Prevalence of cold-related complaints, symptoms and injuries in the general population: the FINRISK 2002 cold substudy

Abstract

The prevalence of cold-related complaints and symptoms in the general population has remained unknown. As part of the nationwide FINRISK 2002 health survey performed in Finland, 8,723 people aged 25-64 years filled in a questionnaire asking about the number of hours spent weekly in cold air, their sensations during cold exposure, cold-related complaints, symptoms of diseases, and degradation of performance. Cold thermal sensations at +5 degrees C to -5 degrees C were reported by 35% of men and 46% of women. Almost all subjects reported at least some cold-related complaints, most commonly musculoskeletal pain (men 30%, women 27%), followed by respiratory (25% / 29%), white finger (15% / 18%) and episodic peripheral circulation symptoms (12% / 15%). Decreased mental or physical performance in cold was reported by 75% of men and 70% of women, most commonly impairing manual dexterity and tactile sense. With declining temperature, the first symptom to emerge was pain in the elbow or the forearm (at -3 degrees C), followed by increased excretion of mucus from the lungs (-5 degrees C), while most other symptoms appeared only at lower temperatures of -15 degrees C to -20 degrees C. Most symptoms showed little or no association with the weekly duration of exposure, with the exception of cold-induced pain at most sites. Although, in general, Finns are well adapted to the cold climate, the high prevalence of cold-related complaints poses a challenge to the health care system in terms of decreased performance and the possibility that such symptoms predict more serious health effects, such as increased mortality.

Health problems related to working in extreme cold conditions indoors

“…This is in line with a report stating that for 22% of the general Finnish population concentration is affected by cold weather (12). A reduced concentration capacity can increase the risk of injuries when operating equipment inside the cold stores.…”

“…Our results were also higher when compared with a general population exposed to cold during the long winter period. In this population study, the ageadjusted prevalence for peripheral circulatory symptoms was 12% (12).…”

“…However, in the seafood processing industry, low temperature, wetness, protein juices, and the gloves used may constitute independent risk factors of skin symptoms. A study conducted among the general population exposed to cold during a large part of the year in Finland, itching and eruptions of the skin were present in 9% of men and 14% of women (12).…”

Children sleeping outdoors in winter: parents' experiences of a culturally bound childcare practice

“…(28. ) Besides all its opportunities, the cold environment in northern Finland and exposure to its cold temperatures did cause various coldrelated complaints, symptoms and injuries (8). Nonetheless, most parents estimated that they dealt with their child's outdoor activity very well (20), and confirmed that they added layers to the child's clothing in colder conditions.…”

“…Exposure to cold temperatures can cause cold-related complaints, symptoms and injuries (8). The type and intensity of cold exposure as well as many individual factors such as age, gender, the layer of insulating fat, previous adaptation and medication interact with cold-related symptoms (9).…”