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Häggström Gunfridsson, Erling, Docent, PhDORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-1561-4094
Alternative names
Biography [eng]

My research interests mainly relate to different demographic issues. One of these is the impact of climate on mortality, with special attention being paid to differences between different groups, for example between Sami and the rest of the population.

Another research focus is what effect disability has had on individuals' life trajectories both in historical and modern times and how other factors such as gender and social group affect the effect.

Another focus is the influence of genetics on demographic processes where I studied the effects of the blood group Rh and inbreeding.

As a statistical tool, I use methods that enable analysis from a system perspective such as micro simulation and sequence analysis. 

In my research I use both historical data from church books and modern data from registers that illustrate living conditions and health.  I also use DNA to study demographic trends and the distribution of human populations.

Biography [swe]

Mina forskningsintressen berör främst olika demografiska frågeställningar. Ett av dessa är klimatets inverkan på dödligheten med speciell hänsyn tagen till skillnader mellan olika grupper tex den mellan samer och övriga befolkning.

En annan forskningsinriktning är vilken effekt funktionsnedsättningar hade på individernas livsbanor både i historisk och modern tid och hur andra faktorer som kön och social grupp påverkar effekten.

Ytterligare en inriktning är genetikens inverkan på demografiska processer där jag tex studerat blodgruppern Rh- och inavelns effekter.

Som statistiska verktyg använder jag bland annat metoder som möjliggör analys ur ett system perspektiv som mikrosimulering och sekvensanalys. Dessa metoder kan ofta belysa problem på ett mer verklighetsnära sätt än andra metoder.

I min forskning använder jag både historiska data från kyrkböcker och moderna data från register som belyser livsförhållanden och hälsa. Jag använder även DNA tester för att studera demografiska förlopp och mänskliga populationers spridning i världen. 

Publications (10 of 68) Show all publications
Häggström Gunfridsson, E. (2026). Modeling APOE, morbidity, and mortality: a reproducibility challenge for genetic epidemiology. Frontiers in Genetics, 17, Article ID 1782955.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Modeling APOE, morbidity, and mortality: a reproducibility challenge for genetic epidemiology
2026 (English)In: Frontiers in Genetics, E-ISSN 1664-8021, Vol. 17, article id 1782955Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

APOE is among the most extensively studied genetic loci in research on aging, morbidity, and mortality. Despite its well-established biological roles, empirical findings on the association between APOE and mortality remain inconsistent across studies. This heterogeneity is often attributed to biological complexity. In this Perspective, we argue that much of the apparent inconsistency instead reflects differences in modeling choices, variable definitions, and reporting practices, resulting in limited reproducibility and comparability. We highlight how pleiotropy, age-dependent effects, and selective survival make APOE particularly sensitive to analytical decisions. We focus on three underappreciated sources of irreproducibility: selective exclusion of rare APOE genotypes, lack of standardized baseline models, and routine adjustment for variables that are not confounders under Mendelian inheritance. We argue that all observed APOE genotypes should be included in primary analyses, that parsimonious baseline models adjusted only for variables independent of genotype should always be reported, and that overadjustment can obscure rather than clarify genetic effects. We propose a set of conceptual principles to improve reproducibility in studies of APOE, morbidity, and mortality, with implications for genetic epidemiology more broadly.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media S.A., 2026
Keywords
APOE, causal inference, covariate adjustment, genetic epidemiology, mortality, pleiotropy, population structure, reproducibility
National Category
Medical Genetics and Genomics
Research subject
Genetics; Epidemiology; Statistics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-250117 (URN)10.3389/fgene.2026.1782955 (DOI)
Available from: 2026-02-20 Created: 2026-02-20 Last updated: 2026-02-23Bibliographically approved
Junkka, J., Häggström Gunfridsson, E. & Vikström, L. (2025). Decomposition of disability prevalences. age and rate effects in northern Sweden, 1900–1950. Historical Life Course Studies, 15, 256-265
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Decomposition of disability prevalences. age and rate effects in northern Sweden, 1900–1950
2025 (English)In: Historical Life Course Studies, E-ISSN 2352-6343, Vol. 15, p. 256-265Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This study examines changes in disability prevalence during Sweden's demographic transition, focusing on the relative contributions of population aging and changing disability rates. Using unique longitudinal data from parish registers covering 194,500 individuals in Västerbotten county 1900–1950, we analyze trends in four disability categories: sensory, physical, mental and intellectual disabilities. Through demographic decomposition methods, we separate the effects of changes in population age structure from changes in age-specific disability rates. Our findings reveal that the substantial increase in disability prevalence was primarily driven by changes in disability rates during the period studied rather than population aging. Mental disabilities showed the most pronounced increase, rising from 0.8% to 2.5%, while other disability types remained stable or declined. The impact was particularly strong among middle-aged adults (25–54 years), challenging assumptions about the predominant role of population aging in historical disability trends. Our results suggest that social and environmental factors played a more significant role than demographic change in shaping disability prevalence during times of demographic transition.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Institute of Social History, 2025
Keywords
Disability, History of health, Historical population data, Sweden
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine History of Science and Ideas
Research subject
Historical Demography
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-243806 (URN)10.51964/hlcs23094 (DOI)2-s2.0-105015327453 (Scopus ID)
Projects
DISTIME
Funder
Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, KAW 2023.0230)
Available from: 2025-09-02 Created: 2025-09-02 Last updated: 2025-09-30Bibliographically approved
Nordung Omnell, E. & Häggström Gunfridsson, E. (2025). Det lysande krigets sanna elände – journalerna vid krigssjukhusen i Umeå under finska kriget 1808–1809. Västerbotten förr & nu
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Det lysande krigets sanna elände – journalerna vid krigssjukhusen i Umeå under finska kriget 1808–1809
2025 (Swedish)In: Västerbotten förr & nu, ISSN 2003-6698Article in journal (Other academic) Published
Abstract [sv]

