HEALTH BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN (HBSC) IRELAND

World Health Organization Collaborative Cross-National Study


The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey is a WHO collaborative cross-national study that monitors the health behaviours, health outcomes and social environments of school-aged children every four years. HBSC Ireland surveys school-going children aged 9-18 years. The study is conducted by the HBSC Ireland team, based at the Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway.

‌Welcome to the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Ireland website.

On this website you can find information about the HBSC study along with details of the HBSC Ireland team members, research findings and publications.

HBSC Ireland has been a member of the HBSC Network since 1994. The HBSC Ireland team, based at the Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway, conducted the first survey of school children in Ireland in 1998. The latest National Report The Irish Health Behaviour in School Children (HBSC) Study 2022 was launched via an online webinar on Thursday 2nd May at 10.00am. The HBSC Ireland Trends Report 1998-2018 was launched on Monday March 8th 2021. A new trends report including data from the 2022 survey will be available in late 2024. Previous surveys were conducted in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018, HBSC Ireland surveys school-going children aged 9-18 years.

HBSC is a cross-national research study conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. HBSC Ireland is one of 50 countries and regions across Europe and North America that make up the HBSC Network. For more information see the HBSC International page.

HBSC collects data every four years on children and adolescent’s health and well-being, social environments and health behaviours. The findings are used at both national and international level to:

  •  gain new insight into young people’s health and well-being
  •  understand the social determinants of health
  •  inform policy and practice to improve young people’s lives 

 

HBSC Ireland National Reports