Adult Swedish Population Research Articles

A descriptive epidemiological study of the prevalence of self-reported sensory difficulties by age group, sex, education, disability, and migration status in Sweden in 2020

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of self-reported hearing difficulties, vision difficulties and combined vision and hearing difficulties in a Swedish adult population that varies according to migration status, sex, age, disability measured by ADL and IADL and educational attainment level.MethodsThe study utilised data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, which consisted of 2257 individuals aged 60 and above that were interviewed in Sweden in the 2019/2020, SHARE wave 8. To determine the prevalence of sensory difficulties (hearing, vision and dual-sensory difficulties) among various subgroups of the population, a multinomial logistic regression was used. The results of these analyses are presented in terms of predicted probabilities.ResultsThe study findings indicate that foreign-born older adults experience a lower prevalence of visual difficulties (6.2% [3.3–11.5] in comparison to their Swedish-born counterparts. Moreover, older adults with higher levels of education tend to report a lower prevalence of sensory difficulties overall. Furthermore, sex differences are apparent, with males reporting a higher prevalence of hearing difficulties (18.9% [15.5–22.8] vs. 12.8% [10.7–15.3]) and females reporting a higher prevalence of vision difficulties (12.7% [10.7–15.1] vs. 8.5%[6.8–10.5]).ConclusionThe findings highlight disparities in the prevalence and type of perceived sensory difficulties experienced by older adults, by factors such as age, sex, education and migration status. It is important to consider these demographic factors in healthcare planning and interventions aimed at mitigating sensory difficulties in the older population.

Incidence of Clinically Diagnosed Psoriatic Arthritis in Sweden.

Prior incidence estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) vary considerably. We aimed to assess the annual incidence of clinically diagnosed PsA among adults in Sweden in 2014-2016, overall and stratified by age/sex/education/geography, and to investigate potential time trends in incidence in 2006-2018. Use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during the 2 years after diagnosis was also examined. Patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with incident clinically diagnosed PsA in Sweden were identified from the National Patient Register (NPR) and/or the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ). Population statistics, stratification variables, and DMARD information were retrieved from other nationwide registers. Incidence was estimated according to a base case (BC) definition (ie, ≥ 1 main International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, diagnosis of PsA [L40.5/M07.0-M07.3] from rheumatology/internal medicine in NPR, or a PsA diagnosis in SRQ during the relevant year, and no prior such diagnoses) and 4 different sensitivity analysis case definitions. The mean annual incidence of clinically diagnosed PsA among adults in Sweden in 2014-2016 was estimated at 21.77 per 100,000 person-years (PYs) at risk, according to the BC definition; 17.41 per 100,000 PYs at risk after accounting for diagnostic misclassification; and 15.78 to 28.83 per 100,000 PYs at risk across all sensitivity analyses. Incidence was slightly higher in female individuals, was lower in those with higher education (aged > 12 years), and peaked during the ages of 50 to 59 years. No apparent increasing or decreasing time trend was observed in 2006-2018. Within 2 years of diagnosis, 71.03% of patients had received DMARD therapy (22.37% biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs). From 2014 to 2016, the annual incidence of clinically diagnosed PsA in the adult Swedish population was approximately 20 per 100,000 PYs at risk. Two years after diagnosis, almost three-quarters of patients had received DMARD therapy.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Swedish Version of the Types of Positive Affect Scale

Abstract: Differentiating between various types of positive affect (PA), such as excitement, relaxation, safeness, and contentment, is important when assessing mental health. However, validated instruments measuring these types of PA are scarce, and in a Swedish context, they are nonexisting. Thus, the present study assesses the psychometric properties of the translated Swedish version of the Types of PA Scale (TPAS) using a sample of 440 Swedish adults. Corroborating previous research, confirmatory factor analyses supported a modified three-factor model (Activated PA, Relaxed PA, Safe/Content PA), showing good reliability, good convergent validity, and satisfactory discriminant validity of the factors. Furthermore, the TPAS demonstrates measurement invariance across demographics (age, gender, and education) and exhibits satisfactory construct validity by distinguishing between PA, NA and State–Trait Anxiety. Hence, the Swedish TPAS is a valid tool for measuring types of PA in the adult population of Sweden, with potential areas for improvement being discussed.

