• The study "Merck Survey: "Europeans' perception of health two years after the start of Covid 19" was conducted in 10 European countries
• Almost a quarter of Europeans say they have reduced their alcohol and drug use and one in five citizens say they have adopted a healthier diet
• 45% of respondents consider their mental health to be good or very good
• 51% feel the pandemic has helped them discuss their physical and mental health with family, friends and colleagues
• 26% of Europeans have developed a fear of physical contact with other people
• Only 8% of Europeans have given up on becoming parents due to the pandemic

Twoyears into the Covid-19 pandemic, the results of a European survey reveal that more than half of Europeans believe their physical health is good or very good, and that a quarter of those surveyed have reduced their alcohol and drug use, and that one in five people say they have adopted a healthier diet. While 45% of Europeans rate their mental health as good or very good, 23% of the youngest (18-29 years) say they needed psychological help during the pandemic.

These are some of the main findings of the survey "Merck Survey: Europeans' perception of health two years after the start of Covid 19" conducted among 6,000 people aged between 18 and 65 and from ten countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) carried out by the scientific and technological company Merck, with the technical assistance of GAD3.

"This pandemic has caused the most serious health, social and economic crisis in almost a century and, from the point of view that we have overcome the most critical months of this crisis, Merck wanted to measure the impact on the health and lifestyle of Europeans," said Marieta Jiménez, Senior Vice President of Merck Healthcare in Europe. "We believe that it is only by getting closer and asking people what they feel, think and need that we will be able to provide answers to different health challenges. A healthy society is the very foundation of building a stronger, safer and more prosperous society," she adds.

The survey reveals that Europeans (including Italians, Spaniards and Portuguese) believe that the pandemic has allowed them to talk openly about their physical and mental health in their personal and professional environment. In addition, one in three Europeans say the pandemic has improved family life and a sense of solidarity (34% and 33% respectively). Family coexistence is considered particularly beneficial by more Spaniards and Czechs than in any other European country participating in the survey (42% and 45% respectively).

On the other hand, the survey highlights the load of emotional problems related to the pandemic. It shows that 26% of all Europeans have developed an apprehension of physical contact with other people and that 23% of young people surveyed have required psychological assistance. Stress and anxiety, followed by fear and uncertainty, were the feelings that affected more than a third of Europeans (38% and 33%, respectively).

Compared to the European average, stress and anxiety affected countries such as Spain, Poland and Portugal more, while fear and uncertainty particularly affected Spain, Italy and Portugal. Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and Poland are among the countries most affected by loneliness.

In new times, new habits

The pandemic has also increased the use of new health technologies. According to the Merck survey, seven out of ten Europeans feel comfortable or increasingly comfortable with remote medical consultation. Although most Europeans still prefer face-to-face consultations after the health crisis, the Portuguese, French and Italians said they currently prefer telemedicine over traditional consultations.

The survey also found that almost a quarter (24%) of Europeans say they have reduced their alcohol and drug use and that one in five Europeans say they have adopted a healthier diet.

Finally, only one in ten Europeans has postponed plans to start or expand a family after the pandemic. Czechs and Italians postponed their intention to have children more after the pandemic (14% and 15% respectively).

Great recognition for health professionals

The study also explores opinions on the work of different health professionals and the scientific sector during the pandemic. All countries agree on the quality of the work of health workers. Thus, 70% of Europeans consider the work of health professionals and researchers to be good or very good. It should be noted, however, that it was pharmacists who achieved the best results during the pandemic in all countries (compared to doctors, nurses, scientists and researchers) and that they achieved the best results in countries such as Spain and the Czech Republic.

When asked what needs to be improved in the health system, 6 of the 10 European countries surveyed agree on the need to invest more in preventive medicine and public health, followed by basic care and mental health. The Germans favour the search for new drugs over all other areas, while the British place greater importance on mental health and the Poles, like the Spanish, advocate a strengthening of primary care.

What diseases are Europeans most afraid of?

The survey "Merck Survey: Europeans' perception of health two years after the start of Covid 19"also reveals that 75% of Europeans believe that the health crisis has affected the normal course of cancer treatments. Cancer is the most feared disease in the aftermath of the pandemic, followed by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular disease.

"These are unprecedented times and, as a company that promotes curiosity, we must focus more than ever on the value of science and healthcare professionals," said François Feig, Senior Vice President Mid Europe Healthcare at Merck. This major survey sheds light on how Europeans feel about their health after 2 years of living with Covid and it seems obvious to me that this information will allow all of us who are involved in the health and well-being of people to better understand their needs."

To access the Merck survey, click on this link.