The Hauts-de-France region generally follows national trends, but the Barometer reveals distinct regional characteristics, both in terms of behaviors and health determinants. Among the trends observed, the decline in smoking represents a notable achievement, illustrating the effectiveness of prevention efforts and smoking cessation support. While the region’s population is generally supportive of vaccination and responsive to risk prevention messages—particularly those related to climate change—challenges remain regarding mental health, chronic conditions, and physical activity, with pronounced disparities among women and in disadvantaged populations. These inequalities result in a less positive overall perception of health compared to other regions.

The 2024 Santé publique France Barometer: A Strategic Tool for Regional Stakeholders

This survey reveals trends that should guide public policy and prevention efforts in Hauts-de-France:

• Improving mental health

One in six adults reports having experienced a depressive episode in the past year, while anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts affect approximately 7% and 6.5% of adults, respectively. Young people, women, and those in precarious situations appear to be more affected. Yet nearly half of those affected by depression and a quarter of those with anxiety disorders do not seek care.

• Tobacco and alcohol use: preventable risk factors

The proportion of daily smokers is declining, but the most socioeconomically vulnerable populations remain disproportionately affected, and daily smokers in Hauts-de-France continue to have high tobacco consumption. In the region, more than one in five adults exceeds the guidelines for low-risk alcohol consumption, a proportion that is particularly high among men.

• Preventing the onset of chronic diseases: physical activity and combating a sedentary lifestyle, key levers

In the region, nearly one in ten adults reports having diabetes, and one in four has high blood pressure. Combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting physical activity are protective factors against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. While adults in the region are less sedentary, fewer of them engage in physical activity during leisure time, at work, or while commuting.

• Addressing social and gender inequalities: the challenge for prevention policies

Disparities are observed based on individuals’ gender, age, and social status. The impact of inequalities is evident in the adoption of health-promoting behaviors—such as smoking cessation or vaccination—in the prevalence of chronic and mental health conditions, and in the health effects of climate change and awareness of measures to protect against it. These data underscore the need to develop targeted interventions tailored to specific regions and vulnerable populations.

A unique observatory to understand and influence the population’s health behaviors

With 35,000 respondents, including 2,500 in Hauts-de-France, this survey is an essential tool for guiding public health prevention and information policies.

This survey, recognized as being of public interest and of high statistical quality, provides information that cannot be obtained elsewhere: individual behaviors, opinions, knowledge, and health events not captured by existing surveillance systems. The 2024 edition collects data on 20 major public health issues (15 presented for 2025 and 5 in March 2026): tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity, sleep, vaccination uptake, mental health…

Now updated every two years, this data reveals current health and social trends and thus provides the information needed to develop and evaluate public health policies.

Beyond the indicators, the Santé publique France Barometer highlights the influence of living conditions, social factors, and local environments on residents’ health. It also underscores the critical role of prevention, whether in the areas of mental health, substance use, health-promoting behaviors, or adaptation to the effects of climate change.