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Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare


Pet dog microbiota may protect young children from respiratory tract infections and reduce the need for antibiotic courses

A recent Finnish study found that exposure to dog-associated microbes in early childhood reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections and antibiotic courses. Dog ownership is linked to higher richness and diversity of microbiota, but not directly associated with reduced infection rates.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateAug 3, 2026

Malicious social media bots increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to influence public health communication

A study analyzing 1.7 million tweets found that malicious bots accounted for 22% of messages, spreading misinformation and negative attitudes towards vaccines. Regular bots often align with governmental messaging to enhance credibility, while malicious bots employ deceptive tactics.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2024

Managing stress with food and alcohol consumption connected with faster lifelong weight gain

A 30-year follow-up study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that eating as a means of stress management is correlated with higher body weight, while alcohol consumption is associated with higher weight in middle age. Stress-induced eating is more common among women due to cultural pressures to reduce weight.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalPsychology and Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

Predictability and meaningfulness of life help tackle long-term poverty

A Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare study found that people's ability to lead their lives, strive for important things, and make decisions supporting well-being is linked to manageable life circumstances, financial resources, sense of belonging, equal opportunities, and experiencing meaning. Social security provides faith in the...

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2022