Abstract Impact assessment tools are used in policy making all over Europe, some have a legal foundation, others were performed voluntarily for certain measures. Usually, impact assessment procedures are dedicated to specific policy areas or political fields. As policies often have impacts in more than one political area, an interlinkage of impact assessments would be appropriate - also to foster co-benefits of policy making. To follow this approach of a more integrated way of impact assessment, it is necessary to gain an overview and understanding of different procedures in place on national level. As policy making is important for designing healthy living environments, a specific task in the EU Joint Action Prevent NCD is focussing on fostering health and well-being through impact assessment procedures. Therefore, an assessment of the existing impact assessments in the participating member states will be performed in 2024. By using a document analysis of guiding material like guidelines, standards or web applications for the specific impact assessment types, it will be investigated how health and health equity aspects are already included. A qualitative comparison of the results can deliver similarities and differences but also promising practices in the member states. The preliminary results of this analysis will be presented. By learning about the different impact assessment procedures in place, potential synergies and entry points for health and health equity could be found. In a next step, a comprehensive checklist for health and health equity should be developed and piloted in the member states. The final version of checklist should be a guiding material that could be included in various Impact Assessment procedures. Key messages • Impact assessment procedures are important for policy making and can foster co-benefits in various political fields. • By learning about the different impact assessment procedures in place, potential synergies and entry points for health and health equity could be found.

Hintergrund Gesundheitskompetenz (GK) ist eine relevante Gesundheitsdeterminante. Die Steigerung der GK ermöglicht positive Entwicklungen in punkto Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden und trägt zur Reduktion gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten bei. Daher gilt es, möglichst früh die GK von Kindern zu stärken. Um zu wissen, in welchen Bereichen die GK von Kindern gefördert werden soll, benötigt es solide Datengrundlagen. Diese fehlen jedoch. Die vorliegende Studie präsentiert Ergebnisse zur GK von Kindern in den Bereichen Ernährung, Bewegung und psychosoziale Gesundheit.

Abstract Background Studies show that people with a migration background are often uncertain concerning the kinds of health services that are offered and where to turn to with which health concerns. Some factors, like fears or obstacles (e.g. deductibles), lead to the health system not being used (on time). This is particularly true for those who are socioeconomically or socially disadvantaged. The aim of the project was to get an insight into the information needs of this population group as a basis for producing and disseminating good health information in the future. Methods In this qualitative study co-researchers conducted guided focus groups (separated by sex) or interviews in their first languages. In total, more than 100 people from 16 different countries of origin were involved in the survey. Results In general, a substantial need for multilingual health information prepared in easy-to-understand language was expressed. Some health topics (e.g. the Austrian health system, mental health and available support) were mentioned by many participants. Other issues were relevant for few groups only (e.g. TCM). Gender differences can be seen in some groups but not in all. Besides acquaintances/relatives, general practitioners were named as main source of information. Indications can be derived on how health information should be prepared, designed and distributed. Besides multilingual health information, translation services are needed during appointments but also for the medical reports. Conclusions When searching for health information, but also when trying to understand it, language barriers are a major obstacle. Multilingual and culture-sensitive explainer videos on selected topics are an appropriate medium for reaching a broad group of people. Low-threshold multilingual regional contact points could provide an important contribution to health equity, as a guide in the health system, providing information and translation services, and setting health promotion offers. Key messages • Language barriers represent a major obstacle for vulnerable population groups with migration background in all stages of the health care process. • There is a substantial need for adequately prepared multilingual health information.