The Directorate of Health
The Directorate of Health and Statistics Iceland collaborate on the first national survey on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep
25th August 2025
Today, María Heimisdóttir, Medical Director of Health, and Hrafnhildur Arnkelsdóttir, Director General of Statistics Iceland, signed an agreement on cooperation in conducting the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) and a new National survey on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep in Iceland (HKS).
-Automatic translation
EHIS is a harmonised survey on health status and health-related behaviour conducted by statistical offices across the European Economic Area. Statistics Iceland is sending out the initial invitations for participation in EHIS in Iceland today. Participation involves completing a questionnaire and receiving an invitation to also take part in the HKS National Survey, which includes wearing activity trackers for seven days and keeping a sleep diary.
The HKS National Survey is part of Iceland's participation in the pan-European project JA PreventNCD, which has the primary objective of implementing effective measures to prevent non-communicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Reliable data is the foundation of effective public health policy-making, and studies like these contribute valuable insights into the nation's status and well-being. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in uniting the efforts of Statistics Iceland and the Directorate of Health in the realm of statistical reporting and public health research.
More information
Hildur Guðný Ásgeirsdóttir, hildur.gudny.asgeirsdottir@landlaeknir.is
Guðríður Hlíf Sigfúsdóttir, gudridur.h.sigfusdottir@landlaeknir.is