riskgrupper

Riskgrupper is a term used in public health and epidemiology to describe categories of people who share characteristics associated with a higher probability of experiencing a health problem or adverse outcome. The concept focuses on groups rather than individuals, recognizing that risk arises from a combination of biological, behavioral, social and environmental factors.

Common bases for defining riskgrupper include age, chronic medical conditions, immunosuppression, pregnancy, occupation, lifestyle factors, and socio-economic status. Geographic location and occupational exposure can also create groups with elevated risk. In infectious diseases, riskgrupper may be those with higher susceptibility to infection, higher exposure, or worse outcomes if infected.

Public health applications include prioritization for vaccination, screening and early testing, targeted prevention campaigns, and allocation of limited healthcare resources. Examples: during influenza seasons, older adults and people with chronic diseases are often targeted; in pandemics such as COVID-19, seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and people with certain comorbidities were prioritized for vaccination and protective measures.

Risk grouping has limitations. Labeling groups can contribute to stigma or discrimination, and individual risk varies within groups. Risk assessment should combine group-level priorities with individualized evaluation and respect for equality. Risk factors describe attributes associated with higher risk, while risk groups refer to populations sharing several such factors.

In practice, riskgrupper are dynamic, changing with new pathogens, vaccines, and social patterns. Overlaps between groups are common, and intersectionality can influence risk.