Terveystilaa

Terveystilaa is a Finnish term referring to the overall health status of an individual or a population. It encompasses physical health, mental well-being, functioning, and perceived health, and it is not limited to the absence of disease. In practice, terveystilaa captures a broader picture that includes chronic conditions, disabilities, social and emotional well-being, and the capacity to perform daily activities.

Measurement and indicators of terveystilaa vary by level of analysis. For individuals, assessments often combine self-rated health with information on diagnosed illnesses, functional status, and mental health symptoms. For populations, researchers and health authorities monitor indicators such as life expectancy, prevalence of chronic diseases, disability rates, and measures of healthy life expectancy or disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Data sources include national health surveys, health registers, and administrative records. In Finland, agencies such as the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and Statistics Finland compile and analyze data related to health status and well-being, providing a basis for monitoring crowded and aging populations.

Factors that shape terveystilaa include genetics, lifestyle behaviors (such as smoking, diet, physical activity), socioeconomic status, education, environment, and access to healthcare. Social determinants of health and health inequalities play a significant role in the distribution of health status within a society.

Applications of information on terveystilaa include health planning, policy development, risk stratification, and the targeting of health promotion and disease prevention efforts. While it provides a crucial overview, researchers acknowledge limitations such as reliance on self-reported data, cultural differences in health perceptions, and data availability, which can affect comparability over time and between regions.