Riskigrupp

Riskigrupp, or risk group, is a term in public health used to describe a subpopulation with a higher probability of a given health outcome than the general population. Identifying risk groups helps explain who is most affected by a disease and who might benefit most from preventive measures.

Risk groups are defined by factors such as age, chronic health conditions, immune status, pregnancy, genetics, occupation, and living conditions. The relevance of factors depends on the disease, and classification often relies on epidemiological data and risk scoring tools.

Health authorities use risk groups to prioritize interventions such as vaccination, screening, and education. For example, older adults and individuals with chronic illness are commonly prioritized for influenza vaccination, while frontline workers may be prioritized for exposure-related risks.

Risk group concepts are not rigid; risk exists on a spectrum and individuals may belong to multiple groups or move between them over time. There is a risk of stigma or inequity if resources are allocated solely by group membership without considering individual circumstances, and data quality and privacy are important considerations.

Riskigrupp concepts are applied across infectious and non-infectious diseases and inform policy, guidelines, and health communications.