HBSC study data browser

HBSC Data Management Centre

HBSC is a WHO collaborative cross-national study that monitors the health and well-being of adolescents in their social context. Conducted every 4 years using school-based surveys among 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds, the study provides internationally comparable data on health behaviours, social determinants and developmental trends in adolescence.

The HBSC network currently includes 51 countries and regions across Europe, Central Asia and North America, with over 450 researchers working across disciplines such as public health, education, psychology and social sciences. In the most recent survey round (2021–2022), 47 countries and regions participated.

HBSC data are used to:

• track trends in adolescent health and risk behaviours over time;
• examine the role of schools, families, peers and digital environments in shaping health outcomes;
• identify inequities and inform national policies and programmes aimed at improving young people’s lives.

Recent rounds have expanded to address emerging topics such as digital engagement, youth mental health and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study is conducted with both international coordination and data management provided by the University of Bergen, Norway. Each participating country is responsible for its own implementation and funding.

HBSC findings contribute directly to regional and global health strategies, including:

• the WHO European Programme on Child and Adolescent Health 2025–2030, where HBSC is a key data source;
• the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and
• the WHO Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030).

Access to HBSC data

• Summary findings are presented in regular international reports and thematic volumes.
• An interactive data browser, launched in 2023, enables users to explore findings by country, survey year, age and gender.
• Public microdata files (mandatory questions only) are available via the HBSC Data Management Centre.