Eurobarometer Study Research Articles

O.1.3-7 Hungarian Active Lifestyle (HEPA) Strategy 2033

Abstract Inactivity and obesity crisis is getting serious in Hungary in the last decade. According to the latest Eurobarometer studies (2022) 59% of the population are inactive and do not meet the WHO minimum physical activity recommendations. Besides, research shows that nearly 60% of Hungarian adults are overweight or obese, and every fifth child as well. As a respond to these challenges in 2023 the first ever Hungarian Active Leisure (HEPA) strategy has been prepared. As a first step we have created a sectoral map and interviewed potential action partners, including all the most recognized stakeholders from the recreation, sport, health and education sector. After a deep overview of the relevant literature, international guidelines and best practices the team of experts chose the OECD/WHO ‘Policy options to increase PA intervention’ model to follow (2023) as theoretical framework for future interventions. The major focus areas of interventions such as School-based interventions, Workplace-based interventions, Interventions of the Healthcare settings, Interventions in the sports sector and Information and communication policies must have been extended with three more areas: Urban design and transport policies, Natural environment and at last Seniors and Socially and economically disadvantaged citizens. A number of programs have already been piloted (just like Active School Program, Sport Clubs for Health, Workplace interventions or Senior - Pre-school children’s recreational-sport activities together) with great results. Indicators are not only the growing numbers of participants but also successful pilot programs are spreading and more and more work-places, local communities and sport clubs open up to follow these examples all over the country. Hopefully, in the medium and long term both physical activity rates will increase and health and well-being benefits are going to be significant too. Sources: https://sport.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eurobarometer-on-sport-and-physical-activity https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/step-up-tackling-the-burden-of-insufficient-physical-activity-in-europe_540a3e56-en#page1

Opportunities and challenges of the Internet of Things

Abstract Nowadays, Internet of Things devices are everywhere and their importance and impact on society has increased significantly in the past years. On one hand, Internet of Things devices can bring multiple business opportunities as well as major positive changes to our daily lives. On the other hand, the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things universe comes with important security risks, forcing both users and companies to consider the vulnerability of these devices as well as the confidentiality of the data they generate. The main objective of this paper is to improve current understanding of the Internet of Things by providing a comprehensive overview of the main challenges and opportunities associated with these new communication technologies in various domains and industries. Secondly, the data sets from two Special Eurobarometer studies are analysed to further explore the attitudes, perceptions and experiences of European citizens towards technology and cybersecurity. Using SPSS software, one-way ANOVA and other standard statistical analysis of the data were performed. The results show that the level of awareness of cybercrimes among European citizens has increased. Another key finding is that technology users from European countries remain highly concerned about security issues online. These findings might be of interest for scholars, policymakers, service providers or firms from different industries and can further stimulate the development of local and European initiatives to address and solve these issues.

Physical Activity and Its Determinants among Senior Residents of Podlasie, a Green Region of Poland, Based on the National PolSenior Study.

Physical activity is essential at all stages of life, and particularly so in the later years. The main objectives of the present work was to evaluate the physical activity of seniors, aged 65 years and older, living in the area of the Podlaskie voivodeship (Podlasie), Poland, based on the results of the nationwide PolSenior project, and to formulate recommendations for health policies implemented by both national and local government units. The study was performed as part of the national PolSenior project, whose aim was to evaluate various aspects of aging in Poland. The physical activity of a group of 186 randomly-selected people aged 65 years and above, 94 men and 92 women, was evaluated by questionnaire. The analysis included participants who took part in physical activity at least several times a week. Although all participants reported a decline in physical activity with age, the men remained physically active for longer. Among the respondents, 68.3% of women and 62.7% of men took short walks around the house as the main form of exercise, with working on the allotment or garden being another frequent activity; however, this was more common among men (53.9%) than women (34.7%). In addition, men were nearly twice as likely to take part in cycling (31.5%) than women (13.1%). The greatest motivation for physical activity given by the respondents was health, as noted by 73.8% of the men and 77.7% of the women. The physical activity of seniors in Podlasie is unsatisfactory and does not fulfil the WHO recommendations regarding the prophylaxis and prevention of chronic illness. This level does not, however, significantly differ from that reported in the nationwide PolSenior study or in other European countries in the Eurobarometer study. The decline in physical activity with age highlights the need for its greater promotion among seniors by local authorities. Such initiatives will help maintain the physical fitness and independence of this age group and contribute to a greater quality of life.

