Implementation of the European health interview survey into the National FinSote survey in Finland

Abstract

Abstract Background This methodological paper describes the integration of the European Health Interview Survey wave 3 (EHIS 3) into the National FinSote Survey (FinSote2019/EHIS). Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) conducted the survey in Finland. Methods FinSote 2019/EHIS was conducted as a cross-sectional health, welfare and services survey. A simple random sampling was used to recruit 15 000 individuals aged 15 years and older. Data collection was carried out by self-administered questionnaire that was available in web and paper form. To minimize the respondent burden socio-demographic background variables were obtained from administrative registers. In Finland, EHIS wave 3 was conducted as a part of the National FinSote survey. The questionnaire included both EHIS 3 modules on health status, health care, health determinants (excluding derogation variables), social background variables and additional national questions. In data processing, two datasets were formed: national dataset for sustaining time series as well as monitoring nationally relevant topics and EHIS dataset including the quality and validation rules specified by Eurostat. Results In total, 6,251 questionnaires were completed. The response rate was 44 % in EHIS data (aged 15+) and 45 % in national FinSote data (aged 20+). The representativeness of the results was increased by applying weighting procedures. The sample size was just large enough to achieve the precision requirements determined by Eurostat. Access to micro data of the EHIS 3 will be provided by Eurostat and to the FinSote 2019/EHIS by THL. Conclusions Integrating EHIS wave 3 into an existing national monitoring system was challenging in Finland. The harmonization might lead to interruptions of existing national time trends. Inclusion of some national well-being and social care variables might be irrelevant to respondent aged 15-19 years. Key messages Conducting EHIS as a part of National FinSote survey in Finland was cost-effective but challenging. Cultural differences in regards to living conditions in younger respondents and health care system made it challenging to integrate EHIS into national survey.