Tommi Härkänen
Biographic Data
| ID | 176034 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Tommi Härkänen |
| GIVEN NAMES | Tommi |
| FAMILY NAME | Härkänen |
| SIGNATURE | HÄRKÄNEN T |
| AFFILIATIONS | Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4577-1808 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 23 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 30 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 23 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Smoking cessation services and willingness to receive quitting support among people living in prison in Finland
Cultural activities and all-cause mortality among Finnish adults: A 19-year follow-up
The results corroborate the findings of earlier research showing that cultural activity is associated with lower all-cause mortality. However, the possibility of reversed causality or the role of unmeasured factors cannot be ruled out, even though a range of relevant confounders were controlled for. Assessing the mechanisms behind the association was beyond the scope of this study. The study suggests that engagement in cultural activities could b…
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale
In recent years, a growing body of literature on social inclusion on an individual level has emerged. Yet, there is no common understanding of the concept itself and how to measure it. The objective of this study was to document the development of the Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale (ESIS), including the theoretical framework used for this purpose, which draws strongly on the capability approach. The ESIS is a brief closed survey instrument…
Temporal changes in health-related lifestyle during the Covid-19 epidemic in Finland – a series of cross-sectional surveys
Background Public health recommendations and governmental restrictions during the COVID-19 epidemic have affect everyday life. This study aimed to examine temporal changes in health-related lifestyle and the accumulation of positive and negative changes in the key lifestyle factors (vegetable consumption, leisure-time physical activity, sleeping, alcohol consumption, smoking) in the same individuals among Finnish adults during the epidemic. Metho…
Does vitamin D status predict weight gain or increase in waist circumference? Results from the longitudinal Health 2000/2011 Survey
Objective: To investigate whether vitamin D status predicts weight gain or increase in waist circumference during the 11-year follow-up in general adult population. Design: A population-based longitudinal study. Setting: The study was conducted using data from the nationally representative Health 2000/2011 Survey. The analyses were based on regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Participants: Weight, waist circumfe…
The association between anthropometric measures and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is different in Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants compared with the general population in Finland: A cross-se…
A low degree of association between anthropometric measures and HbA1c was observed among persons of Kurdish origin. Findings of this study suggest caution is warranted when using HbA1c as a screening tool for glucose impairment among persons without diabetes in populations of diverse origin
Projecting long-term trends in mobility limitations: Impact of excess weight, smoking and physical inactivity
BACKGROUND: Policy makers need disability projections for planning adequate services and measures for health promotion. The aim of this study is to provide projections on severe mobility limitations up to year 2044 and illustrate how the projected prevalence and the number of persons with severe mobility limitations are affected by potential changes in the modifiable risk factors, namely excess weight, physical inactivity and smoking. METHODS: We…
Disparities in cervical screening participation: A comparison of Russian, Somali and Kurdish immigrants with the general Finnish population
Our results indicate disparities in screening participation among these immigrants and a lower likelihood of screening participation compared with the general Finnish population. To improve equity in cervical cancer screening participation, appropriate culturally tailored intervention programmes for each immigrant group might be beneficial
Alcohol use and sickness absence due to all causes and mental- or musculoskeletal disorders: A nationally representative study
These results highlight the need to distinguish between former drinking and lifelong abstinence, as only former drinking was associated with sickness absence. Alcohol use disorder and high-volume drinking were strongly predictive of sickness absence due to mental disorders. Identifying people with excessive alcohol use e.g. in occupational health care, and mapping and supporting their mental health may help in preventing sickness absences
The ethnic gap in mobility: A comparison of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants and the general Finnish population
This study demonstrates a functional disadvantage in Somali and Kurdish origin populations compared to the general Finnish population, even after adjusting for socio-economic and health-related factors. The high prevalence of mobility limitation among Somali origin women and Kurdish origin men and women in Finland demonstrates an acute need to promote the health and functioning of these populations
The contribution of travel-related urban zones, cycling and pedestrian networks and green space to commuting physical activity among adults – a cross-sectional population-based study using geographica…
