The panel study “Health in Germany”, commissioned by the Robert Koch Institute, is intended to provide regular information on the state of health of people in Germany (health monitoring).
The results serve as a scientifically sound basis for health policy decisions.
The aim of the panel is also to create the basis for various specialized health studies.
These follow-up studies will later be supplemented by medical examinations.
In total, more than 30,000 people aged 16 and over are to be included in the panel.
“Health in Germany” covers a broad spectrum of health-related issues.
The topics covered include “Physical health”, “Mental health”, “Social environment, living conditions”, “Health behavior, health risks” and “Health care”.
In a first step (“welcome survey”), people are recruited for inclusion in the panel on the basis of a residents’ registration office sample and basic information (socio-demographic characteristics, questions on general health status and behavior) is obtained about the respondents.
Participation in the survey is possible online or by post.
After this welcome survey, different subgroups of the panel will be surveyed several times a year on various other health topics.
At least three further panel surveys are planned for 2024.
The Robert Koch Institute conducts the online mode (Computer-Assisted Web Interview, CAWI), infas the offline mode (Paper and Pencil Interview, PAPI).
The field logistics, such as sample management and the dispatch of invitation, reminder and thank-you letters, are carried out by infas.
Further information is available on the study website .