Population survey 2024-2026

The purpose of the Population Survey 2024-2026 is specifically to follow the development of the Government of Greenland's public health program Inuuneritta's public health indicators and to describe and analyze other health conditions relevant to the Government and municipalities.

The population survey is used to monitor public health and has collected data on population health for 30 years: 1993-1994, 1999-2001, 2005-2010, 2014 and 2018. The sixth population survey will run from 2024 to 2026.

The population survey includes information on factors that affect our health, including health, gender identity, dental health, disability, mental health, smoking, growing up conditions, cannabis, alcohol, gambling, exercise, diet, ethnicity, sleep, suicide, grief, violence, sexual abuse, community, family, social media, education, housing, climate change and occupation. There is also an increased focus on including protective factors for health and well-being in a Greenlandic context. The questionnaire therefore includes topics such as community, nature experiences, family, Greenlandic food and language. In addition, “Sharing Circles” - group conversations that delve deeper into local strengths and values - will be used for the first time. This approach provides a broader understanding of local health and well-being.

The population survey is based on a broad, locally rooted and holistic understanding of health. The model “Peqqissuserput” (see model below) shows the determinants of health in a Greenlandic context. These determinants are covered as far as possible in the Population Survey 2024-2026.

The population surveys form an important foundation for public health monitoring and should be seen as a supplement to the information collected in the healthcare system. The population base is all young and adult citizens in Greenland (age 15+) who are randomly selected from the population register and data collection will take place through an interviewer administered questionnaire, individual clinical examinations, qualitative interviews and sharing circles. Data collection takes place one municipality at a time, where we must have a minimum of 600 respondents per municipality.

If you would like to know more about the Population Survey 2024-2026, you are also more than welcome to contact:

• Kirsten Nystrup - coordinates data collection from Nuuk
• Ingelise Olesen - research coordinator for the study