Health Inequalities in Sweden: Trends, Gaps, and the Path Forward

Background

Sweden aims to eliminate avoidable health inequalities by 2048, as good and equitable health is vital for societal resilience. Despite overall health improvements, socioeconomic disparities in both determinants (e.g. income, education, housing, health behaviour) and health outcomes persist. A robust monitoring system is essential for policy guidance.

Methods

National register and survey data (2012–2025) on health outcomes, health behaviours and socioeconomic determinants, were analysed using multiple inequality measures to assess trends across education and income groups.

Results

No improvement was observed in inequalities, for most health outcomes and determinants. Life expectancy increased by 1.9 years overall, but the gap between the highest and lowest educated groups widened to over 6 years. Inequality between income groups in failing to complete upper secondary school increased, with 25% of students not graduating in 2025. More than 100,000 adults and 64,000 children still live in prolonged poverty, which calls for concern as we know the link to health is bidirectional. On a more positive note, daily smoking halved in all socioeconomic groups, reducing absolute inequalities.

Conclusions

The results show that Sweden is not approaching the public health goal of eliminating avoidable inequalities by 2048. Systemic disparities persist in nearly all health outcomes and determinants, with the same groups facing more unfavourable determinants, unhealthier behaviour and poorer health. Using multiple inequality measures strengthens surveillance, enabling targeted efforts alongside universal health improving interventions.

Key messages

• Overall, the results show that Sweden is not approaching the public health goal of eliminating avoidable inequalities by 2048.

• Public health work is a shared responsibility – intensified initiatives must be taken across all policy areas at the national, regional, and local levels.