The Western Finland Mental Health Survey

The Western Finland Mental Health Survey follows the development of mental health and the use of mental health and substance abuse services in four hospital districts in Western Finland.

The aim of the survey

The Western Finland Mental Health Survey measures factors which affect mental health, such as social capital and the use of alcohol, coping abilities, role limitations due to emotional problems, mental health problems and attitudes towards people with mental health problems.

The overall aim of the survey is to develop mental health care in the region. The survey is an evaluation of the Ostrobothnia project.

Conducting the survey

The next Western Finland Mental Health Survey will be conducted in 2014. The previous surveys have been carried out in spring 2005, 2008 and 2011.

The survey was launched in 2005 on the initiative of the Ostrobothnia project. The aim of the survey in 2005 was to evaluate the situation before implementing development project interventions, with the follow-ups measure any changes that have occurred.

A sample of 10 000 people aged between 15 and 80 years in Western Finland are randomly selected and receive a questionnaire about mental health by post. The survey is conducted anonymously and the respondents are requested to return the completed questionnaire by post.

THL’s Vaasa satellite office conducts the survey.

Information on the parties conducting the survey

The survey results

Financing the survey

The survey is financed by four hospital districts:

• Central Ostrobothnia Federation of Municipalities for Specialised Medical Care and Basic Public Services
• Vaasa Hospital District
• Hospital District of South Ostrobothnia
• Hospital District of Southwest Finland

Information about the survey