Good pedestrian and cycling infrastructure may play an important role in promoting commuting physical activity among the employed population, regardless of educational background, leisure-time and occupational physical activity. Close proximity to green space and a high proportion of green space near the home may not be sufficient to initiate commuting physical activity in Finland, where homes surrounded by green areas are often situated in car-o…
The association between mental health symptoms and mobility limitation among Russian, Somali and Kurdish migrants: A population based study
Mental health symptoms are significantly associated with mobility limitation both in the studied migrant populations and in the general Finnish population. The joint nature of mental health symptoms and mobility limitation should be recognized by health professionals, also when working with migrants. This association should be addressed when developing health services and health promotion
The Association between Discrimination and Psychological and Social Well-being: A Population-based Study of Russian, Somali and Kurdish Migrants in Finland
Background Discrimination is known to negatively affect the psychological well-being of migrants. Less is known on the association between discrimination and social well-being. Aim We examined the association between experienced discrimination and psychological (mental health, quality of life) and social well-being (loneliness, feelings of safety, trust towards society) in Russian, Somali and Kurdish migrants in Finland. Methods We used data from…
Socioeconomic differences in self-rated health among women: A comparison of St. Petersburg to Estonia and Finland
Women's self-rated health in St. Petersburg varied similarly by education but differently by income and employment as compared to Estonia and Finland. Education is likely the most meaningful dimension of women's socioeconomic position in St. Petersburg. More research is needed to further clarify the pathways between socioeconomic position and health in Russia
Inverse probability weighting and doubly robust methods in correcting the effects of non-response in the reimbursed medication and self-reported turnout estimates in the ATH survey
Our results suggest that the IPW method can improve the accuracy of results of a population survey, and the model selection provides insight into the structure of missing data. However, health-related missing data mechanisms are beyond the scope of statistical methods, which mainly rely on socio-demographic information to correct the results
The welfare effects of health-based food tax policy
This paper examines the effects of health-oriented food tax reforms on the distribution of tax payments, food demand and health outcomes. We offer an illustration of how one can take into account the uncertainty related to both demand estimation and health estimates and to produce confidence intervals for the overall health effects instead of only point estimates. Taxation of sugar could lead to a statistically significant reduction in both the i…
Mortality and Its Determinants in People With Psychotic Disorder
OBJECTIVE: We investigated mortality and its determinants in people with psychotic disorder. METHODS: A nationally representative two-stage cluster sample of 8028 persons aged 30 years or older from Finland was selected for a comprehensive health survey conducted from 2000 to 2001. Participants were screened for psychotic disorder, and screen-positive persons were invited for a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. The diagnostic assessment o…
Social capital, health behaviours and health: A population-based associational study
Irrespective of their social status, people with higher levels of social capital - especially in terms of social participation and networks - engage in healthier behaviours and feel healthier both physically and psychologically
Socio-economic differences in self-reported insomnia and stress in Finland from 1979 to 2002: A population-based repeated cross-sectional survey
Self-reported insomnia and stress were more common during later study periods. The socio-economic differences in insomnia and stress have remained fairly stable over a 24-year time period. However, some of the associations in socio-economic differences were curvilinear and converse. Future studies are needed to explore the complex socio-economic gradients, especially in stress
The contribution of childhood circumstances, current circumstances and health behaviour to educational health differences in early adulthood
To develop means for avoiding undesirable trajectories along which poor health and health differences develop, it is necessary to understand the pathways to health inequalities and know how to improve the living conditions of families with children
Identifying vegetarians and their food consumption according to self-identification and operationalized definition in Finland
Objectives To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors related to vegetarians according to different definitions in Finland and to compare the consumption of selected foodstuffs and nutritional intakes among vegetarians and omnivores. Design Information about subjects’ identification as vegetarians in a survey was used as a basis for self-defined vegetarianism. Foodstuffs consumed and their frequencies of consumption were obtained, a…
Measurement and socio-demographic variation of social capital in a large population-based survey
The Impact of 29 Chronic Conditions on Health-related Quality of Life: A General Population Survey in Finland Using 15D and EQ-5D
Measurement and socio-demographic variation of social capital in a large population-based survey
The welfare effects of health-based food tax policy