Treatment Preferences for Acute Allergic Reactions: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Background: Timely treatment of acute allergic reactions (AARs) is important to minimize reaction severity. Corticosteroid tablets dissolved in water are commonly used in mainstay treatment. A new oral film that dissolves on the tongue provides a faster and less cumbersome alternative to tablets for corticosteroid administration during AARs. This study evaluated patients’ preferences for attributes related to administration mode of corticosteroids in AARs. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to a sample from the adult Swedish population (≥18 years) with experience of corticosteroid treatment for AAR. We assessed the willingness to pay (WTP) for attributes related to corticosteroid treatment by applying a discrete choice experiment (DCE) approach. DCE attributes were administration mode, time to symptom relief, and price. The WTP for each attribute was derived using the attribute’s coefficient in a logistic regression analysis. We specified a forced choice (FC) and an unforced choice (UC) model. In the FC model, the respondents chose between 2 hypothetical treatments and in the UC model, between any of 2 hypothetical treatments and their current treatment. Results: The final study population included 348 subjects, of which 80% were women. All the evaluated DCE attributes were significant predictors for the treatment choice (p<.001). In the FC model, the incremental WTP for an oral film compared with tablets was 409 Swedish kronor (SEK [≈€36.7]), with no other factors considered. In the UC model, the incremental WTP for the oral film compared with tablets was 574 SEK (≈€51.7). After considering the value of the respondents’ current treatment, the WTP for the oral film decreased to 336 SEK (≈€30.3). The total WTP was reduced by 17 SEK (≈€1.5) per minute of shorter time to symptom relief. Subgroup analyses showed that people with circulatory symptoms and experience of swallowing difficulties related to allergy medication had higher WTP for the oral film than the average respondent. Conclusion: The findings show a substantial economic benefit of the oral film vs tablets for patients with AARs in Sweden. This result remained also after compensation for the full value of the patients’ current treatment.

Treatment Preferences for Acute Allergic Reactions: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Background: Timely treatment of acute allergic reactions (AARs) is important to minimize reaction severity. Corticosteroid tablets dissolved in water are commonly used in mainstay treatment. A new oral film that dissolves on the tongue provides a faster and less cumbersome alternative to tablets for corticosteroid administration during AARs. This study evaluated patients’ preferences for attributes related to administration mode of corticosteroids in AARs. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to a sample from the adult Swedish population (≥18 years) with experience of corticosteroid treatment for AAR. We assessed the willingness to pay (WTP) for attributes related to corticosteroid treatment by applying a discrete choice experiment (DCE) approach. DCE attributes were administration mode, time to symptom relief, and price. The WTP for each attribute was derived using the attribute’s coefficient in a logistic regression analysis. We specified a forced choice (FC) and an unforced choice (UC) model. In the FC model, the respondents chose between 2 hypothetical treatments and in the UC model, between any of 2 hypothetical treatments and their current treatment. Results: The final study population included 348 subjects, of which 80% were women. All the evaluated DCE attributes were significant predictors for the treatment choice (p<.001). In the FC model, the incremental WTP for an oral film compared with tablets was 409 Swedish kronor (SEK [≈€36.7]), with no other factors considered. In the UC model, the incremental WTP for the oral film compared with tablets was 574 SEK (≈€51.7). After considering the value of the respondents’ current treatment, the WTP for the oral film decreased to 336 SEK (≈€30.3). The total WTP was reduced by 17 SEK (≈€1.5) per minute of shorter time to symptom relief. Subgroup analyses showed that people with circulatory symptoms and experience of swallowing difficulties related to allergy medication had higher WTP for the oral film than the average respondent. Conclusion: The findings show a substantial economic benefit of the oral film vs tablets for patients with AARs in Sweden. This result remained also after compensation for the full value of the patients’ current treatment.