Artificial Intelligence Applications and Impact on Consumers – With a View on Romanian Consumers’ Perceptions and Attitudes Related to AI

Artificial Intelligence based technologies are becoming more and more pervasive in people’s lives. Whether it takes the form of machine learning algorithms, Internet of Things smart devices, virtual assistants, chatbots, robots, AR/VR experiences, consumers are faced directly or indirectly, conscientiously or unconscientiously, with a variety of incarnations of what is generically called AI. The current debate surrounding AI seems to focus on a few major aspects related to this next technological breakthrough. Right from the start, there is intense discussion even around the definition of AI: what is and what is not AI, how broad of a definition can be applied, and which of the many current and envisaged applications are actually ‘intelligent’. Then, there is the critical issue of the use of consumers’ personal data and underlying privacy issues, as AI seems to be built and thrive on being fed enormous amounts of data of various kinds. And lastly, there seems to be increasing concern regarding the potential for AI to evolve into AGI (Artificial General Intelligence – independent self-reliant robots) and the threats this poses to humanity. A subject of potentially equal importance could be AI applications and implementations are impacting individuals’ lives and the manner in which people relate to, perceive and assess AI and the underlying current technologies, both in terms of the impact in their daily lives, as well as in terms of expected prospects for the future. This paper looks at the progress made so far in addressing some of the above questions and, by analyzing data from EU’s 2017 Eurobarometer study, attempts to reveal how various Romanian consumer segments perceive and relate to AI and current technologies. It identifies potential emerging inequalities from access, acceptance and usage of these technologies at present and in the future. The paper also sets out future directions for further understanding of the intricate relationship between human consumers and emerging AI tech, both in terms of benefits as well as potential threats. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, algorithms, consumer behavior, decision making JEL Classification: M30, M31, M39

Public awareness of and attitudes towards research biobanks in Latvia.

BackgroundPublic awareness and engagement are among the main prerequisites for protecting the rights of research participants and for successful and sustainable functioning of research biobanks. The aim of our study was to analyse public awareness and attitudes towards research biobanks in Latvia, and to compare these data with the results of the 2010 Eurobarometer study. We also analysed the influence of awareness and attitudes towards biobanks on willingness to participate in biobank studies and on preferred type of informed consent.MethodsWe developed a 12-question survey repeating seven questions about biobanks from the 2010 Eurobarometer questionnaire and adding five others. After describing the study variables, we performed a two-stage analysis of the results. In the first stage we analysed differences between the answers from 2010 and 2019 and conducted univariate analyses of relationships among particular variables, and between those variables and the socio-demographic characteristics of participants. In the second stage we investigated multivariable associations of willingness to participate and type of consent with awareness, trust and the socio-economic characteristics of participants.ResultsAccording to our study, the general public in Latvia is still not well informed about research biobanks. Fewer respondents have heard about research biobanks than in 2010. At the same time, the number of respondents who are willing to donate biological samples and personal data to a biobank has increased, e.g. the number of respondents who would definitely or probably be willing to provide information about themselves has increased from 25.8.% to 40.7 since 2010. Overall, concerns about the donation of different types of biological samples and data to a biobank have slightly decreased.ConclusionsPublic awareness about biobanks is important for their sustainability. It needs to be increased not only by traditional methods of informing the public, but also by more innovative and participatory approaches, e.g. by citizen science projects. There is a need to strengthen the public visibility and trustworthiness of ethics committees in Latvia in the field of biobanking.

