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Asthma among Sámi in Sweden: a population-based register study
Miguel San Sebastian1, Emil Xabier San Sebastián1, Jon Petter Stoor1
1Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Lávvuo-Research and Education for Sámi Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|June 18, 2026
Summary
This study found higher asthma incidence in the Sámi population compared to non-Sámi individuals, indicating a greater asthma burden. Register data revealed increased specialist asthma diagnoses and hospitalizations among the Sámi.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Previous studies indicated higher self-reported asthma prevalence in the Sámi population versus the general Swedish population.
- The reasons for this disparity, whether due to true incidence differences or reporting bias, were previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate and compare asthma incidence between the Sámi and non-Sámi populations in Sweden.
- To utilize register-based data for objective assessment of asthma diagnoses and hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study design was employed, utilizing the Sámi electoral roll and reindeer ownership register to identify Sámi individuals.
- Each Sámi participant was matched with four non-Sámi controls based on age, sex, and municipality.
- Asthma cases were identified through the National Patient Register, and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated using sex-stratified Poisson regression models.
Main Results:
- The study included 13,311 Sámi individuals and 53,219 controls.
- Both Sámi men (IRR=1.19) and women (IRR=1.23) exhibited higher rates of specialist asthma diagnoses compared to controls.
- Sámi men showed a significantly higher risk of asthma-related hospitalization (IRR=1.43), while women did not.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a higher asthma burden within the Sámi population.
- Further investigation into underlying risk factors is warranted to develop targeted public health interventions for the Sámi community.
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