Background: The desire to ensure prolonged survival for patients with advanced gynaecological cancer is a key concern for every doctor. This study presents an analysis of outcomes from an Estonian regional cancer center, evaluating prognostic factors associated with locally advanced gynecological cancer and the potential for long-term survival following pelvic exenteration. Methods: The study included patients with resistant or recurrent gynecological cancer. The analysis present data on all 34 cases in which pelvic exenteration was performed at the Tartu University Hospital. The majority of patients (88.2%) had tumour recurrence. Thirteen patients (38%) had previously undergone surgery for gynaecological cancer. Results: Of the 34 patients, 21(62%) underwent total pelvic exenteration and 13 (38%) exenterations with vulvectomy. The median age of the study cohort was 59 years (range, 34-80). The median duration of surgery was 4.4 hours (range, 121-530 minutes). The median blood loss was 707 mL (range 100-2500 mL). The median tumor diameter was 7 cm (range 2-25 cm). The mean follow-up was 52 months. The overall postoperative complication rate was 41%. One patient died postoperatively (2.9%). Median survival for ovarian cancer was 48.3 months, cervical cancer 31.6 months, vaginal or urethral cancer 29.2 months and for endometrial cancer 7.7 months. Overall survival rates were 62% at 1 year, 44% at 3 years, 28% at 5 years, and 15% at 15 years. Multivariable analysis showed that distant metastasis (p = 0.0002), endometrial cancer (p = 0.0096), resection line (p = 0.017) were the most important factors affecting long-term survival. Conclusions: In the present study, we found that patients with relapsed or persistent locally advanced cervical, vaginal, or ovarian cancer who underwent pelvic exenteration demonstrated substantially better survival outcomes than patients with endometrial cancer, particularly those with aggressive histologic subtypes and multiple unfavorable prognostic markers.

INTRODUCTION:The proportion of cesarean section (CS) deliveries has increased worldwide. This study aimed to analyze CS trends in Estonia from 1992 to 2023 in total and according to Robson 1+2 (nulliparous, single cephalic, ≥37 weeks, spontaneous labor, induced or CS before labor) and 5 (previous CS, single, cephalic, ≥37 weeks) criteria. METHODS:Data of all deliveries (n=446536) in Estonia from 1992 to 2023 were obtained from the Estonian Medical Birth Registry. During the study period, 73960 births ended in CS. Descriptive characteristics of the study population were divided into two periods (1992-2007 increasing trend; 2008-2023 stable trend). Robson 1+2 and 5 sub-groups were analyzed. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the change in CS trends in Robson groups over time. RESULTS:The total proportion of CS increased from 6.5% in 1992 to 20.9% in 2007 and remained stable after that. Robson 1+2 proportion increased from 5% to 21% in 2023, and Robson 5 decreased from 73% to 56%. In 2023, R1+R2 combined with R5 accounted for more than half (63%) of all CSs. CONCLUSIONS:The increase in CS occurred primarily due to the increase in CS rates among nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy at term. More attention must be given to nulliparous women to prevent CS and maintain vaginal births after CS. To improve the quality of maternity care, it is essential to monitor the indicators of CS based on Robson's criteria.

When local recurrence happens, treatment options are limited due to the frequent use of pelvic irradiation for primary cervical cancer. Reirradiation is usually contraindicated and chemotherapy is ineffective at controlling tumors located within the previously irradiated tissue, in the case of persistent or recurrent cervical cancer, pelvic exenteration (PE) is on of the few options to offer patients a radical treatment. This is the first analysis from Estonia evaluating prognostic factors associated with locally advanced cervical cancer and the potential for long-term survival with pelvic exenteration. Between 2001 and 2021, PE was performed in 25 patients with recurrent or persistent pelvic cancer after radical radiochemotherapy. Included were 22 cervical cancer and 3 vaginal cancer cases who were followed until 01 June 2022. Clinicopathological characteristics of patients were described in univariate analysis and prognostic factors were estimated with Cox proportional hazard analysis. The median age was 58 years (range 34-80). Median tumor diameter was 6 cm (range 2-14 cm). Total PE, anterior PE and PE with rectal anastomosis consisted of 44%, 36% and 20% of cases respectively. Additional vulvectomy was performed 28% of patients. The median follow-up was 92 months. The overall postoperative complication rate was 32%; the postoperative mortality rate was 0%. Median hospitalization was 16 days (range 9-34). Overall survival was as follows: 1 year 64%, 3 year 40%, 5 year 32% and 15 year 24%. In this case series, we find that even in patients with recurrent or persistent locally advanced cervical cancer, at least a quarter of patients treated with pelvic exenteration can achieve a survival of more than 15 years. PE can be performed with a low postoperative complication rate and zero mortality. PE allows significantly longer survival for patients who have exhausted other treatment modalities.