Are Roma people exposed to NCD? Modifiable risk factors in a rural Roma community from Romania

Abstract Background Knowing the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases is the first step to plan effective public health interventions. The study aims to identify the prevalence and distribution of risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCD) among adult Roma population in a rural community. Methods Using a tool based on the WHO stepwise approach, a cross-sectional study was carried out among a sample 116 adults aged 18-85 years (52 male and 64 female), from a rural community with 800 Roma members. The study instrument included questions to record behavioral risk factors (smoking behavior, alcohol drinking, diet and physical activity and also data on anthropometry and value of blood pressure). Descriptive statistics methods were used to analyze the data. Results The smoking prevalence was 35,3% (95%CI, 27.0 to 44.3,) higher for men (49,9%, 95%CI, 36,6-63,4%) than for women (23,4%, 95%CI, 14.2-34,9), higher than the smoking prevalence recorded for Romanian population in 2017 Eurobarometer study. Prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m[2]) was observed to be high among Roma respondents 34,48% (95% CI, 26,26 to 43,47) compared with self-reported obesity rates among adults in Romania (9%, Eurostat, EHIS 2014). The observed proportion of obesity is similar for both genders, but central obesity was lower for men compared to women (57,4% to 79.6%). There was observed a higher proportion of people declaring they eat fruits less than once on a week (25%, 95% CI, 17,7 to 37,4) and adding salt before tasting the dishes (58,6%). Most of interviewed people have a sedentary lifestyle with less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Conclusions The high prevalence of risk factors for NCD in this rural Roma community indicates the likelihood of a high future burden of illness. Key messages There is a need for both further research into the health of Roma people regarding NCD and prevention interventions to address behavioral risk factors for NCD. Knowing the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases is the first step to plan effective public health interventions.

Organisational-Level Attributes of Micro-Multinationals. The Evidence From European SMEs

Abstract This paper investigates organisational-level attributes that allow European SMEs to choose equity-based modes of entry to foreign markets, thus becoming micro-multinationals. We hypothesize that international R&D cooperation (hypothesis 1) and using digital marketing (hypothesis 2) by SMEs increase their likelihood of becoming a mMNE. These hypotheses are tested through a logistic regression analysis based on a large sample of European companies drawn from the Flash Eurobarometer study. Separate regression models are estimated for companies originating from EU-13 and EU-15. Hypothesis 1 is supported by both samples. Hypothesis 2 is supported in the EU-15 sample. Our identification of organisational-level attributes that increase the likelihood of SMEs choosing equity-based internationalisation contributes to International Entrepreneurship entry mode literature.

How the EU Budget is Spent - Consumer Programme

Consumer spending accounts for 57% of EU gross domestic product (GDP), which makes European consumers key to stimulating growth in the European economy. Between 2008 and 2010, the volume of intra-EU trade in consumer products amounted to almost €1 trillion. In 2013, the European Commission estimated the value of consumer and professional goods in the EU27 at approximately €2.1 trillion. However, according to a 2011 Eurobarometer study, less than 50% of EU consumers feel confident, knowledgeable and protected as consumers.EU consumer policy for the 2014-20 period is defined in the European Consumer Agenda, which is complemented in its financial aspects by the Consumer programme. The 2014-2020 programme has a budget of €188.8 million, corresponding to around €0.05 per consumer per year. The four key areas are: product safety; information, education and consumer advice; enhanced access to redress mechanisms for citizens; and better national enforcement of consumer rights.The Consumer programme sets four specific objectives to enhance consumer protection. These are: I. Safety, by consolidating and enhancing product safety through effective market surveillance throughout the Union, particularly via the RAPEX system; II. Consumer information and education, and support to consumer organisations, by developing the evidence base for consumer policy and taking into account the specific needs of vulnerable consumers; III. Rights and redress, by developing and reinforcing consumer rights and improving access to simple, efficient, expedient and low-cost redress, including alternative dispute resolution; IV. Enforcement of rights, by strengthening cooperation between national enforcement bodies and supporting consumers with advice.

