Sense of coherence in different stages of health and disease in northern Sweden--gender and psychosocial differences.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate "Sense of Coherence" (SOC) and its relation to perceived health, different stages of disease, and different psychosocial factors in a population-based study.


METHODS
Postal survey of a population-based sample, the MONICA study (1994).


METHODS
Norrbotten and Västerbotten, the two northernmost counties in Sweden, with a total population of 510000 inhabitants.


METHODS
837 men and 882 women in three mutually-exclusive groups: stomach trouble of many years' standing, identified disease (stroke, cardiac infarction, diabetes, anti-hypertension treatment) and no reported disease.


METHODS
SOC scores in relation to sociodemographic variables and perceived health.


RESULTS
We found a relationship between low SOC scores and poor perceived health, low social support and low emotional support on a population level. When comparing persons with stomach trouble with those without disease, or with established diseases, we found similar relationships between low mean SOC scores in all strata for both women and men. "Perceived health", however, was only significantly correlated for women, and women had an overall stronger relationship.


CONCLUSIONS
In a study in northern Sweden, female patients with stomach trouble comprise a vulnerable group. The concept of SOC introduces a new dimension for perceiving health and disease. In clinical practice, care providers can identify and elaborate on the relationship between SOC scores and sociodemographic data.
Nilsson
B
B
Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden.
Holmgren
L
L
Westman
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology