ArticleBMJ open2024
Excess winter mortality in Finland, 1971-2019: a register-based study on long-term trends and effect modification by sociodemographic characteristics and pre-existing health conditions.
Article in BMJ open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Seasonal patterns of long sickness absence due to 411 diagnostic groups: a nationwide register-based study in Finland during 2020-2023.Scandinavian journal of public health · 2026Article
- Trends and characteristics of hospitalisation and mortality among centenarians in old-age homes and communities: a territory-wide study in Hong Kong, 2012-2021.BMJ public health · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectivesExcess winter mortality is a well-established phenomenon across the developed world. However, whether individual-level factors increase vulnerability to the effects of winter remains inadequately examined. Our aim was to assess long-term trends in excess winter mortality in Finland and estimate the modifying effect of sociodemographic and health characteristics on the risk of winter death.
designNationwide register study.
settingFinland.
participantsPopulation aged 60 years and over, resident in Finland, 1971-2019. OUTCOME MEASURES: Age-adjusted winter and non-winter death rates, and winter-to-non-winter rate ratios and relative risks (multiplicative interaction effects between winter and modifying characteristics).
resultsWe found a decreasing trend in the relative winter excess mortality over five decades and a drop in the series around 2000. During 2000-2019, winter mortality rates for men and women were 11% and 14% higher than expected based on non-winter rates. The relative risk of winter death increased with age but did not vary by income. Compared with those living with at least one other person, individuals in institutions had a higher relative risk (1.07, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.08). Most pre-existing health conditions did not predict winter death, but persons with dementia emerged at greater relative risk (1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07).
conclusionsAlthough winter mortality seems to affect frail people more strongly-those of advanced age, living in institutions and with dementia-there is an increased risk even beyond the more vulnerable groups. Protection of high-risk groups should be complemented with population-level preventive measures.
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