Under finska kriget (1808–1809) spelade sjukhusen i Umeå en central roll i vården av sårade och sjuka soldater. När försvaret av Finland kollapsade evakuerades skadade soldater i stort antal till hastigt upprättade vårdinrättningar i Umeå. Läkarna gjorde inte bara avgörande insatser för att rädda liv utan också för att dokumentera situationen genom sina journaler.

Abstract [en]

During the Finnish War (1808–1809), the hospitals in Umeå played a central role in caring for wounded and sick soldiers. When the defense of Finland collapsed, large numbers of injured soldiers were evacuated to hastily established medical facilities in Umeå. The doctors not only made crucial efforts to save lives but also documented the situation through their medical records.

Abstract [fi]

Suomen sodan (1808–1809) aikana Uumajan sairaaloilla oli keskeinen rooli haavoittuneiden ja sairaiden sotilaiden hoidossa. Kun Suomen puolustus romahti, suuri määrä haavoittuneita sotilaita evakuoitiin kiireesti perustettuihin hoitolaitoksiin Uumajaan. Lääkärit eivät ainoastaan tehneet ratkaisevia ponnistuksia hengen pelastamiseksi, vaan myös dokumentoivat tilanteen sairaskertomustensa kautta.

Abstract [ru]

Во время Финской войны (1808–1809) больницы в Умео сыграли центральную роль в оказании помощи раненым и больным солдатам. Когда оборона Финляндии рухнула, большое количество раненых солдат было эвакуировано в спешно организованные медицинские учреждения в Умео. Врачи не только прилагали решающие усилия для спасения жизней, но и документировали ситуацию в своих медицинских журналах.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Umeå: Västerbotten förr & nu, 2025
Keywords
Krigssjukvård, Epidemier, Mortalitet, Finska kriget, Umeå
National Category
History
Research subject
History
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-237819 (URN)
Available from: 2025-04-19 Created: 2025-04-19 Last updated: 2025-04-22Bibliographically approved
Häggström Gunfridsson, E. & Nordung Omnell, E. (2025). Död i krigets skugga: mortalitet och dödsorsaker i Umeå landsförsamling och på Röbäcks sjukhus under finska kriget 1808–1809. OKNYTT. Tidskrift för Johan Nordlander-sällskapet, 46, 57-85
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Död i krigets skugga: mortalitet och dödsorsaker i Umeå landsförsamling och på Röbäcks sjukhus under finska kriget 1808–1809
2025 (Swedish)In: OKNYTT. Tidskrift för Johan Nordlander-sällskapet, ISSN 0349-1706, Vol. 46, p. 57-85Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [sv]

Finska kriget 1808–1809 utkämpades mellan Sverige och Ryssland som en del av Napoleonkrigen. I skuggan av de storpolitiska händelserna utspelade sig en mortalitetskatastrof som drabbade inte bara soldaterna, utan även i hög grad den civila befolkningen. Genom bevarat källmaterial kan vi i dag få en unik inblick i hur både befolkningen och soldaterna i Umeå med omnejd påverkades.

Abstract [en]

The Finnish War of 1808–1809 was fought between Sweden and Russia as part of the Napoleonic Wars. In the shadow of these geopolitical events, a mortality catastrophe unfolded, affecting not only the soldiers but also, to a great extent, the civilian population. Through preserved source material, we can today gain a unique insight into how both the population and the soldiers in Umeå and its surroundings were affected.