Irish Consumer Law: Asserting a Domestic Agenda

This article asserts the importance of developing a distinct Irish consumer law and argues that the matter of consumer protection cannot simply be ceded to Europe. In developing this argument, the article first identifies the hybrid common law and European origins of Irish consumer law. It then traces the development of consumer law in this jurisdiction and focuses on the re-activation of the national consumer protection agenda, both in Ireland and across the European Union, in the last decade. The article also argues that a necessary prerequisite in setting a domestic agenda is a comprehensive understanding of the nature and distinguishing features of the domestic consumer. Hence, the article undertakes a critical analysis of available data indicating the ways in which Irish consumers understand and use consumer law, drawing on annual surveys commissioned by the National Consumer Agency; an extensive EU wide Eurobarometer study on Consumer Empowerment and a focussed Irish study conducted in Winter 2012.This is a pre-peer reviewed version of the article published in final form at the Dublin University Law Journal website.

Determinants of Subjective Wellbeing in Lithuania

The article analyses relation between subjective well – being (SWB) expressed as general satisfaction with life and its possible micro level determinants. Many studies have been published that relate macro level determinants (such as GDP or unemployment level) with aggregated national level of SWB. There is a vast amount of economic literature which analyses few or even single demographic, socio-economic, social and attitudinal/cultural variables that influence life satisfaction at an individual level. But it is a rare case that study is done on a rich data set that includes all the aforementioned variables in a single analysis and is nationally representative. Moreover, there is no thorough analysis of micro level determinants of life satisfaction in Lithuania. The present study analyses Lithuanian data of Eurobarometer study on social capital that includes many variables that are considered by theoretical literature as likely determinants of SWB. Micro level analysis shows that most important determinants of general life satisfaction in Lithuania are satisfaction with health and financial situation. Employment status, educational level, marital status, community involvement, presence of children also tend to be significantly related to subjective well-being. The study also revealed that age in contrary to many previous studies should not be considered as an important determinant of SWB as its effect is explained by differences of health and financial satisfaction levels. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to reveal the nature of relations and interdependency of different variables and SWB more deeply. Further analysis of rich data sets that include many countries would also allow to better understand the influence of such variables as country development level or culture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.24.2.2024

Why Even the Logic of Re-Defined Choice May Still Contradict the Logic of Care in Public Health Systems?

Why Even the Logic of Re-Defined Choice May Still Contradict the Logic of Care in Public Health Systems?

Government Intentions and Citizen Preferences in Dynamic Perspective

The relationship between median citizen opinion on the left–right dimension, as measured in the Eurobarometer and European Electoral Studies series of surveys, and the left–right positions of governments in West European democracies is explored to gain a fuller understanding of how and to what extent median opinion may influence what governments subsequently set out to do. The analysis allows for the possibility that measurement may not be equivalent across countries and surveys, that the data may contain significant dynamic effects, and that different countries may exhibit different relationships between the two variables. The analyses show that changes in the citizen median generally produce larger changes in government position, the size depending mainly on the proportionality of the electoral system.

Smoking prevalence in the European Union: a comparison of national and transnational prevalence survey methods and results

ObjectivesTo determine whether the European Commission Eurobarometer survey of 27 European Union (EU) member states produces reliable smoking prevalence estimates when compared to national prevalence survey data, and to identify...

