SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “ESTONIA”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

[Trends in interregional migration in Estonia since 1947].

Migration trends in Estonia since 1947 are reviewed. The analysis indicates that the country's age distribution began to change earlier than that of other Eastern European countries. "Immigration started earlier too, first with the influx from the Estonia hinterland into the capital, then, after the second world war, with the gradual common workforce influx from the Republics of the Soviet Union." The author concludes that in-migration, combined with greater migration among younger people, has resulted in increased demographic aging, a trend that has to be taken into account when developing social policy. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2002

Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in Estonia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis incidence in Estonia. DESIGN: In a case-control study, the cases were 248 adult tuberculosis patients treated in a hospital in Tallinn between January 1999 and June 2000, and the controls were 248 persons sampled from the Population Registry and matched to cases by sex, year of birth and county of residence. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on potential risk factors. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The main risk factors for tuberculosis were marital status other than married, educational level less than higher, low income, having been in prison, not having own place of residence, current unemployment, current smoking, alcohol consumption, shortage of food, and contact with tuberculosis patients. Place of birth was not a risk factor. Risk of tuberculosis decreased for overweight persons whose individual economic situation had improved during the last year. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in Estonia was somewhat different from that in Western European countries; a large percentage of the patients were men, but were not elderly, and immigration and drug abuse did not increase the risk. Major risk factors were related to poverty and low socio-economic status.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Reproduction of the stone loach, Barbatula barbatula (L.) in Estonia.

Reproduction of the stone loach was investigated in two rivers of northwestern Estonia (Vääna and Maidla, 59 degrees N). Loaches in the Vääna River were slow growing and males prevailed among older fish; in the Maidla River loaches were fast growing and females dominated among older fish. Reproduction indices (age at maturation, duration of the spawning season, number of egg batches, fecundity, oocyte diameter, annual dynamics of gonadosomatic index and oocyte diameter) of comparably sized loach of Vääna and Maidla were similar and intermediate between more southern and more northern populations. Female investment in offspring (measured as the volume of spawned eggs) in Estonia was close to that in England; however, energy was invested in a smaller number of larger eggs (larvae). Our results confirm earlier data on the remarkable variation of life history patterns of the stone loach and indicate clinal variation of several reproduction indices along a north-south axis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Predominance of a rare type of HIV-1 in Estonia.

An earlier study has indicated that a complex recombinant HIV-1 strain dominates the epidemic in Estonia. The objective of this study was to further investigate the molecular epidemiology and genetic structure of HIV-1 in Estonia. Most of the investigated individuals became infected after August 2000 when HIV-1 started to spread rapidly among Estonian intravenous drug users (IDUs). Two viral DNA regions, gag/pol and gp41, were sequenced and subtyped from peripheral blood mononuclear cells or plasma from 141 individuals. Phylogenetic analysis in the gp41 region revealed that the most frequent type of the virus among IDUs was a circulating recombinant form, CRF06_cpx, whereas a few samples showed highest sequence similarity to a subtype A strain circulating in Ukraine and Russia. Likewise, in the gag/pol region, most of the samples were classified as CRF06_cpx, with a few classified as subtype A. In this region, however, 16% of the sequences turned out to be mosaic unique recombinant forms consisting of CRF06_cpx and subtype A. At least 9 mosaic forms were identified, each with distinct patterns of multiple crossover. To characterize Estonian CRF06_cpx as well as recombinant isolates in more detail, 4 near-full-length HIV-1 genomes were sequenced.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Microbial pathogens of adult community-acquired pneumonia in Southern Estonia.

Prospective analysis of the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia in 209 inpatients (mean age 56.2+/-11.2 years) was performed at the Lung Hospital of Tartu University, Estonia. Majority of the patients (87.6%) had at least one significant modifying or risk factor and 30.6% had severe community-acquired pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae, beta-hemolytic streptococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis were the most frequent pathogens (22.0, 12.2, 11.4, and 10.2%, respectively). Combined etiology was detected in 17.2%. Gram-negative pathogens prevailed over gram-positives and were significantly more frequent in patients aged > or =60 years (p=0.002) as in those with underlying diseases (p=0.01). An age of > or =60 years and previous antibacterial therapy were significant risk factors for Klebsiella pneumoniae as a pathogen (p=0.005 and p=0.002, respectively). Susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae to penicillin, erythromycin, and doxycycline was 79.5, 90.2, and 100%, respectively, whereas all penicillin-resistant isolates were cefuroxime- and ceftriaxone-susceptible. Klebsiella pneumoniae was 100, 88.5, 84.2, and 81.8% susceptible to ceftazidime, gentamicin, ampicillin-sulbactam, and ciprofloxacin, and Moraxella catarrhalis was 100, 100, 100, 93.8, and 93.3% susceptible to ampicillin-sulbactam, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin, respectively. In conclusion, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the major pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia in Southern Estonia. Although gram-negatives were more prevalent, the major pathogens were favorably susceptible without a noticeable cross-resistance. Nevertheless, improved surveillance studies are needed because of a pressure for the rise in antibiotic resistance in the society.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

First oral vaccination of wildlife against rabies in Estonia.

