The Great Health Survey - participants' page [1]
Dear participant,
How is your (mental) health? How healthy is your diet, or how often do you get tested for chronic diseases? And what is your opinion about our healthcare system?
These are just some of the things we want to find out in the Great Health Survey!
You received an invitation (and an access code) in your mailbox to participate in the Great Health Survey. This survey will be conducted in 2025 in all European Member States. With this survey, we aim to examine the health, lifestyle, and use of healthcare services among residents of Belgium. You are one of 6,500 people randomly selected to participate in our survey. Your participation can have a significant impact on health policy.
Our research is important for all of us. The results contribute to:
- a more scientifically based health policy, both in Belgium and other European Union countries
- better health and lifestyle for the population
- more accessible healthcare
What does your participation involve?
- Completing the online questionnaire, using the access code provided in the invitation letter
- If you don’t have a computer, or prefer not to complete the questionnaire online, you can always request a paper version
- You can complete the questionnaire until the date indicated on your invitation. After this deadline, you will no longer be able to respond
- Once you complete the questionnaire, you will receive a €20 voucher (Pluxee voucher). This voucher can be used in almost all major supermarkets
Frequently asked questions
Why is my participation important?
Your answers allow us to build a representative picture of the general health status of the population, their lifestyle, and their use of healthcare and preventive social and health services. Since the European Health Survey is being conducted simultaneously in all EU Member States, comparisons between the data collected in Belgium and that of other countries are possible.
How was I selected?
We randomly selected 6,500 people (aged 15 and older) based on the National Register. This number is large enough to make reliable statements about the population’s health.
What does this survey actually involve?
This survey is organized by Sciensano, the Belgian institute for health. Sciensano is responsible for the content of the survey, the analysis, and the transmission of (anonymous) results to Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union. We are working together with Statbel, the Belgian statistics bureau. Statbel selects the sample using the National Register. The Great Health Survey is conducted via an online questionnaire. To complete the questionnaire, you will need the access code mentioned in your invitation letter.
How long does it take to complete the survey?
It is estimated that the questionnaire will take about 30 minutes to complete. You can fill it out whenever it suits you best.
Is participation mandatory?
No, participation is not mandatory but is highly appreciated. We sincerely hope you will take part in this research, as your responses are essential for improving health policy.
Can I opt out if I am seriously ill or need to go to the hospital, for example?
This is not a mandatory survey, but to ensure the quality of the results, it is very important that selected individuals participate. However, we understand your situation and are aware that participation may be difficult for you.
Will I receive compensation for my participation?
Yes, if you complete the questionnaire in full, you will receive a €20 Pluxee voucher. This voucher will be sent to the same address used for the invitation letter.
Who is this survey aimed at?
The health survey targets residents of Belgium aged 15 and older, both those who feel completely healthy and those with health problems. We want to assess the health of the entire Belgian population. That’s why it’s important to interview both healthy and less healthy individuals.
Is there also a written questionnaire available?
Yes, normally the questionnaire is completed online. If you really want to participate but don’t have access to the online version, you can request a paper version by e-mail via EHIS@sciensano.be [2]. We’ll send it to you, and you can return the completed questionnaire free of charge (postage paid by recipient).
Will my answers remain confidential?
All personal data we collect is treated strictly confidentially. The data is stored and analysed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We guarantee that no identifying information will be shared with third parties. The dataset will be fully anonymized before being transmitted to Eurostat.
This research has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Ghent University Hospital.