Health at a Glance 2025 compares OECD countries on each component of this general framework. It is structured around ten chapters. Chapter 1 presents an overview of health and health system performance, based on a subset of core indicators from the report. Chapter 2 offers a more in-depth analysis on a particular theme, which in this edition is on gender and health.

The next eight chapters then provide detailed country comparisons across a range of health and health system indicators. Where possible, time trend analysis and data disaggregated by demographic and socio-economic characteristics are included. Chapter 3 on health status highlights cross-country differences in life expectancy, the main causes of mortality, mental health, self-assessed health, and other indicators of health. Chapter 4 analyses non-medical determinants and risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, and environmental health risks. Chapter 5 on access and coverage investigates the affordability, availability, and use of services. Chapter 6 assesses quality and outcomes of care in terms of patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and whether healthcare is responsive to people’s needs. Indicators across the full lifecycle of care are included, from prevention to primary, chronic and acute care. Chapter 7 on health expenditure and financing compares how much countries spend on health, how such spending is financed, and what funds are spent on. Chapter 8 examines the health workforce, particularly the supply and remuneration of doctors and nurses. Chapter 9 analyses pharmaceuticals, technologies, and digital health. Chapter 10 takes a closer look at ageing and long-term care.

Page 84 Smoking, vaping and cannabis use among adolescents

In 2022, 15% of 15-year-olds reported smoking cigarettes at least once in the past month on average across OECD countries (Figure 4.7). This proportion reached a high of more than one in four in Hungary and Italy as well as accession countries Bulgaria and Croatia, compared to a rate lower than one in ten in Iceland, Canada, Ireland, Norway and Portugal. On average across OECD countries, a slightly greater proportion of girls (15%) than boys (14%) reported smoking in 2022.

Page 86 Alcohol consumption

Heavy episodic drinking constitutes a highly risky drinking behaviour, which corresponds to consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. In 2023, 27% of people aged 15 and over reported heavy episodic drinking at least monthly in the past year on average across the 27 OECD countries with available data (Figure 4.11). Greece, Ireland and Sweden reported the highest rates, with over 40% of individuals reporting monthly binge drinking.

Additional measures, such as public campaigns and warning labels, aim to enhance risk awareness. Recently, Ireland adopted a regulation requiring warning labels to be included on all alcoholic beverages from 2028.