Estonia is a small country, with many islands, that covers a total area of 45,000 km2 in the Baltic region. Rabies is widely distributed all over the country, even on some islands. The disease is maintained by two species: red foxes and raccoon dogs. In 2003, 813 cases of rabies were recorded with 315 cases in foxes and 362 cases in raccoon dogs; since 2002 the latter species has had the highest level of rabies infection among all animal species in Estonia. The measure used to control rabies is vaccination of dogs and cats, as they are the source on infection of humans. In Spring 2004, a limited trial of oral vaccination of wildlife was conducted. The goal of this was to train the actors who will be implicated in larger future campaigns. This trial was conducted on Vormsi island (92 km2), located 10 km away from the west coast. Oral vaccination was performed manually over three days with SAG2 baits (Virbac company, France), by three teams.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

[Emergency psychiatric treatment of survivors of the Estonia disaster].

The sinking of the car ferry, Estonia, was one of the world's most devastating marine disasters of all time. Mass casualty situations tend to give rise to more mental than physical injuries among the survivors. Psychiatric crisis intervention is in the process of becoming established as one arm in the management of disaster victims. In the article is described the emergency psychiatric care which University Hospital, Abo, was able to offer survivors of the Estonia catastrophe. On the basis of the experience gained, the authors suggest that emergency psychiatric plans should be drawn up at all larger hospitals, as there is no time for careful planning in the event of a major incident.

Crisis Intervention↗

PubMed1994

Lung cancer in Estonia in 1968-87: time trends and public health implications.

Changes in lung cancer incidence and mortality in Estonia were studied for 20 years (1968-87). A steady upward trend was observed for men and women. The 1983-87/1968-72 age-standardized incidence rate ratio was 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.29) in men and 1.34 (95% CI 1.16-1.54) in women. The corresponding mortality rate ratio was 1.26 (95% CI 1.18-1.34) in men and 1.35 (95% CI 1.16-1.57) in women. The age-specific incidence and mortality rates increased clearly towards the younger birth cohorts. For men and women, the increase was most evident for the age group 45-64 years. In women there was a more rapid increase in incidence and mortality than in men. It may be a result of a substantial increase of tobacco smoking, particularly among women, after the World War II. The high and still rising occurrence of lung cancer is closely related to the high prevalence of smoking; in addition, high tar yields in domestic cigarettes could have been responsible for an elevated lung cancer risk during the past decades. There is not tobacco control programme in Estonia, and existing legislation and regulations do not defend the non-smoking population.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Incidence of childhood diabetes did not increase in Estonia during 1980-89.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the temporal variation in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Estonia for 1980-89. Data were taken from the Estonian Childhood Type 1 Diabetes Register. "Poisson" regression modelling was completed with GLIM software adjusting for age and ethnic groups. No calendar period effect was found, either when allowing for distinct period effects, or looking for trends. No urban-rural difference was detected in the incidence of childhood onset Type 1 diabetes. In conclusion, our analysis provides evidence that the incidence of childhood Type 1 diabetes was relatively stable in Estonia during the past decade in contrast to some other Baltic countries where a significant increase has been reported.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Environmental health and monitoring in Estonia.

An assessment of environmental health and monitoring in Estonia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union has shown that the country suffered from neglect during the "cold war" after World War II, and efforts to improve the status quo have been slow since independence was gained in 1991. Conditions in Estonia are affected by the fifty-year long occupation. Industrial, military and agricultural activities have left a legacy of pollution and obsolete installations. The regulatory framework and life style attitudes from the Soviet era interfere with reform efforts. The current transition period holds risks that derive from a run-down infrastructure, a weak economy, and disruptions, inherent in the reorganization itself. Over the past few years a recession has further complicated the situation and the public health status has worsened. International assistance programmes as well as efforts by Estonians have led to some change and progress in environmental management since 1991, and lately ambitious environmental and public health sector programmes have been initiated by the government. Much work, however, still needs to be done. An examination of the recent history of this small country provides examples of environmental neglect and consequences, as well as recommended corrective measures.

