The thesis is based on original research data of the Estonian part of the" FinEsS" studies,
which are cross-sectional comparative studies between Finland, Estonia and Sweden …

In Finland three pioneer studies on respiratory epidemiology were published between the
years 1960 and 1970 (Järvinen et al 1960a, Huhti 1965, Alanko 1970). According to them …

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and risk factor profiles of respiratory symptoms,
asthma and chronic bronchitis in Helsinki, and to compare these results with those for …

Epidemiological studies indicate a lower prevalence of asthma in Eastern than Western
Europe. This study of the prevalence of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory …

Background: According to the data of the population census held in Estonia in 1989, the
resident population consisted of 61.5% Estonians and 38.5% non-Estonians, the majority of …

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of asthma among adults in Estonia
by using different diagnostic methods and criteria for the disease. Methods: In 1995–1996, a …

The aim of this part of the FinEsS-studies was to assess whether differences existed in
prevalence of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms between three Baltic …

Background: According to previous studies, the prevalence of asthma has been lower in
Finland than in other Nordic countries. In the present study, we assessed the prevalence of …

The prevalence of obstructive lung diseases is increasing in Scandinavia and worldwide.
The reasons for this are not known. The prevalence varies between countries but also …

Study objectives: The influences of different smokingcategories on the prevalence of
respiratory symptoms, asthma, and chronic bronchitis have been examined in the most …