Socioeconomic differences in self-rated health among women: a comparison of St. Petersburg to Estonia and Finland.

Introduction: Social determinants of health have not been intensively studied in Russia, even though the health divide has been clearly demonstrated by an increased mortality rate among those with low education. A comparative analysis of social health determinants in countries with different historical and economic backgrounds may provide useful evidence for addressing health inequalities. We aimed to assess socioeconomic determinants of self-rated health in St.

Sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes of men buying sex in Finland.

Aim: To study the sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes associated with buying sex among Finnish men residing in different areas of Finland.

Methods: A population-based questionnaire survey among 18-74-year-old Finns in 1999 with a response rate among men of 38%. The data on 575 men were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

The determinants of sexually transmitted infections among reproductive age women in St. Petersburg, Estonia and Finland.

Objectives: Sexually transmitted infections' (STIs) rate vary in St. Petersburg, Estonia and Finland; the aim was to compare the determinants of self-reported sexually transmitted infections in these areas.

Methods: Data from four population-based questionnaire surveys were used (Finland in 1992 and 1999; St.

The socio-demographic patterning of sexual risk behaviour: a survey of young men in Finland and Estonia.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the youth are an increasing challenge for public health in Europe. This study provided estimates of men's (18-25 years) sexual risk behaviour and self-reported STIs and their socio-demographic patterning in Finland and Estonia; two countries that are geographically close, but have very different STI epidemics.

Method: Nationally representative cross-sectional population surveys with comparable survey questions were used.

Risk factors for induced abortions in St Petersburg, Estonia and Finland. Results from surveys among women of reproductive age.

Objectives: To compare the risk factors of self-reported abortion in St Petersburg, Estonia and Finland, which are neighbouring areas having different abortion rates.

Methods: Data from four population-based questionnaire surveys (Finland 1992 and 1999; St Petersburg 2003; Estonia 2004) were used. With the exception of the 1992 Finnish survey (based on interviews) all were postal surveys.

The impact of aging on human sexual activity and sexual desire.

This article empirically studies how much aging modifies human sexual activity and sexual desire, and what the most important determinants in this change are. The analyses are based on 2 representative national sex surveys conducted in Finland in the 1990s. As a result of female widowhood, aging men had a higher incidence of sexual intercourse compared with aging women; and in relationships, women were more likely than men to report lack of sexual desire.

Sexual health among young adults in Finland: assessing risk and protective behaviour through a general health survey.

Objective: To describe the extent of sexual risk and protective behaviours and reproductive health outcomes comparing men and women of 18-29 and assess the demographic correlates of these indicators within genders.

Design: A module of questions on sexual behaviour and reproductive health outcomes was integrated into a population-based general health survey in Finland.

Methods: A representative sample of people over 17, including 1,894 individuals between 18 and 29 years, was drawn from the population registry in 2001.

Single and double sexual standards in Finland, Estonia, and St. Petersburg.

The sexual revolution and fight for gender equality began in the West during the 1960s but did not reach the Soviet Union until the late 1980s. Using survey data from nationally representative samples from Finland in 1971, 1992, and 1999 and from two former Soviet areas, Estonia in 2000 and St. Petersburg in 1996, we investigated the following: (a) differences across decades and countries in acceptance of the sexual double standard (SDS) in attitudes toward marital infidelity and women's initiating sex; and (b) the relationship between the SDS and sexual satisfaction.