In the German Federal State of Brandenburg, reporting on health and social issues is closely linked. This also applies to the present article, which attempts to describe the social and health situation of young people in Brandenburg. The aim is to define future priorities in health prevention.
Methods: In addition to data from official statistics (on demographic trends, employment and social security) and from surveys conducted among young adults, the results from serial medical and dental examinations of 10th-grade pupils are presented.
Results: The number of young citizens in Brandenburg aged 16-25 will rise until the middle of the decade but then fall sharply. This will apply in particular to the rural areas far from Berlin. Sociological studies show that "work and family" enjoy the highest priority among people. However, less educated young people are increasingly doubtful about their ability to live their lives according to these priorities. According to medical statistics, every tenth young person suffers from allergies (especially allergic rhinitis). The same applies with regard to orthopaedic data. Approx. 5% of young people are obese, pupils of special schools more frequently than grammar school pupils.
Discussion: Healthy schooling, healthy professional training and good opportunities on the labour market are the key pillars of health policy in Brandenburg. The social and health situation of young people in Brandenburg is a complex issue and can only be improved by networking and cooperation among of all parties concerned.