Use of health services by Finnish employees in regard to health-related factors: the population-based health 2000 study

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the use of occupational health services and other health care of Finnish employees and to examine associations between health problems and risks, and primary care visits to occupational health nurses and physicians and other health care.

Methods: A nationally representative sample of 3,126 employees aged 30-64 participated in the Health 2000 study, which consisted of a health interview, questionnaires, a clinical health examination, and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The use of health services was measured by self-reported visits.

Results: During the previous 12 months, 74 % of the employees visited occupational health services or municipal health centers, 52 % visited only occupational health services. From a third to a half of employees with lifestyle risks, depressive disorders or other health problems visited occupational health professionals. Obesity, burnout, insomnia, depressive mood, chronic impairing illnesses, and poor work ability were associated with visits to occupational health nurses. Among women, musculoskeletal diseases, chronic impairing illnesses, and poor work ability were associated with visits to occupational health physicians. Lower educational level, smoking, musculoskeletal diseases, chronic impairing illnesses, and poor work ability were associated with visits to health center physicians.

Conclusions: This study showed the importance of occupational health services in the primary health care of Finnish employees. However, a considerable proportion of employees with lifestyle risks, depressive mood, and other health problems did not use health services. Occupational health professionals are in an advantageous position to detect health risks in primary care visits.