Health examination 2023 and further examinations

We invited 10 000 people who had received the survey to a comprehensive health examination, which took place in January-June 2023 in different parts of Finland.

What did the health examination involve?

The study and related laboratory examination was free of charge and voluntary.

The health examination involved measurement of 

• height, weight, and circumference of waist, hip and neck
• blood pressure
• functional ability (e.g. vision and hearing, memory, attention and concentration, joint mobility, hand grip strength)
• pulmonary function (spirometry test).

In addition, the health examination included:

• a blood sample used to measure vitamin D, thyroid and testosterone levels and fat and sugar values. In addition, liver and kidney function was also assessed
• a hair sample
• a sample of faeces collected at home
• a sample of urine collected at home from some subjects
• questionnaires to identify health, lifestyle and functional capacity.

What information did the participants get for themselves?

Participants got feedback on their own examination results. Part of the feedback was given immediately after the examination visit (e.g. blood pressure).

Approximately 2–4 months after the health check, participants received a personal health profile, which included personal results, reference or target values, and instructions for action to take if the results deviated significantly. In addition to the laboratory results, the health profile included an assessment of ones risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, memory disorders, liver cirrhosis and sleep apnea, as well as information about lifestyle and related recommendations.

Following the health examination, some participants were invited for further examinations at a later stage in order to gather more detailed information on

• alcohol use
• oral and dental health
• physical exercise and sleep
• liver function.

Liver examination 2024

All people aged 21-81 living in the Helsinki metropolitan area and its surrounding areas who had previously participated in the Healthy Finland health examination were invited to the liver examination.

Liver diseases are a latent group of diseases that are influenced by many lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, nutrition and the accumulation of excess weight.Liver examination of the Healthy Finland – survey aims to examine liver function, the prevalence of fatty liver and increased liver connective tissue and the factors associated with them.

The health examination involved measurement of

• a liver elastography ultrasound scan to check the function of the liver tissue, including an assessment of the amount of connective tissue
• measuring weight
• venous blood sampling
• a short questionnaire.

Accelerometer Study 2023

Some of those invited to the Healthy Finland survey’s health examination were also invited to additional studies. One of these was the Accelerometer Study, which was previously carried out in 2017. 

In extensive population studies, physical activity is measured using instruments, such as acceleration sensors, in addition to surveys. It is also interesting to examine the time a person stays sedentary or stationary, as in this case accelerometers are more accurate than surveys. When measuring physical activity throughout a 24-hour-period, information is also obtained about a person's sleep pattern and how they sleep. The results will provide more accurate measured information on the physical activity of Finns, the time they remain sedentary and on their sleep and any changes to these.

How was the Accelerometer Study conducted?
During the health examination, people in the scope of the Accelerometer Study were asked about their willingness to use an accelerometer for a week. The accelerometer and its instructions, a short journal and a return envelope was sent to each participant’s home address within one week of the health examination. Participants wore an accelerometer that resembles a wristwatch for a week. After a week, use of the meter was discontinued and the meter and diary was returned to THL in the accompanying return envelope. The subjects later received personal feedback on their physical activity and sleep during the measurement period.

Drinking Habits Survey 2023

Some of those invited to the Healthy Finland survey’s health examination were also invited to additional studies. One of these is the Drinking Habits Survey. The Drinking Habits Survey is rooted in a drinking habits study collected every eight years in 1968–2016. The results provide more information on the diversity and changes in the use of alcohol by Finns and the link between different forms of alcohol use and different health dimensions.

How was the survey implemented?
For the Drinking Habits Survey, participants were interviewed either by phone or remotely using the Teams meeting application.

Stool study 2023

As part of the Healthy Finland survey, the Stool study was also carried out. The stool samples collected in the study are intended to be used to study how the gut microbiota of Finns has changed over the past 20 years. It will also enable top Finnish research on the connections between the gut microbiota and health in the future. This research data can possibly be used for the development of new forms of treatment in the future.

In recent years, the diversity of gut microbiota and also individual microbial species have been connected to human diet and health. Previous studies have provided important information about the connection of gut microbiota to diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver, to name a few examples. Certain gut microbiota have even been shown to be linked to life expectancy.

How was the study implemented?
In the Stool study, participants were asked to collect a stool sample at home and fill in a stool questionnaire related to the study. At the health examination, participants received the necessary supplies for collecting a stool sample and more detailed instructions on how to collect and post the sample.

Dental examination 2023

Some of those invited to the Healthy Finland survey’s health examination were also invited to additional studies. One of these was the Oral Health Study. The study included a dentist's examination, a temporomandibular functions symptom survey (TMD symptom survey) and a survey on the use of services and perceived oral health. 

Previously, two extensive studies, representative of the population, have been carried out in Finland to investigate clinical oral and dental health. Mini-Suomi in the 1970s and Terveys 2000 at the turn of the millennium. The Oral Health Study is a continuation of these studies. The results from the studies have been utilised in the planning of oral health care services, in health promotion work and in the preparation of training needs assessments, treatment instructions and recommendations.

What was done during the examination?
During the examination, the dentist examined the oral mucosa, the occlusion, the condition of the teeth and gums, mandibular joint and masseter symptoms and any removable dentures. Panoramic X-rays of jaws and teeth was also be taken in some localities. During the visit, participants received written feedback on their oral and dental health.