Background Despite the relatively low breast cancer incidence in Estonia, mortality remains high, and participation in mammography screening is below the recommended 70%. The objective of this register-based study was to evaluate incidence-based (IB) breast cancer mortality before and after the introduction of organized mammography screening in 2004. Methods Breast cancer deaths individually linked to breast cancer diagnosis were obtained from the Estonian Cancer Registry and used for calculating IB mortality. We compared age-specific IB mortality rates across 5-year birth cohorts and 5-year periods. Poisson regression was used to compare IB mortality for one age group invited to screening (50-63) and three age groups not invited to screening (30-49, 65-69, and 70+) during two periods before and after screening initiation (1993-2003 and 2004-2014). Joinpoint regression was used for age-standardized incidence and IB mortality trends. Results Age-standardized IB mortality has been decreasing since 1997. Age-specific IB mortality for birth cohorts never exposed to screening showed a continuous increase with age, while in cohorts exposed to organized screening the mortality curve flattened or declined after the age of first invitation. Significant decreases in mortality from 1993-2003 to 2004-2014 were seen in the 30-49 (age-adjusted rate ratio 0.51, 95% CI 90.42-0.63) and 50-63 (0.65, 95% CI 0.56-0.74) age groups, while no decline was seen in the 65-69 and 70+ age groups. Conclusions The age specific IB mortality curves in birth cohorts exposed to screening and the significant mortality decline in the target age group after the initiation of the organized program suggest a beneficial effect of screening. Improved treatment without screening has not reduced mortality in older age groups. Our results support raising the upper screening age limit to 74 years.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the changes in the mortality statistics in Estonia during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic (years 2020 and 2021) in terms of excess mortality and the occurrence of causes of death. Methods: The present study is based on retrospective data obtained from the Estonian Causes of Death Registry and the Statistics Estonia database. Data from the period before the pandemic (01.01.2018–31.12.2019) and the two years of the pandemic (2020 and 2021) were compared. In order to compare mortality in different periods, mortality rates were calculated by gender and age group, and incidence rate ratios were used to determine differences between the periods. Excess mortality was expressed as a percentage based on the incidence rate ratio. Mortality patterns were described according to gender and age group using a change point regression model. To analyze the causes of death, the incidence rate ratios by a given period and primary causes of death groups were found. Results: The study results indicated that the mortality rate in 2020 did not significantly differ from the mortality rate in the reference period. Excess mortality occurred in 2021 and was 15%. Excess mortality in 2021 was mainly caused by increased mortality among men aged 35–54 and ≥50 years and women aged ≥50 years. There have been changes in mortality rate trends that do not exactly coincide with the period of the Covid-19 pandemic. In older age groups, the downward trend of mortality has stopped. Several primary causes of death had significantly higher mortality rates during the pandemic years compared to the reference period. Conclusions: Covid-19 pandemic has had both a direct and an indirect impact on the health and mortality of the Estonian population. Given that Covid-19 continues to spread and comprehensive knowledge of its long-term effects is still limited, continued analysis will be necessary to assess the pandemic's impact on the population's health indicators.