Does it Make a Difference?: Television’s Misrepresentation of the Working-Class as Cultivation Effects

ABSTRACT Previous research has concluded that the working-class is largely invisible on television. When the working-class is displayed; however, common frames highlight moral shortcomings and lack of responsibility. This study asks what difference such representations make. The study relies on cultivation analysis and a survey of the adult Swedish population to understand the extent to which heavy television viewers provide “television answers” in their descriptions of and attitudes toward the working-class. While some results are inconsistent, heavy television viewers seem more prone to view social inequalities as the result of working-class people's failure to take responsibility for their own well-being.

Sarcoidosis in first- and second-generation immigrants: a cohort study of all adults 18years of age and older in Sweden.

There is a lack of studies on sarcoidosis among immigrants, which is of interest as there may be genetic and environmental characteristics affecting immigrants from certain countries. We aimed to study hazard ratios (HRs) of sarcoidosis in first- and second-generation immigrants, comparing them with native Swedes in the total adult Swedish population. We conducted a nationwide study of individuals ≥18y of age. Sarcoidosis was defined as at least two registered diagnoses in the National Patient Register between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2018. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate HRs with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) of first registration of sarcoidosis in first- and second-generation immigrants compared with native Swedes. The Cox regression models were stratified by sex and adjusted for age, comorbidities and sociodemographic characteristics. In total, 6175251 were included in the first-generation study, with 12617 cases of sarcoidosis, and 4585529 in the second-generation study, with 12126 cases. The overall sarcoidosis risk was lower in foreign-born men (fully adjusted HR 0.63 [99% CI 0.57 to 0.69]) but not in foreign-born women (fully adjusted HR 0.98 [99% CI 0.90 to 1.06]). The overall risk was slightly lower in second-generation immigrants (HR 0.82 [99% CI 0.78 to 0.88]). Women from Asia exhibited a higher risk (HR 1.25 [99% CI 1.02 to 1.53)], while a potential trend was observed among women from Africa (HR 1.47 [99% CI 0.99 to 2.19]). Sarcoidosis risk was lower in foreign-born men but not in women and also lower in second-generation immigrants.

Epidemiology, treatment, and mortality of 3973 scapula fractures from the Swedish fracture register

BackgroundScapula fractures are relatively uncommon, accounting for <1% of all fractures and approximately 3-5% of shoulder girdle fractures. This study comprehensively describes the epidemiology, fracture classification, treatment, and mortality associated with scapula fractures within a large adult Swedish population. MethodsThis observational study included all patients ≥18 years old at the time of injury with a scapula fracture (ICD S42.1) registered in the Swedish Fracture Register between March 2011 and June 2020. Variables studied were age, sex, and injury mechanism, including energy level, fracture classification, associated fractures, treatment, and mortality. ResultsWe included 3,930 patients (mean age 58 years, SD 18, 64% men) with 3,973 scapula fractures. Some 22% of the fractures were caused by high-energy trauma and 21% had at least one associated fracture. High energy-injuries were most common in glenoid neck (44%) and scapular body (35%) fractures. However, same-level falls were the most common cause of glenoid rim (62%) and intra-articular glenoid (55%) fractures. Clavicle fractures (9%) and proximal humerus fractures (5%) were the most commonly associated fractures. The most common fracture types were the glenoid rim (n=1,289, 32%) and scapular body (n=1,098, 28%) fractures. Nonoperative treatment was performed in 81% of patients. Glenoid rim and intra-articular glenoid fractures were treated operatively in over 30% of cases. The mortality rate for the whole cohort was 4% at 1 year. ConclusionsScapula fractures are predominately sustained by men. High energetic injuries and associated fractures are present in one in five patients. Nonoperative treatment is chosen in four of five patients, but for some fracture types one in three undergo surgery.

