mixed trends post-pandemic, like reduced stress and improved sleep counterbalanced by rising mental health issues, especially among young women, and increased obesity rates.

Region Västerbotten selected 21,500 residents for their edition of the "Hälsa på lika villkor" survey. This year, world beach volleyball champion David Åhman partners with the region to boost youth participation, a group of growing concern due to increasing mental health challenges. Åhman remarked, "If we can create a clearer picture of how we feel, it will also be easier to offer the right help in the future." The survey outcomes will be available by autumn 2026 on relevant health authority websites.

In Värmland, 17,000 residents will participate in a national health survey focusing on living conditions, lifestyle, and health metrics. Researcher Anu Molarius highlighted that the survey's results will play a significant role in shaping public health policies and allow for regional-national health comparisons.

Together, these surveys represent critical tools for Swedish regions to identify health disparities, prioritize interventions, and monitor evolving health trends, particularly around mental health and lifestyle-related conditions, helping to ensure tailored and equitable healthcare services across Sweden.