Proportion of normal deliveries is decreasing worldwide. This study analysed operative vaginal deliveries (OVD) and Caesarean sections (CS) with some background factors in Estonia and Finland from 1992 to 2016. Data on all deliveries from 1992 to 2016 were obtained from the Finnish Medical Birth Registry (1 481 160 births) and the Estonian Medical Birth Registry (356 063 births). Time trends were analysed by joinpoint regression, and factors associated with OVD and CS by logistic regression. Odds ratios with 95% CIs were calculated, adjusted for year, maternal age, foetal birthweight, and use of epidural/spinal anaesthesia. One out of four deliveries were operative in Estonia and in Finland by 2016. By 2016, the Estonian CS rate had tripled to 20.9% and the OVD rate had increased by nine times to 5.6%. In Finland, the CS rate increased slightly to 16.4% while the OVD rate nearly doubled to 9.4%. In Estonia, the incidence of OVD was 24% lower (aOR 0.76, 95% Cl 0.74-0.78) and the incidence of CS 9% higher (aOR 1.09, 95% Cl 1.07-1.10) than in Finland. Use of epidural/spinal anaesthesia and foetal birthweight increased the risk of OVD in both countries, maternal age increased the risk of CS in both countries. Even if the CS and OVD rates are different, operative delivery rates may be similar in different countries. Combined analysis of operative deliveries together with background factors gives a better understanding of the trends in birthcare than monitoring CS rates alone.

IntroductionThe number of cesarean sections (CSs) has grown steadily, but the underlying factors driving this increase remain unknown. Data from Medical Birth Registries were retrieved to analyze CS trends in Estonia and Finland during the period 1992-2016. Material and methodsAll births in Estonia (n = 356 063) and Finland (n = 1 437 234) were included. The differences between Estonia and Finland in five-year time periods for the total CS rate, and rates in Robson 1, 2, and 5 groups (R1, R2, R5) were analyzed by logistic regression. Total CS rates were adjusted for birthweight, parity, previous CS, gestational age, singleton pregnancy, cephalic position, induction, mother's age. R1; R2; R5 rates were adjusted for birthweight and mother's age. ResultsIn Estonia, the proportion of CSs increased from 6.5% to 21.0% and in Finland from 15.1% to 16.8% between 1992 and 2016. In 2016, Estonia and Finland remained within the target value with their R1 + 2 (Estonia 18%; Finland 16%) and R5 (Estonia 59%; Finland 42%) values. ConclusionsComparing Robson groups in different countries can shed light on divergent CS rates and to improve the quality of perinatal and obstetric care.

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There is a lack of robust prevalence estimates of atopic dermatitis (AD) globally and trends over time due to wide variation of populations and age groups studied, different study methodologies and case definitions used. We sought to characterize 12-month AD prevalence across the life span and change over time in resource-rich countries focusing on population-based studies and using a standardized AD case definition. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Medline (Ovid), Embase, WOS core collection, Cinahl, and Popline were searched for studies published since inception through August 15, 2016. Studies were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. From 12,530 records identified, 45 studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis with random effects revealed the 12-month period prevalence of 9.2% (95% confidence interval 8.4-10.1%). The prevalence was significantly higher among 0-5-year-old children (16.2%; 95% confidence interval 14.2-18.7%) than in older age groups. Studies using a random sampling strategy yielded lower prevalence estimates than studies relying on other sampling methods. There was no clear time trend in AD prevalence over the period of 1992-2013.