Further Interventions after Root Canal Treatment Are Most Common in Molars and Teeth Restored with Direct Restorations: A 10–11-Year Follow-Up of the Adult Swedish Population

IntroductionThe aims were to investigate 1) the frequency of nonsurgical retreatment, root-end surgery, extraction, and further restorative treatment during a follow-up of 10–11 years after root filling and compare the frequencies according to tooth group and type of coronal restoration and 2) the timing of nonsurgical retreatment, root-end surgery, and extraction. MethodsData were collected from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's register. A search for treatment codes identified teeth root filled in 2009 and the type of coronal restoration (direct, indirect, and unspecified) registered within 6 months of root filling. The root-filled teeth were followed 10–11 years, and further interventions were recorded. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. ResultsIn 2009, root fillings were registered for 215,611 individuals/teeth. Nonsurgical retreatment, root-end surgery, and extraction were undertaken in 3.5%, 1.4%, and 20% teeth, respectively. The frequency of further interventions varied with respect to tooth group and type of coronal restoration, but only slightly for endodontic retreatments. Further interventions, except for root-end surgery, were registered more often for molars and directly restored teeth (P < .001). The majority of endodontic retreatments were undertaken within 4 years, while extractions were evenly distributed over 10–11 years. ConclusionsThe frequency numbers of nonsurgical retreatment and root-end surgery were low, despite 1 in 5 root-filled teeth registered as extracted. Further interventions were most common in molars and directly restored teeth. Endodontic retreatments were performed more often during the first 4 years.

Time trends in herpesvirus seroepidemiology among Swedish adults

BackgroundHuman herpesviruses are widespread among the human population. The infections often occur unnoticed, but severe disease as well as long-term sequelae are part of the symptom spectrum. The prevalence varies among subpopulations and with time. The aim of this study was to describe the seroprevalence of Immunoglobulin G against Herpes simplex 1, Herpes simplex 2, Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus in the adult Swedish population over a time period of several decades.MethodsSerum samples (n = 892) from biobanks, originating from 30-year-old women, 50-year-old men and 50-year-old women sampled between 1975 and 2018, were analyzed for presence of anti-herpesvirus antibodies. Linear regression analysis was used to test for a correlation between birth year and seroprevalence. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to differentiate between other factors such as age and gender.ResultsBirth year correlated negatively with the prevalence of immunoglobulin G against Herpes simplex 1 and Epstein-Barr virus (p = 0.004 and 0.033), and positively with Immunoglobulin G against Cytomegalovirus (p = 0.039). When participant categories were analyzed separately, birth year correlated negatively with the prevalence of Immunoglobulin G against Herpes simplex 1 and Herpes simplex 2 (p = 0.032 and 0.028) in 30-year-old women, and with the prevalence of Immunoglobulin G against Cytomegalovirus in 50-year-old men (p = 0.011).ConclusionsThe prevalence of Immunoglobulin G against Herpes simplex 1, Herpes simplex 2 and Epstein-Barr virus decreases in later birth cohorts. This indicates a trend of declining risk of getting infected with these viruses as a child and adolescent.

Effect of tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide on the normal gut microbiota of a healthy adult population in Sweden: a randomised controlled trial

Antimicrobials cause perturbations in the composition and diversity of the host microbiome. We aimed to compare gut microbiome perturbations caused by oral tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide (a novel carbapenem) and by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (an orally administered β-lactam-β-lactam inhibitor combination widely used in clinical practice). We did a phase 1, single-centre, randomised, parallel-group, active-control trial to evaluate the effect of tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide on the human gut microbiota. Healthy participants aged 18 years or older with no documented illnesses during recruitment were enrolled at Karolinska University Hospital (Stockholm, Sweden). Study participants were stratified by sex and block-randomised in a 1:1 ratio to treatment with either tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide (600 mg orally every 8 h) or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (500 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid orally every 8 h). The study included 10 days of treatment (days 1-10) and four follow-up visits (days 14, 21, 90, and 180). The trial was open-label for clinical investigators and patients, but masked for microbiology investigators. Faecal samples were collected at all visits. Sequencing of 16S rDNA was used to measure the diversity metrics, and quantitative culture to quantify selected taxa. The primary outcomes were changes in the α and β diversity and log count of colony-forming units for selected taxa between samples compared with baseline (day 1), and whether any changes reverted during the follow-up period. The analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04376554). The study was conducted between Jan 23, 2020, and April 6, 2021. 49 volunteers were screened for eligibility, among whom 30 evaluable participants (14 men and 16 women) were assigned: 15 (50%) to the tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide group and 15 (50%) to the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Complete follow-up was available for all participants, and all participants except one completed treatment as assigned. The diversity metrics showed significant changes from baseline during the treatment period. Significant decreases in richness were observed on days 4-10 (p≤0·0011) in the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid group and on days 4-14 (p≤0·0019) in the tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide group. Similarly, evenness was significantly decreased during treatment in the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid group (day 4, p=0·030) and the tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide group (days 4-10, p<0·0001) compared with baseline. Quantitative cultures showed significant decreases in Enterobacterales (days 4-7, p≤0·0030), Enterococcus spp (days 4-14, p=0·025 to p<0·0001), Bifidobacterium spp (days 2-4, p≤0·026), and Bacteroides spp (days 4-10, p≤0·030) in the tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide group. Similarly, in amoxicillin-clavulanic acid recipients, significant changes were observed in Enterobacterales (days4-10, p≤0·048), Bifidobacterium spp (days 2-4, p≤0·013), and Lactobacillus spp (days 2-4, p≤0·020). Samples from the follow-up period were not significantly different from those at baseline in βdiversity analysis (PERMANOVA, p>0·99). By the end of the study, no significant change was observed compared with baseline in either group. There were no deaths or severe adverse events. The impact of tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide on the gut microbiome was similar to that of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The safety of antibiotic use with regard to the microbiome should be given attention, as dysbiosis is associated with health and disease. Spero Therapeutics.

