Health determinants in Northwest Lapland
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Lapland Hotels Olos, Muonio
Topic of the dissertation
Health determinants in Northwest Lapland
Doctoral candidate
M.D. Yrjö Perkkiö
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Population Health
Subject of study
Medicine
Opponent
Professor Pekka Mäntyselkä, University of Eastern Finland
Custos
Professor Sirkka Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, University of Oulu
Health determinants in Northwest Lapland
The cardiovascular risk factors among the adult population in Northwest Lapland decreased, but obesity and type 2 diabetes became more common over a 31-year follow-up period.
The study followed the health of residents of Muonio and Enontekiö from approximately the age of 40 to about 71. Between 1974 and 1983, cardiovascular risk factors were assessed, and during the 2014–2015 follow-up, their impact on mortality was examined. The study also analysed diabetes, multimorbidity, mood symptoms, and happiness.
In 1983, nearly 10% of men and 15% of women were overweight. Elevated blood pressure was observed in about 46% of men and 36% of women. Nearly half of the men smoked, compared to about a quarter of the women, and the average total cholesterol level was around 7 mmol/L. The prevalence of diabetic blood glucose was 2.6%.
In the follow-up study, 13% of men and 17% of women had diabetes, and nearly every second person had prediabetes. About half of the participants had high blood pressure, and the prevalence of overweight had almost doubled. The mean cholesterol level was around 5.4 mmol/L. Only 11% of men and 9% of women smoked. Depressive symptoms were found in 9.7% of men and 5.4% of women, and type 2 diabetes doubled the prevalence of depressive symptoms.
The most common causes of death in the follow-up were cardiovascular diseases (42%) and cancers (22%). Predictors of mortality included male sex, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, depression, living without a partner, alcohol consumption, and low physical activity.
The average happiness score (on a 0–100 mm scale) was 72.8 for women and 71.2 for men. Happiness was increased by younger age, being in a relationship, and higher education, and reduced by heavy alcohol consumption. Somatic diseases—but especially mental health problems—reduced happiness.
The study adds to the understanding of health among residents in subarctic regions. The health of the study population was among the best in Lapland. Multimorbidity and happiness levels were comparable to the Finnish average, but women under 65 were happier than other Finnish women.
Key findings highlighted the strong associations between mental health disorders, lifestyle factors, well-being, and health. The study also confirmed the interrelation between disturbances in glucose metabolism and depressive symptoms.
The study followed the health of residents of Muonio and Enontekiö from approximately the age of 40 to about 71. Between 1974 and 1983, cardiovascular risk factors were assessed, and during the 2014–2015 follow-up, their impact on mortality was examined. The study also analysed diabetes, multimorbidity, mood symptoms, and happiness.
In 1983, nearly 10% of men and 15% of women were overweight. Elevated blood pressure was observed in about 46% of men and 36% of women. Nearly half of the men smoked, compared to about a quarter of the women, and the average total cholesterol level was around 7 mmol/L. The prevalence of diabetic blood glucose was 2.6%.
In the follow-up study, 13% of men and 17% of women had diabetes, and nearly every second person had prediabetes. About half of the participants had high blood pressure, and the prevalence of overweight had almost doubled. The mean cholesterol level was around 5.4 mmol/L. Only 11% of men and 9% of women smoked. Depressive symptoms were found in 9.7% of men and 5.4% of women, and type 2 diabetes doubled the prevalence of depressive symptoms.
The most common causes of death in the follow-up were cardiovascular diseases (42%) and cancers (22%). Predictors of mortality included male sex, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, depression, living without a partner, alcohol consumption, and low physical activity.
The average happiness score (on a 0–100 mm scale) was 72.8 for women and 71.2 for men. Happiness was increased by younger age, being in a relationship, and higher education, and reduced by heavy alcohol consumption. Somatic diseases—but especially mental health problems—reduced happiness.
The study adds to the understanding of health among residents in subarctic regions. The health of the study population was among the best in Lapland. Multimorbidity and happiness levels were comparable to the Finnish average, but women under 65 were happier than other Finnish women.
Key findings highlighted the strong associations between mental health disorders, lifestyle factors, well-being, and health. The study also confirmed the interrelation between disturbances in glucose metabolism and depressive symptoms.
Created 5.11.2025 | Updated 5.11.2025