German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS)
The Robert Koch Institute is continuing the 1998 German National Health Interview and Examination Survey (GNHIES98) with the "German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults" (DEGS).
The aim of the DEGS survey is to repeatedly collect representative data on the health status, health-related behaviour, healthcare and living conditions of adults residing in Germany who are aged 18 and over.
The data provides information on the most widespread diseases, health risk factors and healthcare problems. Furthermore, comparisons between the latest data and the findings of GNHIES98 indicate changes over time. Since the people who took part in the Federal Health Survey are participating again, it is possible to determine causal relations and/or time sequences relating to health risks and health problems (e.g. diseases, need for nursing care).
It is also possible to describe typical health trends with the help of the comparative data over time. The surveys were carried out from November 2008 until November 2011 in a total of 180 cities and municipalities all over Germany.