Assessing and Forecasting Morbidity in Adult Population Using the National Health Index

The National Health Index is developed to prevent health problems and to assess the need for care in adult population in the future. The objectives of the project are: 

1. to develop a National Health Index based on the previous Morbidity Index of THL and Kela’s Health Barometer;
2. to supplement and review the contents of the index (subindices by disease group and their weighting coefficients as well as data on work ability);
3. to use the index to assess population health in municipalities and wellbeing services counties with different demographic structures;
4. to produce information on topics such as socioeconomic differences between population groups;
5. to use the index to study changes in population health over time and to forecast future trends;
6. to analyse the regional differences in subindices related to work ability, taking into account the demographic structure, employment rate, and the potential for disease prevention; and
7. to ensure open access and regular updates to the index.

The project consists of two parts: First, we create the new National Health Index using a wide range of data from several register holders. In the second phase, we assess and forecast the need for care as well as regional population health and work ability. Changes in the demographic structure and the potential for disease and work disability prevention are taken into account.

Researchers

• Kati Sarnola, Leading Researcher
• Pekka Heino
• Hanna Koskinen
• Riitta Luoto

Project Implementation Period

17.1.2022–31.8.2024 

Cooperation Partners

• National Health Index – The National Institute for Health and Welfare THL (thl.fi)
• Finnish Centre for Pensions (etk.fi)
• Statistics Finland (tilastokeskus.fi)