Genetically Modified Food in The Eyes of the Public and Experts

Risk perceptions and attitudes to genetically modified food (GMF) were investigated in a survey study of the public (N=469) and experts (N=49). The response rate was 47% for the public. For the experts, response rate was 60%. GMF technology was rated as the worst of 18 technologies by members of the public and highly replaceable. Experts had a very different view but also saw GMF as replaceable. Models of risk perceptions and attitudes with regard to policy and consumer intentions were fitted to data. It was found that a very large share of the variance, about 70%, was accounted for in the latter cases, while risk perception was somewhat harder to account for (about 50% was explained). Traditional explanatory dimensions such as Dread and Novelty were weak explanatory factors as compared to new approaches, which included Interfering with Nature, moral value of technology and epistemic trust. Experts were throughout much more positive to GMF than were members of the public. However, their attitudes and risk perceptions still showed dynamic properties similar to those found in the data from the public. The differences between experts and the public could be well explained in terms of the models tested. In comparisons with recent Eurobarometer studies of attitudes toward GMF, risk emerged in the present study as a more important factor in attitudes, equally important as benefits. The models formulated for the present data were about twice as powerful as those in published analyses of Eurobarometer data.

Are cultural dimensions relevant for explaining cross-national differences in antibiotic use in Europe?

BackgroundAntibiotics are widely-used medicines for which a more prudent use has been advocated to minimize development of resistance. There are considerable cross-national differences that can only partially be explained by epidemiological difference and variations in health care structure. The aim of this study was to explore whether cross-national differences in use of antibiotics (prescribed and non-prescribed) are associated with differences between national cultures as described in Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions (Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance and Long-Term Orientation).MethodsCountry-level data of prescribed antibiotic use and self-medication with antibiotics were correlated to country-specific scores of cultural dimensions obtained from Hofstede. Data on use of antibiotics were provided by three European studies, based on different methods and/or countries: Self-medication with Antibiotics and Resistance in Europe (SAR), based on a survey in 2003 on reported use of antibiotics in 19 countries, the European Surveillance on Antimicrobial Consumption, based on distribution and reimbursement of antibiotics in ambulatory care (1997–2002), and the 2002 interview-based Eurobarometer study, asking whether respondents had taken antibiotics in the previous 12 months. These studies provided data on antibiotics use for 27 European countries in total, for which scores of cultural dimensions were also available. The SAR-study differentiated between prescribed antibiotics and self-medication with antibiotics.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found for Power Distance Index with use of prescribed antibiotics in the three studies (rho between 0.59 and 0.62) and with self-medication (rho = 0.54) in the SAR study. Positive significant correlations were found for the Uncertainty Avoidance Index with the use of antibiotics as reported in two studies (rho between 0.57 and 0.59; for the SAR study the correlations were insignificant). Masculinity was not significantly correlated, except in one study after controlling for GDP (r = 0.81). For Individualism and Long-Term Orientation no significant correlations were found.ConclusionPower Distance is a cultural aspect associated with antibiotic use, suggesting that the culture-specific way people deal with authority is an important factor in explaining cross-national differences in antibiotic use. There are indications that Uncertainty Avoidance also plays a role but further research is needed to better understand the complex effect of cultural dimensions.

Bismarck or Beveridge: a beauty contest between dinosaurs

BackgroundHealth systems delivery systems can be divided into two broad categories: National Health Services (NHS) on the one hand and Social Security (based) Health care systems (SSH) on the other hand. Existing literature is inconclusive about which system performs best. In this paper we would like to improve the evidence-base for discussion about pros and cons of NHS-systems versus SSH-system for health outcomes, expenditure and population satisfaction.MethodsIn this study we used time series data for 17 European countries, that were characterized as either NHS or SSH country. We used the following performance indicators: For health outcome: overall mortality rate, infant mortality rate and life expectancy at birth. For health care costs: health care expenditure per capita in pppUS$ and health expenditure as percentage of GDP. Time series dated from 1970 until 2003 or 2004, depending on availability. Sources were OECD health data base 2006 and WHO health for all database 2006. For satisfaction we used the Eurobarometer studies from 1996, 1998 and 1999.ResultsSSH systems perform slightly better on overall mortality rates and life expectancy (after 1980). For infant mortality the rates converged between the two types of systems and since 1980 no differences ceased to exist.SSH systems are more expensive and NHS systems have a better cost containment. Inhabitants of countries with SSH-systems are on average substantially more satisfied than those in NHS countries.ConclusionWe concluded that the question 'which type of system performs best' can be answered empirically as far as health outcomes, health care expenditures and patient satisfaction are concerned. Whether this selection of indicators covers all or even most relevant aspects of health system comparison remains to be seen. Perhaps further and more conclusive research into health system related differences in, for instance, equity should be completed before the leading question of this paper can be answered. We do think, however, that this study can form a base for a policy debate on the pros and cons of the existing health care systems in Europe.

