The prevalence and risk factors of respiratory symptoms in Finland: a comparative analysis

Knowledge about the local prevalence and risk factors of respiratory symptoms helps to address healthcare resources. Furthermore, no studies have compared the prevalence and risk factors of several respiratory symptoms within the same population.

We conducted two cross-sectional email surveys in 2017 and 2021 for public service employees in two Finnish towns and Finnish Pensioners' Federation members. The questionnaires were sent to 40,185 subjects; 9,865 (24.6%) responded, 72.5% were female, and the mean age was 63 (range 18-94 years). Validated symptom questionnaires were included for each respiratory symptom. The questionnaire on sleep apnea symptoms was only included in the survey of retirees.

Prevalence of current asthma was 8.9%, wheezing with dyspnea 12.5%, chronic rhinosinusitis 11.9%, chronic cough 12.8%, TBQ phenotype cough 9.6%, chronic bronchitis 17.6% and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms 15.6%. In the retired group, the prevalence of sleep apnea symptoms was 32,8%. More than one respiratory symptom was present in 27.1% of subjects. A higher body mass index (BMI), smoking, and allergy increased the risk of most symptoms, while high household income protected against some symptoms. Increased age was associated with an increased risk of chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. In contrast, decreased age was associated with an increased risk of wheezing with dyspnea and chronic rhinosinusitis. The male gender increased the risk of chronic bronchitis and sleep apnea symptoms. All respiratory symptoms were associated with multiple non-respiratory symptoms.

We gathered updated information on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Finland. Age, higher BMI, smoking, low household income, and allergy were significant risk factors for most respiratory symptoms.ClinicalTrials.Gov identifier: NCT03639727.