A novel application of interrupted time series analysis to identify the impact of a primary health care reform on intersectional inequities in avoidable hospitalizations in the adult Swedish population

Primary health care (PHC) systems are a crucial instrument for achieving equitable population health, but there is little evidence of how PHC reforms impact equities in population health. In 2010, Sweden implemented a reform that promoted marketization and privatization of PHC. The present study uses a novel integration of intersectionality-informed and evaluative epidemiological analytical frameworks to disentangle the impact of the 2010 Swedish PHC reform on intersectional inequities in avoidable hospitalizations. The study population comprised the total Swedish population aged 18–85 years across 2001–2017, in total 129 million annual observations, for whom register data on sociodemographics and hospitalizations due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions were retrieved. Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Analyses (MAIHDA) were run for the pre-reform (2001–2009) and post-reform (2010–2017) periods to provide a mapping of inequities. In addition, random effects estimates reflecting the discriminatory accuracy of intersectional strata were extracted from a series MAIHDAs run per year 2001–2017. The estimates were re-analyzed by Interrupted Time Series Analysis (ITSA), in order to identify the impact of the reform on measures of intersectional inequity in avoidable hospitalizations. The results point to a complex reconfiguration of social inequities following the reform. While the post-reform period showed a reduction in overall rates of avoidable hospitalizations and in age disparities, socioeconomic inequities in avoidable hospitalizations, as well as the importance of interactions between complex social positions, both increased. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups born in the Nordic countries seem to have benefited the least from the reform. The study supports a greater attention to the potentially complex consequences that health reforms can have on inequities in health and health care, which may not be immediate apparent in conventional evaluations of either population-average outcomes, or by simple evaluations of equity impacts. Methodological approaches for evaluation of complex inequity impacts need further development.

Trends in the place of death in Sweden from 2013 to 2019 - disclosing prerequisites for palliative care.

The drive for home care has increasingly impacted the organization and allocation of resources within the Swedish healthcare system. With an interest in uncovering prerequisites for palliative care, this study aimed to investigate longitudinal trends in place of death within the adult Swedish population from 2013 to 2019 and examine potential associations between place of death and individual, geographic, and socioeconomic factors; hospital capacity; and healthcare utilization. This population-level comprehensive register study included all deceased individuals ⩾18 years old with a registered place of death (n = 599,137). Data were retrieved from public and patient data registers and the national register for palliative care. Trends and associations between place of death and co-variables were investigated by logistic regression- and interaction analyses. From 2013 to 2019, the total number of home deaths increased by 1.9%, whereas the number of hospital deaths decreased by 2.6%. In the overall population of individuals living in their own homes, from 2013 to 2019, the likelihood of dying in hospital versus dying at home decreased (odds ratio: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.97-0.99). Within the population with potential palliative needs living in their own home (78.4%), the likelihood of dying in hospitals equally decreased, except in Stockholm and the north region. For individuals residing in a nursing home, however, the likelihood of dying in hospital versus remaining in the nursing home until death only significantly decreased in the southern region. The results show a trend towards a decrease in hospital deaths but with cross-regional variations. Still, in 2019, only about one-fifth of all individuals died in their own homes. Public health-oriented interventions aimed at strengthening palliative care resources in nursing homes and home care are suggested.

