Finnish Mobile Clinic Health Examination Survey (AK)

The purpose of the Finnish Mobile Clinic Health Examination Survey (FMC), conducted in 1966-1972, was to detect diseases at an early stage in a large population survey and to provide information for health research. Originally, the study interests were lung diseases, heart problems, anemia and iron deficiency, diabetes, diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, thyroid gland diseases, calcium metabolism related diseases and coronary artery disease.  Later the range of the diseases of interest has become more diversified. The survey was carried out during 1966-1972 in altogether 31 study areas across Finland and included 62 440 adults (Knekt et al. 2017).

The survey included a health examination and a re-examination when needed. The data comprises questionnaire and interview information (a basic questionnaire, a dietary interview, a dyspnea, chest pain, and claudication interview) the results of physical measurements (anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, resting ECG and miniature chest X-ray), and biochemical measurements (blood and urine determinations). Additionally, the data includes a biological sample bank of the miniature X-ray images, resting ECG strips and serum and plasma samples. Follow-up information from nationwide health registries has been linked to the data since the beginning of the survey.

The survey was the first stage in a population survey series, which includes additionally the Finnish Mobile Clinic Health Follow-up Survey, the Mini-Finland Health Survey and the Health 2000 and Health 2011 surveys.

The Mobile Clinic was noted in cartoons.  Cartoon published in the Apu-magazine in 1966 (Published in the book Mobile Clinic with the permission of the creator).