Riskialttiina

Riskialttiina is a Finnish adjective used to describe people, groups, or conditions that are more likely to experience negative outcomes because they are exposed to risk factors or have inherent vulnerabilities. In public health, social policy, and safety planning, the term signals an elevated probability of illness, injury, or social harm compared with the general population. It emphasizes susceptibility and the potential benefit of protective interventions. Risk assessment often combines data on exposure to risk factors, vulnerability, and resilience, rather than relying on a single measure.

The term is applied across diverse contexts. Examples include older adults with chronic diseases, people with low socioeconomic status, minority or marginalized groups facing discrimination, residents in disaster-prone areas, and individuals with limited access to healthcare, housing, or nutrition. Assessments use indicators such as age, health status, income, education, housing conditions, and environmental exposure. Because risk is context-specific, there is no universal threshold for labeling someone riskialttiina; the designation is relative and used to guide targeted actions and resource allocation.

Using the term responsibly is important to avoid stigma. It should be paired with concrete interventions that reduce exposure to risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and address structural determinants of health and well-being. See also risk factors, vulnerability, at-risk populations, and public health.