No reduction in number of young people with suicidal thoughts In March 2023, 14.1% of young people in the Netherlands (aged 12-25 years) reported seriously thinking about ending their life occasionally, often or very often.
Darker cigarettes and other measures to make cigarettes less appealing There are a number of measures that can be implemented to make cigarettes less appealing and less addictive. For example, manufacturers could make cigarettes a darker colour. They could also stop using ingredients like sugars and flavourings.
RIVM prepares a recommended list of banned substances in tobacco products and e-cigarettes The goal of the European Tobacco Products Directive is to make tobacco products and e-cigarettes less harmful, addictive and attractive. The directive does not specifically state which substances are not allowed in tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
More than half of young adults reported experiencing mental health problems More than half of young adults (aged 16 to 25) in the Netherlands experience mental health problems. High levels of loneliness and suicidal thoughts are also observed in this age group. This is evident from the COVID-19 Health Monitor for Young Adults 2022
No new SARS-CoV-2 variants discovered in wastewater on aircraft from China Wastewater on aircraft from China has not been found to contain any new variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 so far. These findings are from several tests performed by RIVM. However, the wastewater was found to contain coronavirus particles.
People working from home more likely to have health problems People who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have physical complaints than people working on location (location workers). Examples included upper back pain, lower back pain, and pain in arms, neck and/or shoulders. These findings are from RIVM research.
Mental health of young people shows minor recovery Young people (12-25 years) in the Netherlands have fewer mental health symptoms compared to the previous research round in June 2022. This is evidenced by the latest quarterly research update (September 2022) from the GOR Network.
No reduction in number of young people with suicidal thoughts Even after a period without any coronavirus measures, the number of young people (aged 12-25 years) with serious suicidal thoughts remains high (16%). After nearly doubling in the last lockdown period (from 9% in autumn 2021 to 17% between December 2021 and February 2022), there has been almost no reduction in this percentage.
Nationwide study into chlamydia and gonorrhoea Today, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) launches a nationwide study into chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Vulnerable groups in society have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic Some vulnerable groups in society have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than less vulnerable groups. These include young people (up to 24 years) who have physical or mental problems or come from low-income families.