Abstract [fi]

Suomen sota vuosina 1808–1809 käytiin Ruotsin ja Venäjän välillä osana Napoleonin sotia. Näiden geopoliittisten tapahtumien varjossa kehkeytyi kuolleisuuskatastrofi, joka vaikutti paitsi sotilaisiin myös suuressa määrin siviiliväestöön. Säilyneen lähdeaineiston ansiosta voimme tänä päivänä saada ainutlaatuisen käsityksen siitä, miten sekä väestö että sotilaat Uumajassa ja sen ympäristössä kärsivät tilanteesta.

Abstract [ru]

Финская война 1808–1809 годов велась между Швецией и Россией как часть Наполеоновских войн. В тени этих геополитических событий разразилась катастрофа смертности, затронувшая не только солдат, но и в значительной степени гражданское население. Благодаря сохранившимся источникам мы сегодня можем получить уникальное представление о том, как эти события повлияли как на население, так и на солдат в Умео и его окрестностях.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Umeå: Johan Nordlander-sällskapet, 2025
Keywords
Military medicine, Epidemics, Mortality, Finnish War, Umeå, Sotilaslääketiede, Epidemiat, Kuolleisuus, Suomen sota, Uumaja, Военная медицина, Эпидемии, Смертность, Финская война, Умео, Krigssjukvård, Epidemier, Mortalitet, Finska kriget, Umeå
National Category
History
Research subject
Historical Demography
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-236765 (URN)
Available from: 2025-03-21 Created: 2025-03-21 Last updated: 2025-04-11Bibliographically approved
Anyango, C., Häggström Gunfridsson, E. & Namatovu, F. (2025). Service providers' self-perceived competence in supporting women with disabilities subjected to intimate partner violence: insights from a Swedish survey. Global Health Action, 18(1), Article ID 2476822.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Service providers' self-perceived competence in supporting women with disabilities subjected to intimate partner violence: insights from a Swedish survey
2025 (English)In: Global Health Action, ISSN 1654-9716, E-ISSN 1654-9880, Vol. 18, no 1, article id 2476822Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue, with women, especially those with disabilities, facing a higher lifetime risk than those without disabilities. Given the elevated risk factors and challenges related to having a disability, it is crucial to provide effective IPV support. The competence and expertise of service providers regarding IPV significantly influence their ability to provide adequate IPV support. Understanding service providers' self-perceived competence is essential for improving the quality of IPV support for women with disabilities.

Objective: This study assesses the self-perceived competence of service providers in supporting women with disabilities subjected to IPV in Sweden.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to professionals in healthcare, social services, and the police, and 1,151 people participated. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the factors influencing service providers' self-perceived competence.