Environmental Health↗

PubMed1997

A study of antimitochondrial antibodies in a random population in Estonia.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the spontaneous destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts. The hallmark serologic feature of PBC is the presence of high-titer antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA). Both the incidence and prevalence of PBC varies geographically; epidemiological data may provide valuable insight regarding the pathogenic mechanisms and etiology of disease. Thus far, the majority of studies on the occurrence of PBC and AMAs have been derived from autopsy, mortality figures, or hospital admission records. The numbers reported reflect only those patients with clinical disease. To address this issue, an adult population sample representing all age groups in the village of Karksi-Nuia in southern Estonia was selected for a study of AMA incidence. This village has unique features that make it ideal for such a study. First, the village is remote and a substantial number of families have lived in the area for generations. There is also a limited influx of new families into the village, therefore providing a limited genetic repertoire. In this unselected adult population, we examined AMA incidence by both immunoblot and ELISA, using native and recombinant antigens. Of the 1461 people studied, 13 (0.89%) were AMA positive. A similar frequency (0.96%) was found among 104 persons from a neighboring village, who subsequently joined the study. Our study suggests that the presence of AMA in Estonia is in agreement with the reported incidence of less than 1% AMA in a mixed hospital population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[The self-perception of their professional role of the primary care physicians of Estonia and Finland].

OBJECTIVE: To find out how experienced primary care physicians working in different societies see themselves as doctors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary health care in Estonia and Finland. PARTICIPANTS: Estonian district doctors (n = 110) and Finnish specialists of general practice (n = 211). METHODS: In a postal questionnaire the respondents were asked to evaluate how well 18 different expressions described them as doctors on a 5-step scale from "1 = very poorly" to "5 = very well". RESULTS: Four of the five expressions that were thought most accurate and telling--"Listener", "Vocational doctor", "Helper", and "Family physician"--were the same in Estonia and Finland. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there are differences in health care systems, the self-images of primary care doctors in both countries were more or less consistent with the international definitions of the general practitioner's job and role.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Distribution of sylvatic species of Trichinella in Estonia according to climate zones.

A survey on trichinellosis among sylvatic and domestic animals from Estonia revealed the presence of Trichinella nativa (Tn), Trichinella britovi (Tb), and Trichinella spiralis (Ts). Muscle samples were collected from 776 sylvatic and 1,086 domestic animals. Muscle larvae from 52 of the 74 positive samples were identified, using random-amplified polymorphic DNA analysis; 19 samples showed Tn, 27 samples Tb, and 4 samples Ts. A raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) were infected with both Tn and Tb. Of the 19 animals infected with Tn, 16 (84%) were collected from the central-eastern regions of the country, east of the isotherm -5 C in January. Of the 27 animals infected with Tb, 22 (81%) were collected from the western regions of the country, west of the isotherm -4 C in January. Trichinella spiralis seemed to be present only in a focus (a fur-bearing animal farm) on Hiiumaa Island. These results can be used to support the hypothesis of a relationship between the distribution of Tn and Tb and the environmental temperature; they are also indicative of the importance of long-term survival of muscle larvae in host carcasses in the life cycle of these 2 species. In Estonia, the isotherms -4 and -6 C in January could be considered a thermic barrier for the distribution of Tn and Tb, respectively.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Trends in the magnitude of educational inequalities in health in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland during 1994-2004.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic inequalities in health in the Baltic countries are possibly increasing due to concomitant pressures. This study compared time trends from 1994 to 2004 in the pattern and magnitude of educational inequalities in health in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland. METHODS: The data were gathered from cross-sectional postal surveys of the Finbalt project, conducted every second year since 1994 on adult populations (aged 20-64 years) in Estonia (n=9049), Latvia (n=7685), Lithuania (n=11,634) and Finland (n=18,821). Three self-reported health indicators were used: (i) less than good perceived health, (ii) diagnosed diseases, and (iii) symptoms. RESULTS: The existing educational inequalities in health in three Baltic countries and Finland remained generally stable over time from 1994 to 2004. Also, the overall prevalence of all three health indicators was generally stable, but in the Baltic countries improvement in perceived health was mainly found among the better-educated men and women. Diagnosed diseases increased in the Baltic countries, except Lithuania, where diseases decreased among the better-educated women. Symptoms increased among the better-educated Estonian and Finnish women. CONCLUSIONS: The period from 1994 to 2004 of relative stabilization since the worst conditions of the social transition has not been followed by notable changes in self-reported health, and this appears to be the situation across all educational groups in the Baltic countries. While health inequalities did not markedly change, substantial inequalities do remain, and there were indications of favourable developments mainly among the better-educated respondents. The factors contributing towards increasing health inequalities may only be visible in the future.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Changes in women's health in the Baltic republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia during 1970-1997.

