Health systems in the European Union

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This comparative social analysis presents findings from the "West European Study of Health (WESH)," one of the few systematic examinations of national health systems in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Analyzing 2,500 cases, the project explores health culture, social stratification's impact on health, health lifestyles, and the motivations behind health policies. The work provides both descriptive information and comprehensive statistical analysis, addressing practical and theoretical concerns, with significant policy implications. Its comparative design is crucial for health and social science, appealing to public health professionals, policymakers, psychologists, social scientists, and political representatives at various levels. Key topics include the significance of the problem, theoretical and historical context, organization and efficiency of West European health care systems, methodology, and selected indicators. Additionally, it offers a descriptive overview of health behavior across the five nations, explores national and social differences in health-related values, examines health and social stratification, analyzes public versus private responsibility for health financing, and transitions from utilization to evaluation, culminating in an exploration of Euregional health culture.