Terveystilanne

Terveystilanne is a Finnish term used in public health to describe the overall health status of a population or a group at a given time. It encompasses physical and mental health, morbidity, mortality, and health-related quality of life, as well as the distribution of health and disease across different population subgroups and the capacity of the health system to respond to needs.

Key components of a terveystilanne include health outcomes such as life expectancy and mortality rates, as well as morbidity indicators like the prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases, disability, and hospital utilization. Health-related quality of life and mental health are also considered, together with risk factors such as smoking, obesity, physical activity, and diet. The concept often combines these elements into a snapshot of both current health status and emerging trends over time.

Data used to assess a terveystilanne come from multiple sources, including national health registries, health surveys, and administrative records. In Finland, organizations such as the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and Statistics Finland compile and publish health statistics, while international comparisons draw on sources from the WHO, OECD, and other agencies. The aim is to provide a basis for monitoring population health, planning and evaluating health services, identifying health inequities, and informing public health policy.

Limitations include differences in data availability, timeliness, and definitions, as well as challenges in cross-regional or cross-country comparability. Despite these caveats, tracking the terveystilanne supports evidence-based decision-making and the assessment of health developments over time.