Assessing and Forecasting Morbidity in Adult Population Using the National Health Index
Published 17.1.2022
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:
- to develop a National Health Index based on the previous Morbidity Index of THL and Kela’s Health Barometer;
- to supplement and review the contents of the index (subindices by disease group and their weighting coefficients as well as data on work ability);
- to use the index to assess population health in municipalities and wellbeing services counties with different demographic structures;
- to produce information on topics such as socioeconomic differences between population groups;
- to use the index to study changes in population health over time and to forecast future trends;
- 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
- 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
Project Results
Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Työkyvyttömyysindeksi kertoo alue-eroista ja terveydenhuollon toiminnasta
- Diagnosoitujen muistisairauksien ilmaantuvuus ja esiintyvyys Suomessa vuosina 2016-2021
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Kansallinen terveysindeksi 2019–2021: Hyvinvointialueiden väliset erot sairastavuudessa ja työkyvyttömyydessä ovat samansuuntaisia: paras tilanne Uudellamaalla ja Pohjanmaalla (THL, Tilastoraportti 30/2023)
- Aiemmasta THL:n sairastavuusindeksistä Kansallisen terveysindeksin tietokokonaisuuteen (THL Working paper 35/2023)