Objectives: To review the evidence of associations between adverse birth outcomes (ABO) and industrial air pollution. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, and Scopus databases, and additional articles were found from snowball search techniques. The included studies feature a study population of mothers with live-born babies exposed to industrial air pollutants, and they examine the effects of industrial pollutants on adverse birth outcomes-namely, low birth weight, term low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. Results: Altogether, 45 studies were included in this review. Exposure to PM2.5, PAHs, benzene, cadmium, and mixtures of industrial air pollutants and living near an industrial area affect birth outcomes. Conclusion: This study concludes that industrial air pollution is an important risk factor for ABO, especially low birth weight and preterm birth. The strongest evidence is associations between ABO and air pollution from power plants and petrochemical industries. Understanding of specific chemicals that are critical to birth outcomes is still vague. However, the evidence is strongest for more specific air pollutants from the industry, such as PAH, benzene, BTEX, and cadmium.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PC) mortality statistics in Estonia has shown inconsistencies with incidence and survival trends. The aim of this population-based study was to assess the accuracy of reporting PC as the underlying cause of death and estimate the effect of misattribution in assigning cause of death on PC mortality rates. Material and methods The Estonian Causes of Death Registry (CoDR) and Cancer Registry provided data on all men in Estonia who died in 2017 and had a mention of PC on any field of the death certificate or had a lifetime diagnosis of PC. A blinded review of medical records was conducted by an expert panel to ascertain whether the underlying cause was PC or other death. We estimated the agreement between the underlying causes of death registered at the CoDR and those ascertained by medical review and calculated corrected mortality rates. Results The study population included 655 deaths. Among 277 PC deaths registered at CoDR, 164 (59%) were verified by medical review. Among 378 other deaths registered at CoDR, 17 (5%) were ascertained as PC deaths by medical review. In total, the number of PC deaths decreased from 277 to 181 and the corrected age standardized (world) mortality rate decreased from 20 to 13 per 100 000 (1.5-fold overestimation, 95% confidence interval 1.2–1.9). Conclusions PC mortality statistics in Estonia should be interpreted with caution and possible overestimation considered when making policy decisions. Quality assurance mechanisms should be reinforced in the whole death certification process.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines related side effects have a determinant role in the public 66 decision regarding vaccination. Therefore, this study has been designed to actively monitor safety 67 and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines globally; Methods: a multi-country three-phase study in68 cluding a cross-sectional survey to test for the short-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among 69 target population groups. In the second phase, we will monitor the booster doses side effects, while 70 in the third phase, the long-term safety and effectiveness will be inquired. A validated self-admin71 istered questionnaire will be used to collect data from target population; Results: the study protocol 72 has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04834869; Conclusions: CoVaST is 73 the first independent study aims to monitor the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines following booster 74 doses and the long-term safety and effectiveness of vaccines. 75

Background Multimorbidity is associated with physical-mental health comorbidity (PMHC). However, the scope of overlap between physical and mental conditions, associated factors, as well as types of mental illness involved are not well described in Eastern Europe. This study aims to assess the PMHC burden in the Estonian population. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study we obtained health claims data for 55 chronic conditions from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF) database, which captures data for all publicly insured individuals (n = 1 240 927 or 94.1% of the total population as of 31 December 2017). We assessed the period-prevalence (3 years) of chronic physical and mental health disorders, as well as associations between them, by age and sex. Results Half of the individuals (49.1% (95% CI 49.0-49.3)) had one or more chronic conditions. Mental health disorders (MHD) were present in 8.1% (8.1-8.2) of individuals, being higher among older age groups, women, and individuals with a higher number of physical conditions. PMHC was present in 6.2% (6.1-6.2) of the study population, and 13.1% (13.0-13.2) of the subjects with any chronic physical disorder also presented with at least one MHD. Dominating MHDs among PMHC patients were anxiety and depression. The prevalence of MHD was positively correlated with the number of physical disorders. We observed variation in the type of MHD as the number of physical comorbidities increased. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and mental and behavioral disorders due to the misuse of alcohol and other psychoactive substances increased as physical comorbidities increased, but the prevalence of schizophrenia and dementia decreased with each additional physical disease. After adjusting for age and sex, this negative association changed the sign to a positive association in the case of dementia and mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance misuse. Conclusions The burden of physical-mental comorbidity in the Estonian population is relatively high. Further research is required to identify clusters of overlapping physical and mental disorders as well as the interactions between these conditions. Public health interventions may include structural changes to health care delivery, such as an increased emphasis on integrated care models that reduce barriers to mental health care.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine-related side effects have a determinant role in the public decision regarding vaccination. Therefore, this study has been designed to actively monitor the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines globally. Methods: A multi-country, three-phase study including a cross-sectional survey to test for the short-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among target population groups. In the second phase, we will monitor the booster doses’ side effects, while in the third phase, the long-term safety and effectiveness will be investigated. A validated, self-administered questionnaire will be used to collect data from the target population; Results: The study protocol has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, with the identifier NCT04834869. Conclusions: CoVaST is the first independent study aiming to monitor the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines following booster doses, and the long-term safety and effectiveness of said vaccines.

