Authors

• Luoto, Riitta (UKK Institute)
• Paronen, Olavi (UKK Institute)
• Vuori, Mika (City of Tampere)

Keywords

ability evaluation, drinking behaviour, exercise (physical activity), health, health services, neighbourhoods, physical mobility, sleep, social services, social support

Abstract

The survey charted the general health, functional ability, and need for help of people living in the city of Tampere (Finland). Other main themes included living habits, use of social and health services, safety and security, and neighbourhood. Tampere Health and Social Surveys have been conducted every third year starting from the year 1990.

The respondents' state of health was charted with questions relating to their general health, symptoms, disabilities and illnesses, mental problems or symptoms, limitations posed by their illnesses or disabilities, and their ability to perform daily activities.

Living habits where explored by asking the respondents about their exercise, sleeping, eating and drinking habits. The survey also investigated whether the respondents needed help and for what (e.g. for shopping or for washing themselves), from whom they had received help, and whether they themselves regularly helped someone else. Use of and satisfaction with various health and social services was charted.

One topic pertained to safety and security. The respondents were asked to what extent certain factors caused them concern or feelings of insecurity. The factors mentioned included, for instance, own health, fear of violence, access to health and social services, loneliness, climate change. Their satisfaction with life in general was also surveyed.

Some questions focused on perceptions of neighbourhood. Questions covered duration of residence in the neighbourhood and evaluation of different aspects of the neighbourhood, for instance, public transport, safety, access to services, attractiveness. The respondents were asked whether they were afraid to go out in the evening alone and whether they had been subjected to violence or threats.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, household composition, number of children living at home, highest level of education, economic activity and occupational status, if unemployed, duration of unemployment, type of employment contract, and the service unit area where R lived.