[Health priorities, regions, areas and citizens: the case of Franche-Comté]

How can users' associations promote direct citizen involvement in the debate over health priorities throughout a region and within local health areas? A survey was conducted by user representatives with the support of a group of researchers and academics, based on a questionnaire outlining 42 key priorities and a 43rd priority inviting an open response. The questionnaire was published between April 12 and April 18 2010 in 14 local and regional newspapers throughout Franche-Comté. In total, 962 responses were collected, though only 928 responses were included in the analysis as having originated from the Franche-Comté region. In decreasing order of importance, the five major priorities identified by respondents are: a decent home, a healthy diet, sufficient income, drinking water, and improved cancer prevention and control. Views from the different health areas within the region were found to reflect the views of the region as a whole, while emphasizing access to education. Health determinants were the most common priority emphasized by respondents, though a number of area-specific characteristics were also found. Public surveys may help regional health agencies and authorities to define or validate local and regional health priorities in addition to national priorities, with a view (in particular) to reducing health inequalities throughout the region and within the different health areas.