Tekijät

• Eronen, Anne (Finnish Federation for Social Welfare and Health (STKL))
• Laitinen, Merja (University of Lapland)

Asiasanat

communication networks, health services, living conditions, neighbourhoods, participation, private voluntary organizations, public services, quality of life, regional development, social networks, social services, social support, social welfare

Sisällön kuvaus

The survey conducted by the Finnish Federation for Social Welfare and Health was part of a larger research project which involved the universities of Lapland, Oulu and Kuopio, and international co-operation partners from Sweden, Norway and Scotland. The purpose of the survey was to chart inhabitants' welfare and their opinions on welfare services. The focus was on the people's relationship with their own living and working environment.

First, the respondents' opinions were charted on the available traffic connections and the functioning of public transport. They also rated the importance of various persons/bodies (family, relatives, friends, neighbours, voluntary organisations, municipal or government officials, parishes, private service providers, etc.) in providing financial, spiritual and emotional support, or providing help with domestic responsibilities or with child/elderly care. Experiences and satisfaction with a number of social, health and employment services, as well as the services provided by KELA (Social Insurance Institution of Finland) were charted. They were asked whether they had received enough information on social services, and what would be the best way to inform people about the services. The respondents' use of private health and social services (e.g. pharmacies, private medical services, home and child care services, services for substance misusers) were also studied, as well as the availability of certain basic services, such as shops and social services.

In view of participation, the respondents were asked to assess the importance of the so-called 'third sector' with relation to various things, for instance securing livelihood and employment and providing possibilities to influence decisions. They were also asked whether they were members in any voluntary organisations (NGOs) or associations, and if yes, what kind of roles they had in them. The reasons for being involved in the activities of an organisation or association were also canvassed. Some questions charted the use of information networks. The respondents were asked whether their family had a mobile phone, computer or Internet connection, how much experience the adults in the family had on computers, and which online services they had used or would like to use. In addition, they were asked whether they would like to receive help in using the Internet.

The respondents' financial situation was examined by asking their and their spouse's (if applicable) employment status during the past year and their vocational education. In addition, they assessed their lives in terms of relationships and possibilities to spend their leisure time.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, year of birth, education, household composition, household size, plans to move, and socio-economic situation of R's municipality of residence.