Short communication: Improving health statistics in the context of measuring quality of life in cities and urban regions

Abstract

Health statistics on urban areas require a specific approach. Health data are to be taken from various sources, for ex- ample from vital registration, health service utilisation records and surveys. Problems related to sampling as well as on inclusion and exclusion criteria challenge the collection of survey data on health, well-being and quality of life. Rural and urban area may have different share of institutionalised population, migrants and ethnic majorities, which may affect the results. Reporting bias is assumed to be similar in urban and rural areas. Data from surveys may not be available or may not be released due to limited coverage of a single municipal and data protection rules. Budget cuts in official statistics and falling participation rates affect all surveys. International collaboration is required to harmonise the survey methods and questionnaires on self-assessed health, well-being and quality of life in order to ensure comparability.