A new study has revealed that Austria is the top-ranked country in Europe for women’s health, securing third place globally. Finland, Germany, and Denmark also made it into the top 10 worldwide, reflecting strong healthcare systems focused on preventive care, emotional well-being, and overall health support for women.
Declining Satisfaction In Women’s Healthcare
The 2024 Women’s Health Index by Hologic, based on data collected from 146,000 participants in 142 countries, indicates a decline in women’s satisfaction with healthcare quality in 12 EU countries. Greece recorded the lowest score at 32%, followed by Poland at 45% and both Latvia and Bulgaria at 49%.
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Women’s health rankings have fluctuated significantly, with Italy dropping five points since the survey’s first year, while Poland improved by eight points.
Rising Health Concerns
Globally, over one-quarter of women report having health conditions that hinder daily activities, and 34% say they experienced significant pain the previous day. These figures have worsened over the past four years, affecting nearly one billion women worldwide.
In the EU, seven countries—Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain—reported an increase in women experiencing physical pain. Finland was the only member state to show an improvement, with a decrease from 33% to 24% in the latest survey.
Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands saw a rise in reported health problems among women, while cancer screening rates improved in Belgium, Hungary, and Lithuania. Additionally, women in Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania reported high-quality care during pregnancy.
Women’s Mental Health And Stress Levels
The survey also highlighted increasing levels of stress and worry among women in several EU countries. Austria (39%), Greece (51%), Lithuania (33%), and Spain (52%) saw a rise in anxiety, while Bulgaria, Malta, and the Netherlands reported increased stress levels.
Conversely, women in the Czech Republic, Finland, France, and Hungary reported a decline in worry, suggesting positive developments in mental health support in these countries.
Key Takeaways
- Best EU Country for Women’s Health: Austria (ranked 3rd globally)
- Other Top Performers: Finland, Germany, Denmark
- Lowest Satisfaction with Healthcare: Greece (32%), Poland (45%), Latvia & Bulgaria (49%)
- Physical Pain on the Rise: Seven EU countries reported an increase in women experiencing pain
- Improved Cancer Screenings: Belgium, Hungary, Lithuania
- Mental Health Concerns: Stress and anxiety levels increased in Austria, Greece, Lithuania, and Spain
These findings highlight the need for continued investment in women’s healthcare and mental health support across the EU, ensuring that access to quality care remains a priority for all member states.