This paper examines the effects of health-oriented food tax reforms on the distribution of tax payments, food demand and health outcomes. We offer an illustration of how one can take into account the uncertainty related to both demand estimation and health estimates and to produce confidence intervals for the overall health effects instead of only point estimates. Taxation of sugar could lead to a statistically significant reduction in both the i…
The Impact of 29 Chronic Conditions on Health-related Quality of Life: A General Population Survey in Finland Using 15D and EQ-5D
Measurement and socio-demographic variation of social capital in a large population-based survey
The contribution of childhood circumstances, current circumstances and health behaviour to educational health differences in early adulthood
To develop means for avoiding undesirable trajectories along which poor health and health differences develop, it is necessary to understand the pathways to health inequalities and know how to improve the living conditions of families with children
Identifying vegetarians and their food consumption according to self-identification and operationalized definition in Finland
Objectives To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors related to vegetarians according to different definitions in Finland and to compare the consumption of selected foodstuffs and nutritional intakes among vegetarians and omnivores. Design Information about subjects’ identification as vegetarians in a survey was used as a basis for self-defined vegetarianism. Foodstuffs consumed and their frequencies of consumption were obtained, a…
Socio-economic differences in self-reported insomnia and stress in Finland from 1979 to 2002: A population-based repeated cross-sectional survey
Self-reported insomnia and stress were more common during later study periods. The socio-economic differences in insomnia and stress have remained fairly stable over a 24-year time period. However, some of the associations in socio-economic differences were curvilinear and converse. Future studies are needed to explore the complex socio-economic gradients, especially in stress
Mortality and Its Determinants in People With Psychotic Disorder
OBJECTIVE: We investigated mortality and its determinants in people with psychotic disorder. METHODS: A nationally representative two-stage cluster sample of 8028 persons aged 30 years or older from Finland was selected for a comprehensive health survey conducted from 2000 to 2001. Participants were screened for psychotic disorder, and screen-positive persons were invited for a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. The diagnostic assessment o…
Social capital, health behaviours and health: A population-based associational study
Irrespective of their social status, people with higher levels of social capital - especially in terms of social participation and networks - engage in healthier behaviours and feel healthier both physically and psychologically
Socioeconomic differences in self-rated health among women: A comparison of St. Petersburg to Estonia and Finland
Women's self-rated health in St. Petersburg varied similarly by education but differently by income and employment as compared to Estonia and Finland. Education is likely the most meaningful dimension of women's socioeconomic position in St. Petersburg. More research is needed to further clarify the pathways between socioeconomic position and health in Russia
Inverse probability weighting and doubly robust methods in correcting the effects of non-response in the reimbursed medication and self-reported turnout estimates in the ATH survey
Our results suggest that the IPW method can improve the accuracy of results of a population survey, and the model selection provides insight into the structure of missing data. However, health-related missing data mechanisms are beyond the scope of statistical methods, which mainly rely on socio-demographic information to correct the results
The welfare effects of health-based food tax policy
This paper examines the effects of health-oriented food tax reforms on the distribution of tax payments, food demand and health outcomes. We offer an illustration of how one can take into account the uncertainty related to both demand estimation and health estimates and to produce confidence intervals for the overall health effects instead of only point estimates. Taxation of sugar could lead to a statistically significant reduction in both the i…
The association between mental health symptoms and mobility limitation among Russian, Somali and Kurdish migrants: A population based study
Mental health symptoms are significantly associated with mobility limitation both in the studied migrant populations and in the general Finnish population. The joint nature of mental health symptoms and mobility limitation should be recognized by health professionals, also when working with migrants. This association should be addressed when developing health services and health promotion
The Association between Discrimination and Psychological and Social Well-being: A Population-based Study of Russian, Somali and Kurdish Migrants in Finland
Background Discrimination is known to negatively affect the psychological well-being of migrants. Less is known on the association between discrimination and social well-being. Aim We examined the association between experienced discrimination and psychological (mental health, quality of life) and social well-being (loneliness, feelings of safety, trust towards society) in Russian, Somali and Kurdish migrants in Finland. Methods We used data from…
The ethnic gap in mobility: A comparison of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants and the general Finnish population