General dental practitioners' fees for root canal treatment, coronal restorationand follow-on treatment in the adult population in Sweden: A 10-year follow-up of data from the Swedish Dental Register.

To analyze the accumulated fees connected with root filling, permanent coronal restoration and follow-on treatment charged by Swedish dentists over a 10-11-year follow-up period. Furthermore, analyzing these fees with reference to the type of restoration, tooth group, and the root-filled teeth which survived compared to those requiring extraction. In 2009, the data register of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency recorded a total of 215,611 teeth as root-filled. The accumulated fees for each tooth encompassed the following interventions: initial root filling, coronal restorations, and follow-up treatments during the designated period. The outcomes were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics, including ttests and one-way analysis of variance. The fees are presented in Euros (€1 = SEK 8.94). The total accumulated fees for root fillings amounted to 72 million Euros: the mean fee per root filled tooth was €333.6. The total mean fee over a 10-11-year period, comprising root canal treatment, coronal restorations, and any follow-up treatments, was €923.4. Root-filled teeth with indirect restorations presented a higher mean fee (€1 279.3) compared to those with direct restorations (€829.4) or those without specified restorations (€832.7; p < .001). Moreover, molars presented a significantly higher mean fee (€966.4) compared to premolars (€882.8) and anterior teeth (€891.3; p < .001). Lastly, the mean fee for extracted teeth was €1225.3, which was higher compared to those who survived the follow-up period (€848.0; p < .001). Fees charged by general dental practitioners for root-filled teeth accumulate over time, probably due to the need for further treatment of the tooth. The total mean fee was significantly higher for molars and root-filled teeth with indirect restorations. However, an analysis of the total costs would require prospective clinical cost-effectiveness studies.

Sociodemographic disparities in burden of osteoporosis among Swedish adult and elderly population

Abstract Background Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease. Previous research has been primarily based on non-prospective designs, and rarely included male and/or migrant populations. We investigated the associations of sociodemographic characteristics with risk of osteoporosis in a Swedish nationwide cohort. Methods This register-based prospective study included 1,900,279 males and 1,961,619 females born in 1920-1960, followed for osteoporosis from age 50 until December 31, 2012. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the associations with sociodemographic characteristics and was stratified by gender and co-occurrence of fractures. Results 12,906 males and 84,621 females aged 50-92 years received a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Incidence rates increased sharply from age 70. At all ages, women on average had 5 times higher rates of receiving first osteoporosis diagnosis than men. Region of birth and education were associated with incidence of osteoporosis in a gender-specific pattern. Compared to Swedish-born women, incidence of osteoporosis without fracture was elevated among female migrants from the former Soviet states (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-1.73) and the Middle East (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.48-1.78), but lower among those from other Nordic countries (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91-0.97). Compared to Swedish-born men, a higher incidence was observed for male migrants from North America (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.47-2.81). When fracture was accounted for, Swedish-born individuals showed higher incidence compared to migrants from other European countries except Nordic. For all osteoporosis subtypes, higher education was associated with increased incidence in women but not in men. Conclusions Incidence of osteoporosis varies with age, sex, country of origin, length of stay, and educational level. Sociodemographic disparities in osteoporosis need to be considered by healthcare sectors for targeted interventions to reduce future fracture rate. Key messages • This study demonstrates a large burden of osteoporosis in the Swedish adult and elderly population. • Sizeable sociodemographic disparities in osteoporosis exist even within a country with universal healthcare.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis cases detected in on-call CT venographies in Sweden, 2019-2022.

