How are the women in Germany? The Women’s Health Report of German Federal Health Reporting

Abstract

Abstract Issue The aim of Federal health reporting (GBE) is to continuously provide up-to-date information on the population's health and healthcare utilisation in Germany. Since women and men differ significantly in terms of health and disease, health reporting should always take gender into account. Description of the Problem A new report on women's health in Germany is published in mid-2020 by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), containing data on women's health situation, health behaviour and health care. GBE publications are based on a comprehensive database, including official statistics, RKI health monitoring data, routine data and cancer registry data. We will present exemplary data on key indicators of the report. Results Life expectancy of women in Germany has been rising for many decades. With currently 83.2 years, it is at the EU average. Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death, accounting for 40% of all deaths. The second leading cause of death in women is cancer. With about 69,000 new cases per year, breast cancer is most common, although incidence and mortality rates have significantly declined. 53% of women in Germany are overweight (EU: 44%), 22% undertake health-enhancing physical activities at least once a week (EU: 10%), the 30-day prevalence of binge drinking is 19% (EU: 10%). Women with a migration background have a lower prevalence of risky alcohol consumption and practice physical activities less frequently. A low birth rate and the postponement of the first birth to a later age are characteristic for Germany (summarized birth rate: 1.57). The caesarean section rate slightly decreased to 30.5% in 2017. In 2018 there were 100,986 terminations of pregnancy, with a declining trend. Lessons The Women's Health Report provides an overview of key issues of women's health in Germany. These can help to improve prevention and health care. In some areas (e.g. benign gynaecological diseases), there are still data gaps in spite of high prevalences. Key messages The Women's Health Report of Federal Health Reporting is published in mid-2020 and provides an overview of key issues of women's health in Germany. Women’s life expectancy in Germany has been rising for many decades and is currently 83.2 years, with cardiovascular diseases and cancer still being the most common causes of death.