Trends in prevalence of asthma and allergy in Finnish young men: nationwide study, 1966-2003

Abstract
In Finland, about 98% of all men aged 18-19 are examined to establish their fitness for military service. Diagnostic codes (based on the international classification of diseases) are registered. During 1966-2003 almost 1.4 million men were examined. The examination procedure has been described earlier.3 Since 1972 the examination has been a two stage procedure: a clinical examination (including medical history and a questionnaire) by a local general practitioner followed by a re-examination at call-up by an army physician. Specialists are consulted when needed.