No well-established criteria exist for assessing the risk of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Here, we sought to gain an understanding of CVST cases and associated risk factors, based on the rates of emergency CT venographies (CTVs) performed after hours. Furthermore, we aimed to assess possible correlations between CVST rates and COVID-19, including at the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. We collected reports of emergency CTVs performed after hours at 56 Swedish hospitals between 1/1/2019 and 12/31/2022, and divided them into five groups: (I) from 1/1/2019 to 1/31/2020, before the emergence of COVID-19 cases in Sweden; (II) from 2/1/2020 to 12/26/2020, after the emergence of COVID-19 but before vaccination rollout; (III) from 12/27/2020 to 7/28/2021, from the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign until 50% of the adult population in Sweden had been vaccinated; (IV) from 7/29/2021 to 2/1/2022, from when 50% of the adult population was vaccinated until restrictions were lifted; and (V) from 2/2/2022 to 12/31/2022, after restriction measures were suspended. For all included patients, we collected information on demographics and clinical history, including pregnancy, recent partum, and use of oral contraceptives or post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy. In total, we collected 430 reports (92% female, 8% male). The CVST positivity rate was 22.2% in men vs. 2.3% in women. None of the pregnant (n = 49) or postpartum (n = 12) women had CVST positivity. The frequency of CTV examinations was lowest in group 2; during this period, the average time between patients being imaged was 7days. The frequency of CTV examinations was highest in group IV; during this period, a patient underwent this type of scan every 1.5days, on average. The frequency of CVST-positive scans was lowest in group II; during this period, a positive case was found every 66days, on average. The frequency of CVST-positive scans was highest in group IV; during this period, a positive case was found every 62days, on average, and no statistical difference with respect to group II was observed. Pregnancy and recent partum were not significant risk factors for CVST. The elevated CVST positivity rate observed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic suggested that patients with less likelihood for positive CVST had fewer emergency visits. The positivity rate did not increase with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic or the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

Impact of comorbidity on symptomatology in various types of environmental intolerance in a general Swedish and Finnish adult population

Comorbidity with various health conditions is common in environmental intolerances (EIs), which restricts understanding for what symptoms that are associated with the intolerance per se. The present objectives were to study (i) prevalence of a broad range of specific symptoms in chemical, building-related, electromagnetic field- (EMF) related, and sound EI, irrespective of comorbidity, (ii) prevalence of symptoms in body systems in exclusive EIs, and (iii) increased risk of symptoms in body systems in exclusive EIs that cannot be referred to functional somatic syndromes, inflammatory diseases or mental disorders. Cross-sectional data (n = 4941) were used from two combined population-based surveys, the Västerbotten (Sweden) and Österbotten (Finland) Environmental Health Studies. Categorization of EI cases and controls were based on self-reports. Symptoms were assessed with the Environmental Hypersensitivity Symptom Inventory, and these were converted to 27 symptoms of the International Classification of Primary Care, 2nd edition, in eight chapters of body systems. The results showed, with few exceptions, that all assessed specific symptoms were significantly more prevalent in all four EIs than in referents. Although a large overlap between EIs, characteristic body system symptoms were eye and respiratory symptoms in chemical and building-related intolerance, skin symptoms in EMF-related intolerance, and general and unspecified, digestive, eye, cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological symptoms in sound intolerance. After controlling for various comorbidities, all studied body system symptoms were positively associated with chemical intolerance, fewer with sound intolerance, only one with building-related intolerance, and none with EMF-related EI. In conclusion, a broad range of symptoms are reported in all four EIs implying common mechanisms, but symptoms of certain body systems are more likely to be reported in a certain EI that cannot be explained by comorbidity.

Pulmonary function in a cohort of heart-healthy individuals from Northern Sweden—a comparison with discordant reference values

