New study set to explore public health in Greenland
Qanormitaava ippugut? A total of 8,000 peoples are invited to participate in the next Greenland population health survey鈥攖he sixth national health survey in the country, this time with a special focus on protective factors and reaching more people than ever before.
Data collection for the new Greenland Population Health Survey 2024–2026 is now underway. A total of 8,000 randomly selected peoples from across the country will be invited to contribute valuable insights into health and well-being in Greenland.
This is the sixth national survey of its kind since 1993, whichaims to provide a comprehensive overview of public health—focusing on aspects not registered in healthcare system. Additionally, the survey supports the monitoring of Greenland’s public health programs, Inuuneritta, explains Professor Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen from the Center for Public Health in Greenland:
"With the Population Health Survey, we regularly assess health and well-being in the population and track changes over time. Data from the survey is used by both municipalities and the Self-Government, forming a crucial foundation for prioritizing health promotion and prevention initiatives at both local and national levels."
The survey is conducted by the Centre for Public Health in Greenland in collaboration with Ilisimatusarfik (the University of Greenland) on behalf of the Department of Health. Data will be collected from all five municipalities in Greenland over a two-year period.
Focus on Greenlandic strengths and values
This survey emphasizes factors that population perceive as important for their health and well-being.
Questions in the survey explore topics such as nature, family, local communities, cultural activities, social connections, Greenlandic food, and the Greenlandic language (Kalaallisut).
Additionally, the survey introduces Sharing Circles, a method designed to gather new knowledge and gain deeper insight into local perceptions of health and well-being. In these small group discussions, participants reflect on their community’s strengths and values.
"Health in Greenland is about much more than the classic risk factors (e.g. diet, smoking, alcohol, and exercise), and the survey reflects that. Nature, community, and culture are key themes in the survey," says Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen.
New methods for data collection
Unlike Denmark’s national health surveys, where participants fill out self-reported questionnaires, data collection in Greenland is conducted through personal, face-to-face interviews.
However, reaching remote and sparsely populated areas, including small settlements, can be challenging. To address this, the new survey employs digital solutions such as online and telephone interviews, explains special consultant Kirsten Nystrup from the Center for Public Health in Greenland, who coordinates the project from her office at Ilisimatusarfik in Nuuk:
"This time, more participants will be able to be interviewed online or via telephone. This enables us to reach more small settlements and achieve greater geographic representation than in previous surveys."
Local collaboration
The survey was developed in collaboration with Greenland’s five municipalities, where each had the opportunity to include questions relevant to their residents. A reference group with representatives from Greenlandic authorities, NGOs, healthcare services, the police, and the church also supports the project. Additionally, the healthcare system will assist by measuring height, weight, and blood pressure in selected areas.
The survey is expected to conclude in 2026. Results for individual municipalities will be published progressively, and the full report is anticipated in 2027.
Stay updated on the survey by subscribing to the project’s newsletter. Email: folkesundhedgl@sdu.dk.
Contact: Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen, Professor and Research Lead, Phone: +45 6550 7722 or +299 581330, Email: chly@sdu.dk, National Institute of Public Health, 糖果派对.