Diabetes, chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Germany and Europe (EHIS-3 Survey)

Abstract Background We examined the prevalence of major NCD groups (diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD)) as well as self-rated health (SRH) and health-related limitation in everyday activities among those with one of these NCD in Germany and Europe (average of 28 European countries (EU-28)). Methods Data was derived from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS-3, 2019/20). Health indicators were: self-reported diabetes, CRD and CVD in the past 12 months; SRH (very good/good vs. fair, bad, very bad) and health-related limitations in usual everyday activities for at least 6 months (severe/moderate vs. no limitation). Educational level was operationalized via ISCED-11. Analyses are age-standardized to the European Standard Population 2013. Results Prevalence of major NCD in Germany were statistically significantly higher than in the EU-28: diabetes 8.1% vs. 7.1%, CRD 11.2% vs. 7.9% and CVD 6.6% vs. 5.4%. Highest prevalence was observed in the lowest educational group and lowest prevalence in the highest educational group for all of these NCD in Germany as well as in the EU-28. The proportion of a very good/good SRH among people having one of these NCD was higher in Germany compared to the EU-28: for people with diabetes 35.8% vs. 31.0%, with CRD 45.6% vs. 42.9% and with CVD 25.3% vs.19.1%. The proportion of health-related limitations among those having at least one of these NCD varied according to educational level in Germany as well as in the EU-28 with a higher prevalence among people with low educational level compared to high. Conclusions Even though prevalence of these NCD were higher in Germany, a higher proportion of very good/good SRH for people with one of these NCD was observed compared to the EU-28. Many factors such as severity of disease, disease management and care could explain this difference. Social inequalities were present not only in the prevalence of NCD but also in health-related limitations in Germany and Europe. Key messages • Prevalence of self-reported major NCD were higher in Germany while self-rated health among people having NCD was better than in Europe. • Health equity interventions in Germany and Europe are necessary.