BackgroundDynamic spirometry is an important investigation to differentiate between impaired and normal lung function. This study aimed to evaluate the results of lung function testing in a cohort of subjects from Northern Sweden without any known heart or pulmonary disease. Our focus was to compare with two reference materials that have showed differences in the age-dependency of lung function in Swedish subjects.MethodsThe study population consisted of 285 healthy adults (148 males, 52%) between 20–90 years of age. The subjects had been randomly selected from the population register for inclusion in a study investigating cardiac function in heart-healthy subjects, but were also assessed with dynamic spirometry. At least seven percent reported smoking. Sixteen subjects presented with pulmonary functional impairments and were excluded from the current study. The sex-specific age-dependency in lung volumes was estimated using the LMS model, where non-linear equations were derived for the mean value (M), the location (L) or skewness, and the scatter (S) or coefficient of variation. This model of the observed lung function data was compared with reference values given by the original LMS model published by the Global Lung Initiative (GLI), and with the model from the recent Obstructive Lung Disease In Norrbotten (OLIN) study, where higher reference values were presented for Swedish subjects than those given by the GLI model.ResultsNo differences were found in the age-dependency of pulmonary function between the LMS model developed in the study and the OLIN model. Although the study group included smokers, the original GLI reference values suggested significantly lower normal values of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) and FVC (forced vital capacity), and consequently fewer subjects below the lower limit of normality, than both the rederived LMS and OLIN models.ConclusionsOur results are in line with previous reports and support that the original GLI reference values underestimate pulmonary function in the adult Swedish population. This underestimation could be reduced by updating the coefficients in the underlying LMS model based on a larger cohort of Swedish citizens than was available in this study.

Seeking lifestyle counselling at primary health care centres: a cross-sectional study in the Swedish population

BackgroundMillions of people follow an unhealthy lifestyle in terms of tobacco consumption, hazardous use of alcohol, poor eating habits, and insufficient physical activity. Healthy lifestyles can to a large extent prevent and/or delay progression of non-communicable diseases. Factors influencing persons health-seeking behaviour regarding unhealthy lifestyles are of importance for sustainable health-promotive and disease-preventive work in primary health care. Generally, lifestyle interventions within primary health care are seen as feasible, but rarely reach all members of the general population. Few studies have been conducted about the likelihood among the general population to voluntarily contact a primary health care centre for support regarding lifestyle changes. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the general population’s likelihood of contacting a primary health care centre regarding their lifestyles, and factors associated with a lower such likelihood.MethodsA probability sample of adults living in Sweden (n = 3 750) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey regarding how societal developments affect attitudes and behaviours of the adult Swedish population. Data were collected between September and December 2020. Participants completed a questionnaire about lifestyle changes, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 52.0% (n = 1 896). Few persons responded that they would be likely to contact a primary health care centre for support regarding their lifestyles. Factors predicting a lower likelihood of contacting primary health care included few yearly visits to a primary health care centre, male sex, and living in a rural area.ConclusionsPrimary health care centres are not the first choice for lifestyle counselling for the majority of adults living in Sweden. We have identified factors predicting low likelihood of using the support available at these centres. In order to work with sustainable and visible health-promotive and disease-preventive strategies at primary health care centres, these settings need to find valid methods to involve and collaborate with the members of the general community, to meet the needs of a population struggling with unhealthy lifestyles.

Interaction of smoking and social status on the risk of respiratory outcomes in a Swedish adult population: A Nordic Epilung study

BackgroundEvidence abounds on the independent roles of social class and smoking in relation to obstructive airway diseases, but data are sparse on the impact of their interaction. We evaluated whether and to what extent social class and smoking interact in relation to risk of respiratory diseases in adults. MethodsData from the population-based studies, West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS, n = 23,753) and Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies (OLIN, n = 6519), were used, constituting randomly selected adults aged 20–75 years. Bayesian network analysis was used to estimate the probability for the interaction between smoking and socioeconomic status in relation to respiratory outcomes. ResultsOccupational and educational SES modified the association between smoking and the probability of allergic and non-allergic asthma. Former smokers who were at intermediate non manual employees and manual workers in service had higher probability of allergic asthma compared to professionals and executives. Furthermore, former smokers with primary education had higher probability of non-allergic asthma than those with secondary and tertiary education. Similarly, former smokers among professionals and executives had higher probability of non-allergic asthma than manual and home workers and primary educated. Likewise, allergic asthma due to former smoking was higher among highly educated compared to low educated. ConclusionsBeyond their independent roles, socioeconomic status and smoking interact in defining the risk of respiratory diseases. Clearer understanding of this interaction can help to identify population subgroups at most need of public health interventions.