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The study examined changes over time in health inequality in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Data derive from comparable interview surveys carried out in 1986/87 and 1994/95. Limiting long-standing illness and perceived ill health were analysed regarding age, gender; educational attainment, and employment status. Age adjusted prevalence rates were calculated. Changes in differences in health were found in education and employment status groups. There was little or no change in the prevalence of ill health during the time period studied. Despite social and economic changes differences in health remained broadly stable in the examined countries.

The evaluation of rehabilitation potential is discussed in the context of the recent allocation by the Riksdag of substantial funds for rehabilitation purposes, a measure designed to generate savings to social insurance at least comparable to the allocation. In the article are discussed the difficulties involved in assessing the impact of such political measures, when at the same time the chances of people being able to return to work after extended sick leave are reduced owing to the recession. An evaluation model is presented which, in addition to variables related to monetary savings to the community, incorporates indicators capable of identifying gains due to a rehabilitation programme that are important determinants of the changes of target groups returning to a productive and meaningful life.

According to the Swedish Public Health Report of 1991, health has improved in the 45-64-year-old age group of the gainfully employed population during the 1980s. Cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal diseases have become less common, whereas certain types of cancer, allergy, and locomotor pain are on the increase. The prevalence of locomotor pain among young working women has doubled. The number of those on early pensions is increasing, which may be due to increasing demands in the working environment as well as to organisational re-structuring. The report points out that the chronically ill and those on disability pensions are finding it harder to compete in the housing market. A medical class distinction is made: those with long-term mental illness have a much worse standard of living than those with somatic diseases.