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Biomedical subjects

S Aro

Publications and source records attributed to S Aro.

43 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Bathing fever epidemic of unknown aetiology in Finland.

Since August, 1978, an epidemic characterised by respiratory symptoms and fever spread rapidly in a restricted area near Tampere, Finland. Four months later over half of the adult population reported intermittent or constant symptoms. The most frequent symptoms were cough, dyspnoea, chills, fever, headaches, muscle pain and aching of joints. The symptoms appeared to be associated with exposure to water vapour derived from tap water. Consequently this disease, which resembled extrinsic allergic alveolitis, was given the name 'bathing fever' for lack of any prevailing diagnosis. In clinical provocation tests lung diffusion capacity usually decreased, the leucocyte count increased, and a slight rise in body temperature was observed. Despite many efforts the specific causative agent in the tap water has not been identified. Neither massive chlorination of the water nor changing the sand filter of the water-works had any significant effect on the quality of the water. Therefore the source of water supply was changed in April, 1979. The symptoms have subsequently disappeared. Present knowledge about bathing fever suggests that, though rare, it may be typical of the Scandinavian type of climate.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Economic depression and the use of physician services in Finland.

At the start of the 1990s, the economic situation in Finland deteriorated radically. During the depression (1991-93), health care expenditure decreased by about 10%, and was associated with considerable changes in Finnish health care. This paper reports studies of the determinants of use of physician services in Finland in the 1990s. The particular aim was to evaluate how utilization altered during the economic depression and during the changes in the health care system. Using econometric methods, an attempt was made to describe the changes in structure and level of utilization. The study was based on annual computer-assisted telephone interviews made during 1991-94. Visits to a doctor were analysed using a two-part model (logit and truncated negative binomial regression). Structural changes were tested by Chow-type tests and changes in the level of utilization by chronologically defined dummy variables for each year. The most significant changes (both in structure and level) occurred in the model explaining the number of visits (negative binomial regression) of chronically ill persons. Variables describing the continuity of care seem to be more important determinants of visits to a doctor than certain other availability and socioeconomic variables.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Coordinate-based mapping--a new method in health services research.

The Finnish national hospital discharge registers from 1985 and 1988 have been analysed by the National Board of Health. Results are provided for all the 21 Finnish hospital districts and central communal organizations. The small area variation phenomenon in hospital utilization cannot be explained by demographic or epidemiological factors. Rather, the variations seem to be largely due to organizational factors. The project aims to develop a data processing system capable of handling information on one million patients rapidly and economically, and show the results in an intelligible form as a table with standard headers or as a map illustration. Maps are superior to traditional statistical tables in demonstrating regional variations in health care utilization and in mortality. Maps based on small administrative units are useful for many purposes. These maps are, however, relatively 'noisy' due to substantial random variation. Coordinate-based mapping is a method to overcome some of these difficulties. It is based on linking hospital discharge and mortality data with exact address data. The method allows mapping independent of administrative boundaries. Several examples of coordinate-based maps are given. The method is used in Finland for annual analysis of hospital use.

Cause of Death↗