This study demonstrates a functional disadvantage in Somali and Kurdish origin populations compared to the general Finnish population, even after adjusting for socio-economic and health-related factors. The high prevalence of mobility limitation among Somali origin women and Kurdish origin men and women in Finland demonstrates an acute need to promote the health and functioning of these populations
The contribution of travel-related urban zones, cycling and pedestrian networks and green space to commuting physical activity among adults – a cross-sectional population-based study using geographica…
Good pedestrian and cycling infrastructure may play an important role in promoting commuting physical activity among the employed population, regardless of educational background, leisure-time and occupational physical activity. Close proximity to green space and a high proportion of green space near the home may not be sufficient to initiate commuting physical activity in Finland, where homes surrounded by green areas are often situated in car-o…
Disparities in cervical screening participation: A comparison of Russian, Somali and Kurdish immigrants with the general Finnish population
Our results indicate disparities in screening participation among these immigrants and a lower likelihood of screening participation compared with the general Finnish population. To improve equity in cervical cancer screening participation, appropriate culturally tailored intervention programmes for each immigrant group might be beneficial
Alcohol use and sickness absence due to all causes and mental- or musculoskeletal disorders: A nationally representative study
These results highlight the need to distinguish between former drinking and lifelong abstinence, as only former drinking was associated with sickness absence. Alcohol use disorder and high-volume drinking were strongly predictive of sickness absence due to mental disorders. Identifying people with excessive alcohol use e.g. in occupational health care, and mapping and supporting their mental health may help in preventing sickness absences
The association between anthropometric measures and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is different in Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants compared with the general population in Finland: A cross-se…
A low degree of association between anthropometric measures and HbA1c was observed among persons of Kurdish origin. Findings of this study suggest caution is warranted when using HbA1c as a screening tool for glucose impairment among persons without diabetes in populations of diverse origin
Projecting long-term trends in mobility limitations: Impact of excess weight, smoking and physical inactivity
BACKGROUND: Policy makers need disability projections for planning adequate services and measures for health promotion. The aim of this study is to provide projections on severe mobility limitations up to year 2044 and illustrate how the projected prevalence and the number of persons with severe mobility limitations are affected by potential changes in the modifiable risk factors, namely excess weight, physical inactivity and smoking. METHODS: We…
Does vitamin D status predict weight gain or increase in waist circumference? Results from the longitudinal Health 2000/2011 Survey
Objective: To investigate whether vitamin D status predicts weight gain or increase in waist circumference during the 11-year follow-up in general adult population. Design: A population-based longitudinal study. Setting: The study was conducted using data from the nationally representative Health 2000/2011 Survey. The analyses were based on regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Participants: Weight, waist circumfe…
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale
In recent years, a growing body of literature on social inclusion on an individual level has emerged. Yet, there is no common understanding of the concept itself and how to measure it. The objective of this study was to document the development of the Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale (ESIS), including the theoretical framework used for this purpose, which draws strongly on the capability approach. The ESIS is a brief closed survey instrument…
Temporal changes in health-related lifestyle during the Covid-19 epidemic in Finland – a series of cross-sectional surveys
Background Public health recommendations and governmental restrictions during the COVID-19 epidemic have affect everyday life. This study aimed to examine temporal changes in health-related lifestyle and the accumulation of positive and negative changes in the key lifestyle factors (vegetable consumption, leisure-time physical activity, sleeping, alcohol consumption, smoking) in the same individuals among Finnish adults during the epidemic. Metho…
Smoking cessation services and willingness to receive quitting support among people living in prison in Finland
Cultural activities and all-cause mortality among Finnish adults: A 19-year follow-up
The results corroborate the findings of earlier research showing that cultural activity is associated with lower all-cause mortality. However, the possibility of reversed causality or the role of unmeasured factors cannot be ruled out, even though a range of relevant confounders were controlled for. Assessing the mechanisms behind the association was beyond the scope of this study. The study suggests that engagement in cultural activities could b…
Medicine (21 works) · Environmental health (16 works) · Population (15 works) · Demography (13 works) · Demography (12 works) · Public health (10 works) · Health disparities and outcomes (8 works) · Sociology (8 works) · Biostatistics (7 works) · Gerontology (7 works)