ObjectivesPrevalence estimates for specific chronic conditions and multimorbidity (MM) in eastern Europe are scarce. This national study estimates the prevalence of MM by age group and sex in Estonia.DesignA population-based cross-sectional study, using administrative data.SettingData were collected on 55 chronic conditions from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund from 2015 to 2017. MM was defined as the coexistence of two or more conditions.ParticipantsThe Estonian Health Insurance Fund includes data for approximately 95% of the Estonian population receiving public health insurance.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence and 95% CIs for MM stratified by age group and sex.ResultsNearly half (49.1%) of the individuals (95% CI 49.0 to 49.3) had at least 1 chronic condition, and 30.1% (95% CI 30.0 to 30.2) had MM (2 or more chronic conditions). The number of conditions and the prevalence of MM increased with age, ranging from an MM prevalence of 3.5% (3.5%–3.6%) in the youngest (0–24 years) to as high as 80.4% (79.4%–81.3%) in the oldest (≥85 years) age group. Half of all individuals had MM by 60 years of age, and 75% of the population had MM by 75 years of age. Women had a higher prevalence of MM (34.9%, 95% CI 34.7 to 35.0) than men (24.4%, 95% CI 24.3 to 24.5). Hypertension was the most frequent chronic condition (24.5%), followed by chronic pain (12.4%) and arthritis (7.7%).ConclusionsHypertension is an important chronic condition amenable to treatment with lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. Given the established correlation between uncontrolled hypertension and exacerbation of other cardiovascular conditions as well as acute illnesses, this most common condition within the context of MM may be suitable for targeted public health interventions.

Objective: Relatively scant research among older Estonian population describes factors associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms. This study identifies factors associated with the incidence of depressiveness among middle-aged and older Estonians over 2- and 4-year periods. Method: In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models are used to identify the factors associated with the incidence of depressiveness over 2- and 4-year periods. The data were drawn from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) 2011–2015 which included Estonian population aged 53 years and older in 2013. After excluding those younger than 53 years, not interviewed 2 years later, those with depressive symptoms at baseline in 2013, and missing values for depressiveness or other variables, our analytical sample comprised 2513 people. Results: Among those who were not depressive in 2013, 21.9% became depressive within 2 years; 16.1% of non-depressive individuals since 2011 became depressive by 2015. No age differences in incidence remained in adjusted models. Women have almost 50% higher odds of becoming depressive. A previous history of depressiveness and the presence of everyday activity limitations were important factors increasing the incidence of depression. Discussion: Changes related to the individual’s unique ageing experience are important explanatory factors related to the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms, rather than age itself. To diminish the incidence of depressive symptoms among older Estonian population, public health interventions should attempt to address factors which complicate existing health problems and facilitate continued independence and community involvement, both of which contribute to overall satisfaction with life.

Large oil shale resources are found in Eastern Estonia, where the mineral resource is mined, excavated, and used for electricity generation and shale oil extraction. During industrial activities in the last 100 years, pollutants have been emitted in large amounts, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. The current study aims to analyse time trends in cancer incidence in the oil shale industry-affected areas and compare them with overall cancer incidence rates and trends in Estonia. We analysed Estonian Cancer Registry data on selected cancer sites that have been previously indicated to have relationships with industrial activities like oil shale extraction. We included lung cancer, kidney cancer, urinary bladder cancer, leukaemia, breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A statistically significantly higher lung cancer age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was found during the study period (1992—2015) only in males in the oil shale areas as compared to males in Estonia overall: 133.6 and 95.5 per 100,000, respectively. However, there appeared to be a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the lung cancer ASIR in males in the oil shale areas (overall decrease 28.9%), whereas at the same time, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in non-oil shale areas (13.3%) and in Estonia overall (1.5%). Other cancer sites did not show higher ASIRs in the oil shale industrial areas compared to other areas in Estonia. Possible explanations could be improved environmental quality, socio-economic factors, and other morbidities.

