Latest Nordic social welfare and health statistics focus on children
The annual publication of the two Nordic committees dealing with statistics on health and social welfare, Nomesko and Nososko, this year focuses on children and young people. Few of the overall trends are encouraging, but they help social policy makers better target child and youth welfare needs.
Overall trends show that in Finland fewer underweight infants are born each year compared to other Nordic countries, Finnish kids smoke the most but Danish kids use the most drugs and alcohol. The numbers of children in care have increased.
Sweden has the lowest mortality rate among 1-17 year olds, 13 per 100,000, while in Finland the figure is 18 per 100,000. Traffic accident deaths and suicides are highest in Finland.
Diabetes has increased among the young everywhere, with Finland facing the most cases. Asthma and allergies have also become more common in each country, and more 15-19 year olds than earlier require treatment for mental health problems.