scholarly journals Experiences from the harmonization of Finnish national population-based health survey data

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110521
Author(s):  
Laura Paalanen ◽  
Hanna Tolonen
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Blood Pressure Measurement ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Response Options ◽  
National Population ◽  
Objective Health ◽  
Research Guidelines ◽  
Time Period

Aims: There are several advantages to pooling survey data from individual studies over time or across different countries. Our aim is to share our experiences on harmonizing data from 13 Finnish health examination surveys covering the years 1972–2017 and to describe the challenges related to harmonizing different variable types using two questionnaire variables – blood pressure measurement and total cholesterol assessment – as examples. Methods: Data from Finnish national population-based health surveys were harmonized as part of the research project ‘Projections of the Burden of Disease and Disability in Finland – Health Policy Prospects’, including variables from questionnaires, objective health measurements and results from the laboratory analysis of biological samples. The process presented in the Maelstrom Research guidelines for data harmonization was followed with minor adjustments. Results: The harmonization of data from objective measurements and biomarkers was reasonably straightforward, but questionnaire items proved more challenging. Some questions and response options had changed during the covered time period. This concerned, for example, questionnaire items on the availability and use of medication and diet. Conclusions: The long time period – 45 years – made harmonization more complicated. The survey questions or response options had changed for some topics due to changes in society. However, common core variables for topics that were especially relevant for the project, such as lifestyle factors and certain diseases or conditions, could be harmonized with sufficient comparability. For future surveys, the use of standardized survey methods and the proper documentation of data collection are recommended to facilitate harmonization.

scholarly journals Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Finland by different data sources

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Koponen ◽  
J Reinikainen ◽  
H Tolonen ◽  
T Laatikainen ◽  
P Jousilahti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Register Data ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Antihypertensive Medications ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Level Information

Abstract Background Population level information on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes is needed to support planning and evaluation of preventive activities and care. Population based health examination surveys (HES) can provide valid information, but they are time consuming and expensive. Administrative registers on hospitalizations and out-patient visits could provide information faster and at less cost. The aim of this study is to estimate how comparable prevalence estimates of type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension and their combination are based on data from the Finnish national health examination survey (FinHealth 2017) and data from administrative hospital and primary care registers in Finland. Methods Survey data were linked to care registers using personal identity codes. Survey based hypertension was defined as SBP≥140 mmHg or DBP≥90 mmHg or self-reported use of antihypertensive medications; and T2D as HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol or self-reported us of diabetes medications. Corresponding indicators from care registers were: hypertension and T2D as a reason for care or visit or having received prescription for diabetes medication (using ICD-10, ICPC and ATC codes). Results For hypertension, survey data provided the prevalence of 43 % while only 12 % of individuals were identified as hypertensives in the register data. The prevalence of T2D was 9 % in both data sources. The prevalence of having both hypertension and T2D was 7 % based on survey data and 3 % based on register data. Agreement between survey and register data was lower for hypertension (Cohen’s kappa 0.23) than for T2D (0.84). Conclusions Register data provided lower prevalence for hypertension than the survey data. For diabetes, similar prevalences were observed. As there are limitations in the coverage of register data more reliable population level information can be obtained from HES. Key messages Health examination surveys cover persons with undiagnosed problems and conditions omitted in national registers. Hypertension and T2D should be monitored with both register and survey data.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C virus prevalence in Belgium

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luk Van Baelen ◽  
Johan Van der Heyden
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
National Population ◽  
Interview Survey ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Reliable hepatitis C prevalence estimates are crucial for a good follow-up of the indicators to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 as set by the World Health Organization. In Belgium, no recent national population-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence estimate is available. The current study estimated HCV prevalence as part of the first Belgian Health Examination Survey, which was organized in 2018 as a second stage of the sixth Belgian Health Interview Survey. This national population-based cross-sectional study resulted in a weighted national HCV seroprevalence of 0.02% (95% CI 0.00–0.07%). The results show a much lower HCV seroprevalence compared to previous studies.

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