Background: Kidney cancer rates in Estonia are high. The study aimed to examine long-term trends in kidney cancer incidence, mortality and survival in Estonia, with special focus on age, birth cohorts, morphology and TNM stage.Material and methods: Estonian Cancer Registry provided data on all incident cases of kidney cancer (ICD-10 C64), diagnosed in adults (age 15 years) in Estonia during 1995-2014. Relative survival ratios (RSR) were calculated and excess hazard ratios of dying were estimated with gender, age, period of diagnosis and TNM stage as independent variables. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to calculate estimated annual percentage change for incidence (1970-2014) and mortality (1995-2016) trends. Age-specific incidence rates were presented by birth cohort and period of diagnosis.Results: Incidence increased significantly in both sexes, with the steepest rise seen for localized cancer. Cohort effects were pronounced particularly in men, while period effects were seen from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s in both sexes. Age-standardized five-year RSR for total kidney cancer increased by 13 percentage units (from 53% to 65%) over the study period; the increase was larger for renal cell carcinoma (from 63% to 78%). Survival increases of about five percentage units were seen for stages I/II and III. Age and gender were not associated with excess risk of dying from renal cell carcinoma after adjusting for stage.Conclusion: Estonia is currently among countries with the highest incidence of kidney cancer. The results suggest a combined effect of changing risk profiles in successive birth cohorts and increasing diagnostic activity around 1990. Large survival increase can mostly be attributed to earlier detection, but improved diagnosis and treatment have probably influenced stage-specific survival. High proportion of tumors with unspecified morphology and those with unknown stage among the elderly warrants further investigation of diagnostic and treatment practices.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze long-term trends in prostate cancer (PCa) incidence, mortality and survival in Estonia, with specific focus on age and stage. Materials and methods: Data on PCa incident cases and deaths in 1995–2014 were obtained from the Estonian Cancer Registry and the Causes of Death Registry, respectively. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percentage change for incidence and mortality trends. Relative survival ratios (RSRs) were calculated for four 5 year periods. Incidence and survival were analyzed by age and stage. Results: The average annual number of new PCa cases in Estonia increased more than three-fold from 1995–1999 to 2010–2014. The age-standardized overall incidence and the incidence of localized cancer increased steeply until 2011, then leveled off. The incidence of locally/regionally spread or distant PCa remained stable. A significant increase in PCa mortality was seen only in men aged 65 years and older. The overall 5 year RSR increased from 58% to 90% over the study period. Survival increased considerably for all stages. Conclusions: The dramatic rise in the incidence of PCa in Estonia since the late 1990s was limited to localized cancers. This, together with rapid increases in survival, is probably due predominantly to extensive opportunistic prostate-specific antigen testing of middle-aged and elderly men. The ongoing increase in PCa mortality among older men warrants validation of causes of death to avoid possible overestimation. Evaluation of diagnostic and treatment strategies could identify possibilities for improving outcomes of non-localized PCa.

Objectives The population of Estonia has one of the lowest life expectancies and health statuses in Europe. This is reflected in a lower perception of health among older adults. This study focuses on the role of health behaviour (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and nutrition) in self-rated health, accounting for sociodemographic characteristics, activity limitations and long-term illnesses as well as satisfaction with life of older Estonian men and women. Design We use representative cross-sectional data from Wave 4 of the Estonian Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, conducted mainly in 2011. Participants Frequencies, χ2 tests and logistic regression models include respondents aged 50 years and older, with no upper age limit (n=6660). Results Men have 20% higher odds (CI 1.02 to 1.43) of poor self-rated health. Being of foreign origin (OR 1.48; CI 1.24 to 1.77), having a basic (2.50; CI 2.06 to 3.00) or secondary (1.71; CI 1.43 to 2.04) education, being retired (2.00; CI 1.65 to 2.44) or staying at home (1.49; CI 1.16 to 1.93) and having activity limitations (3.25; CI 2.77 to 3.80) or long-term illnesses (4.78; CI 4.08 to 5.60) are related to poor self-rated health. Never being involved in vigorous (2.30; CI 1.90 to 2.79) or moderate physical activity (1.41; CI 1.02 to 1.94), and consuming legumes and eggs less frequently (1.25; CI 1.08 to 1.45) is associated with poorer self-rated health. Lower satisfaction with life accounts for some of the variation (2.28; CI 1.92 to 2.71). Conclusions There is a strong cumulative effect of one’s previous life course on the self-rated health of older adults in Estonia, suggesting that public health policies have long-term consequences rather than immediate consequences. Health services supporting health behaviours and targeting vulnerable population groups with specific sociodemographic characteristics and health problems may influence self-rated health for some. Public health services emphasising social activities or psychological aspects may be most successful in improving self-rated health of older Estonians through satisfaction with life.