Premature deaths of working age men major Finnish public health problem
Vast regional differences in health statistics
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Marginalisation of working-aged men has become Finland’s worst public health problem, says Ilkka Vohlonen, Professor of Health Policy at the University of Kuopio.
Professor Vohlonen has led a study examining the frequency and causes of premature death in about 100 municipalities in Finland.
The study, by Efeko, a consultancy and training company owned by the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, found that in some communities the rate of premature deaths is as much as 30% higher than the national average.
Professor Vohlonen says that the differences cannot be explained exclusively by factors such as the location, population structure, level of basic services, or shortcomings in meeting targets of national health care policy.
"On the basis of the study it would seem that the initiative of the municipalities themselves has a decisive impact on the well-being of the population", Professor Vohlonen says.
In the "best" communities the number of premature deaths is about 50% lower than in those with a bad situation. There can even be sharp differences between neighbouring municipalities, where employers are largely the same, and where unemployment rates are the same.
Vohlonen divides the problem communities - the ones with a high rate of premature deaths - into three groups.
Leading causes of premature death in one of the groups include excessive use of alcohol, accidents, and suicide. In those areas, which include both urban and rural communities, men under the age of 50 have a relatively high risk of being marginalised.
In the second group the main risk factor involves unhealthy lifestyles, such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. These tend to promote cardiovascular disease, especially in rural areas.
The third, and most recent group, includes communities where women in their thirties suffer from psychological malaise, reflected in a sharp increase in suicide.
Vohlonen says that the situation tends to be better in western parts of Finland than in the east.
The economic consequences of a high rate of premature death can be devastating for a community.
"Premature deaths mean a depletion of working-age population, which causes difficulties in financing basic services. This results in a vicious circle of causes and effects of malaise", Professor Vohlonen says.
According to Vohlonen, municipalities with a low rate of premature death are united by an attitude in which social issues and public health problems are taken seriously. He also says that companies in those communities often work together with municipal authorities to promote overall well-being.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 29.3.2005 - TODAY |
 Premature deaths of working age men major Finnish public health problem
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