The rapid political, economic and social changes occurring in the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fundamentally affect female health. Demographic trends, morbidity and mortality indicators point to a general decline in the status of women's health in the three Baltic republics since their independence from the Soviet Union. The transition period from socialist to market economy has clearly taken a toll in women's health. These have to be taken into consideration by health authorities in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia as well as the European Union during the undergoing reforms being planned for healthcare systems in all EU countries in accession.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The sociodemographic patterning of health in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland.

BACKGROUND: Public health problems in the Baltic countries are typical of Eastern European transition economies. A common assumption is that the economic transition has been particularly difficult for previously disadvantaged groups, and comparative research on the health differences between sociodemographic groups in the Baltic countries is therefore needed. This study compared associations of health with gender, age, education, level of urbanization and marital status in three Baltic countries and Finland. METHODS: The data were gathered from cross-sectional postal surveys conducted in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000 on adult populations (aged 20-64 years) in Estonia (n = 5052), Latvia (n = 4290), Lithuania (n = 7945) and Finland (n = 12796). Three self-reported health indicators were used: (i) perceived health, (ii) diagnosed diseases and (iii) symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of less-than-good perceived health (average, rather poor or poor) was higher in the Baltic countries (men 66-56%, women 68-64%) than in Finland (men 35%, women 31%). The odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of less-than-good perceived health among the low educated compared to the highly educated in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland were 2.03 (1.49-2.77), 2.00 (1.45-2.76), 2.27 (1.78-2.89) and 1.89 (1.61-2.20) among men, and 3.32 (2.43-4.55), 2.77 (2.04-3.77), 2.07 (1.61-2.66) and 1.89 (1.63-2.20) among women, respectively. Diseases and symptoms were also more common among the lower educated men and women in all four countries. However, urbanization and marital status were not consistently related to the health indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The Baltic countries share a similar sociodemographic patterning of health with most European countries, i.e. the lower educated have worse health. The methodological considerations of this study point out, however, that further research is needed to support public health policies aimed at the most vulnerable population groups.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Wood dust exposure and cancer incidence: a retrospective cohort study of furniture workers in Estonia.

BACKGROUND: Occupational wood dust exposure is associated with increased risk of sinonasal cancer in men. However, little is known whether it is associated with sinonasal cancer in women or with malignancies of other sites. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study of furniture workers, cancer incidence in 3723 men and 3063 women between 1968 and 1995 was compared to the incidence in the general population of Estonia. Cancer risks were analyzed by employment duration and occupation. RESULTS: The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for all cancers did not differ significantly from one. Two men and one woman had sinonasal cancer (expected 1.07 and 0.53, respectively). Significantly increased risk of colon cancer was seen in the cohort (SIR 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.17). Subjects employed for 10 years and over had significant excess of colon cancer (SIR 2.29, 95% CI 1.28-3.77) and rectal cancer (SIR 2.10, 95% CI 1.05-3.76) in the analysis by employment duration using exposure with a latency of 20 years. The nonsignificant excess of pharyngeal cancer in men (SIR 1.82) and lung cancer in women (SIR 1.43) was restricted to short-term workers. CONCLUSIONS: This study found an excess of colon and rectal cancer in furniture workers. There was no increase in total cancer risk.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Cancer risk among Chernobyl cleanup workers in Estonia and Latvia, 1986-1998.

Two cohorts of Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia (4,786 men) and Latvia (5,546 men) were followed from 1986 to 1998 to investigate cancer incidence among persons exposed to ionizing radiation from the Chernobyl accident. Each cohort was identified from various independent sources and followed using nationwide population and mortality registries. Cancers were ascertained by linkage with nationwide cancer registries. Overall, 75 incident cancers were identified in the Estonian cohort and 80 in the Latvian cohort. The combined-cohort standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for all cancers was 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.98-1.34) and for leukemia, 1.53 (95% CI = 0.62-3.17; n = 7). Statistically significant excess cases of thyroid (SIR = 7.06, 95% CI = 2.84-14.55; n = 7) and brain cancer (SIR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.07-3.83; n = 11) were found, mainly based on Latvian data. However, there was no evidence of a dose response for any of these sites, and the relationship to radiation exposure remains to be established. Excess of thyroid cancer cases observed may have been due to screening, the leukemia cases included 2 unconfirmed diagnoses, and the excess cases of brain tumors may have been a chance finding. There was an indication of increased risk associated with early entry to the Chernobyl area and late follow-up, though not statistically significant. Further follow-up of Chernobyl cleanup workers is warranted to clarify the possible health effects of radiation exposure.

Adolescent↗