title: Asthma-induced hospitalizations among conscripts in Finland in 1982-1992.
abstract: The purpose was to examine changes in the numbers of asthma-related hospitalizations among conscripts and possible seasonal fluctuations. Data on treatment periods for asthma among men aged 18-22 years at military hospitals in 1982-1992 were collected from the national hospital discharge register. Monthly numbers of hospitalizations were calculated for each year separately, together with the frequency of such periods per 1000 conscripts. Results. A total of 4894 asthma-related hospitalizations were recorded in 1982-1992, the frequency per 1000 conscripts increasing from 8.5 in 1982 to 27.7 in 1992. Evident seasonal fluctuations were observed in 1982-1989, the peaks being recorded for February (14% above the annual average), July (26%) and November (51%). A change in these seasonal fluctuations was observed in 1990-1992, however. The frequency of asthma-induced hospitalizations among conscripts tripled between 1982 and 1992, evidently indicating a real increase in the number of occurrences. The hospitalization peaks are located at the beginning of military service, a point at which factors tending to aggravate asthma exercise a major impact.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Harju
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tuuponen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Keistinen
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Kivelä
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D012621:Seasons