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National Institute of Public Health
Our knowledge creates public health
News from the National Institute of Public Health
Week 11 2026
11.03.2026
New research: These groups are particularly vulnerable in future crises
It has been six years since Denmark shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New studies show which groups were at particular risk of suicidal thoughts and psychological distress during the pandemic – knowledge that, according to the researchers, can be used if society is again hit by a crisis.
Week 10 2026
05.03.2026
The health of Danes in 2025: On many fronts, the development is heading in the wrong direction
Danes live longer, but at the same time the number of years lived in good health is declining. Mental well-being is declining, and the proportion with unhealthy diet has increased, and the same applies to the proportion with long-term illness. At the same time, social inequality in health is pronounced. This is documented by new results from The Danish National Health Survey 2025, which is published today.
Week 09 2026
26.02.2026
Good advice is not enough for a good night’s sleep
Most Danes are familiar with the advice on good sleep, yet many still have unhelpful sleep habits, a new report shows. The researchers behind the report point out that sleep is also shaped by the conditions of everyday life – and that sleep should be considered as part of broader prevention efforts.
Week 08 2026
18.02.2026
People with intellectual disabilities are screened markedly less often for colorectal cancer
A new register-based study shows that people with intellectual disabilities participate to a much lesser extent in the national colorectal cancer screening programme than other Danes.
Week 06 2026
04.02.2026
Ethical values in dementia care reveal shared principles – but also differences across the EU
What ethical values guide the care of people with dementia across EU countries? A new international study has mapped the values underlying national dementia strategies in 17 European countries. The findings show both shared principles and substantial differences.
Week 05 2026
28.01.2026
Children’s Screen Use Ties Parents in Emotional Knots
Screens, smartphones, games and social platforms take up a large part of most children’s leisure time as entertainment, social interaction and communication. But for many parents, children’s screen use is a persistent emotional burden, according to a new scientific study.
Week 04 2026
21.01.2026
Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Disorders Cost Society DKK 58 Billion a Year
Pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and joints is not only a daily burden for many Danes – it also has major consequences for the economy. This is shown in a new analysis from the National Institute of Public Health, which estimates the total economic losses associated with musculoskeletal pain.
Week 03 2026
14.01.2026
Most Greenlandic children are thriving and have strong relationships
The vast majority of children and young people in Greenland are doing well. They report a high quality of life, feel comfortable with their peers and teachers, and have close relationships, according to a new study of the health and wellbeing of Greenlandic schoolchildren. However, the study also identifies more concerning trends, including an increase in bullying and a decline in physical activity.
Week 02 2026
07.01.2026
Decentralisation of services reduces geographical and social inequality in health
One of the aims of the upcoming health reform is to create a healthcare system that is closer to citizens and thereby address inequality in access to health services. Researchers have now examined whether the decentralisation of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation can make a difference.
Week 51 2025
17.12.2025
Fewer ninth-grade students have tried cannabis
The share of ninth-grade students who have ever tried smoking cannabis has been halved over the past decades. In 1999, nearly one in four students had experience with cannabis. In 2024, this applies to only about one in eight.
Week 49 2025
03.12.2025
What Should We Keep an Eye On in 2026? A Good and Long Life Sets the Direction
The National Institute of Public Health is now publishing A Good and Long Life – Public Health in Focus 2026, a new annual publication that brings together the health challenges which, in the institute’s assessment, require particular attention from professionals and decision-makers.
Week 48 2025
26.11.2025
Young people with heavy substance use face a heightened risk of serious accidents and traumatic brain injuries
Danish teenagers who start drinking, smoking, using tobacco and nicotine products, and experimenting with drugs at an early age run a greater risk of ending up in hospital because of accidents, violence, and traumatic brain injuries. This is shown in a new study from the National Institute of Public Health.
Week 47 2025
20.11.2025
Created a Fake TikTok Profile – and Saw a Flood of Illegal Tobacco and Nicotine Ads
Researchers created a 13-year-old fake profile and were shown videos featuring tobacco and nicotine products, even though such content violates both Danish regulations and TikTok’s own guidelines.
Week 46 2025
12.11.2025
Psychological Partner Violence Can Continue Long After the Breakup
Psychological violence can persist even after the victim has left their partner and sought help at a crisis center. This is shown in new research from the National Institute of Public Health.
Week 45 2025
05.11.2025
Art and culture can boost young people’s mental health and well-being
Initiatives involving visual arts, music, dance and theatre can have a positive impact on young people’s self-esteem and confidence. This is shown in a new mapping study, which also points to what is needed for art and culture to succeed as a tool for health promotion.