Health-enhancing physical activity across European Union countries: the Eurobarometer study

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the development of comparable national physical activity surveillance systems to assess trends within and amongst countries as the Global Strategy for Diet and Physical Activity is implemented. To date, the lack of well-standardised measurement instruments has impeded such efforts, but new methodologies are being developed for this purpose. This paper describes the usefulness of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in population samples. The Special Eurobarometer Wave 58.2 2002 covered physical activity and provided a good vehicle for assessment of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) in the European Union. Data from around 1,000 individuals in each of the 15 member states were collected after careful translation of the questionnaire. IPAQ scoring protocol version 2 was used for definition of activity categories. Data on the prevalence of sufficient total activity, sedentariness, frequent walking and sitting, in total and by gender across European Union (EU) countries showed consistent patterns. The prevalence of sufficient physical activity for health across the member countries was 29%. It ranged from 44% in the Netherlands to 23% in Sweden. The prevalence of sedentariness across countries was in general the mirror image. Regular walking was most prevalent in Spain. Gender was related to physical activity in that men were 1.6 times more likely than women to be sufficiently active, less likely to be sedentary and slightly more likely to sit for at least 6 hours daily. The findings suggest that two thirds of the adult populations of the European countries are insufficiently active for optimal health benefits. As the IPAQ measurement provides information about the patterns of total physical activity and inactivity, the findings indicate possibilities for targeted health promotion efforts.

Economic Voting in Postcommunist Eastern Europe

This study tests the hypothesis that the replacement of incumbent promarket, prodemocracy governments with ex-communist parties in postcommunist East European elections was a function of the economic calculus of frustrated citizens at the ballot box. Using data from the Central and Eastern Euro-Barometer studies, this investigation adopts an individual-level approach to examine the degree to which economic assessments and unemployment influenced both proreform incumbent and ex-communist party voting intentions in Lithuania (1992), Hungary (1994), and Bulgaria (1994). The dominant impression that emerges from the logistic regression estimations predicting voting intentions is that despite strong expectations to the contrary, economic factors had at best a modest effect on party choice in these nations. These findings corroborate country-specific studies of electoral behavior in Eastern Europe that observe that the return to parliamentary power of ex-communist parties in these societies was not simply a function of economic voting.

The measurement of civic scientific literacy

Building on two decades of national surveys in the United States and two Eurobarometer studies, the history, rationale, and structure of a measure of civic scientific literacy are described. Estimates of the proportion of adults who are very well informed or moderately well informed on the index of civic scientific literacy appear in the literature more frequently, and this paper provides the first comprehensive description and analysis of the civic scientific literacy measure. It is hoped that this analysis and discussion will encourage the inclusion and replication of the measure in a wider range of studies of the public understanding of and attitudes toward science and technology.

European gender roles: Public discourses and regional practices1

This paper analyses the relation between values and practices in European gender roles through a differentiation between public debates and local practices. Values in public debates can be seen as self‐representations of leading principles of a society. On the one hand, shared values are produced and reproduced in public debates. On the other hand, individuals interpret and reproduce values in social contexts and institutions. The practices of individuals, however, are highly influenced by specific conditions, fir example regional opportunity structures and regional milieus. Shared values (leading principles of a society) and (local) practices can therefore differ. Data from the Eurobarometer Studies, and from the European Values Study, are used to explicate these ideas, while information from Germany is used to show the importance of the regional level to the ways in which values and practices interrelate. The article argues that these cultural differences imply universal principles for gender equality, but at the same time the regional development of specific measures.