Results: The findings indicate that healthcare, police, and social services professionals often encounter women with disabilities, but they rarely ask them directly about IPV. Many don't routinely inquire about IPV exposure. While institutional routines for addressing IPV exist, service providers don't consistently implement or use them. Key factors influencing self-perceived competence include receiving IPV and disability-specific training and sufficient employer support for addressing IPV among women with disabilities.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for a more consistent application of routines and enhanced training to strengthen the capacity of service providers to support women with disabilities subjected to IPV.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2025
Keywords
Intimate partner violence, women with disabilities, formal support, selfperceived competence, service providers
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-237304 (URN)10.1080/16549716.2025.2476822 (DOI)001460725900001 ()40190214 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-105002241249 (Scopus ID)
Projects
DISTIME
Funder
Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Foundation, MAW 2019.0003
Available from: 2025-04-07 Created: 2025-04-07 Last updated: 2025-08-26Bibliographically approved
Namatovu, F., Häggström Gunfridsson, E., Junkka, J. & Vikström, L. (2025). The dynamic association between disability and parenthood in Sweden. In: Patricia Neff Claster; Sampson Lee Blair (Ed.), Disability and the family: challenges, resources, and resilience (pp. 115-129). Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The dynamic association between disability and parenthood in Sweden
2025 (English)In: Disability and the family: challenges, resources, and resilience / [ed] Patricia Neff Claster; Sampson Lee Blair, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2025, p. 115-129Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Previous studies indicate that the use of disability benefits is associated with reduced chances of having children. The current study aimed to identify the bidirectional nature of this association which has been overlooked in previous research. The longitudinal data used in this study were obtained from the Swedish national registers. It consists of 440,200 individuals born from 1968 to 1970 with a follow-up period extending up to 2010. Descriptive analysis, heat map visualization, and multinomial logistic regression were performed. The results show a complex and dynamic association between disability and parenthood. Starting on disability benefits at the age of 20–25 years was associated with a reduced chance of having children during the follow-up duration (≤42 years). Interestingly, another pattern was also revealed, and individuals who had their first child as teenagers (aged 13–19 years) were at higher odds of starting to receive disability benefits during their 30s and 40s compared to the rest of the study population. This is the first study to show evidence of a bidirectional nature of the association between age at starting to use disability benefits and the age of having a first child. Our findings demonstrate the potential of using heatmaps and multinomial regression on time-to-event data to examine bidirectional relationships between various factors investigated across several disciplines.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2025
Series
Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, ISSN 1530-3535 ; 27
Keywords
Disability, disability pension, disability benefits, parenthood, teenage parenthood, childbearing
National Category
Other Health Sciences Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Research subject
Epidemiology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-234831 (URN)10.1108/s1530-353520250000027006 (DOI)2-s2.0-85216082077 (Scopus ID)978-1-83797-592-1 (ISBN)978-1-83797-591-4 (ISBN)
Projects
DISTIME
Funder
Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Foundation, 2019.0003
Available from: 2025-02-01 Created: 2025-02-01 Last updated: 2025-02-20Bibliographically approved
Tajsharghi, H., MacGregor, O., Rexvid, D. & Häggström Gunfridsson, E. (2024). Informera om riskerna med kusinäktenskap [Letter to the editor]. Forskning och framsteg (2024-03-26)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Informera om riskerna med kusinäktenskap
2024 (Swedish)In: Forskning och framsteg, ISSN 0015-7937, no 2024-03-26Article in journal, Letter (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.)) Published
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stiftelsen Forskning & Framsteg, 2024
Keywords
Medicin, Hälsa, Genetiska sjukdomar
National Category
Medical Genetics and Genomics
Research subject
Genetics; demography; health services research
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-222749 (URN)
Available from: 2024-03-27 Created: 2024-03-27 Last updated: 2025-02-10Bibliographically approved
Häggström Gunfridsson, E. & Vikström, L. (2024). Long-term health outcomes from inbreeding in a historical Swedish population: longevity, fertility, and impairments. Annals of Human Biology, 51(1), Article ID 2369281.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Long-term health outcomes from inbreeding in a historical Swedish population: longevity, fertility, and impairments
2024 (English)In: Annals of Human Biology, ISSN 0301-4460, E-ISSN 1464-5033, Vol. 51, no 1, article id 2369281Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Inbreeding, arising from consanguinity between related parents, has been observed to impact the health of individuals, typically attributed to biological factors. Nevertheless, these effects may be influenced by the social and environmental conditions. The prevalence of consanguineous marriages increased in certain parts of Sweden after it became legal in 1844, which offers a unique opportunity to study and understand the effects of inbreeding on health.

Aim: The objective of this study is to explore the potential impact of inbreeding on the longevity, fertility, and impairments of individuals born in the Skellefteå region, Sweden, between 1890 and 1905, with a follow-up period extending until 1950.

Subjects and methods: The level of inbreeding is calculated using micro-level parish register data and related to longevity, fertility, and impairments using regression analysis.

Results: Inbreeding is shown to be associated with longevity, fertility, and impairments. It seems to affect the risk of stillbirth and impairments and male longevity and fertility.

Conclusion: Inbreeding seems to have had a detrimental effect on some health outcomes in this historical population under study.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
Keywords
Human inbreeding, consanguinity, fertility, impairment, longevity
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine History
Research subject
Population studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-227799 (URN)10.1080/03014460.2024.2369281 (DOI)001268150500001 ()38979927 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85198302674 (Scopus ID)
Projects
DISTIMEDISLIFE
Funder
Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Foundation, 2019.0003EU, European Research Council, 647125
Available from: 2024-07-09 Created: 2024-07-09 Last updated: 2025-02-20Bibliographically approved
Häggström Gunfridsson, E. & Vikström, L. (2024). Patrilinear perspectives of a colonisation process using genetic genealogy. Umeå: Umeå University
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Patrilinear perspectives of a colonisation process using genetic genealogy
2024 (English)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Analysis of colonization processes that occurred before the availability of written records has traditionally relied on methods from fields such as archaeology and linguistics. However, the rapid development of DNA testing has introduced a novel approach to investigating these historical processes. In this study, we utilize genetictesting to examine the colonization of Västerbotten, a region in northern Sweden. Although detailed written records exist from the 18th century onward through parishregisters, the region’s earlier history remains only partially understood.

This study employs genetic analysis to explore the demographic and migratory patterns of Västerbotten’s early inhabitants. The primary objective was to tracethe progression of colonization, including the demographics, migration routes, andancestry of early settlers. By analyzing haplogroup patterns, we uncovered insightsinto the paternal lines that have shaped the region’s genetic landscape over the past two millennia, providing valuable implications for understanding the colonizationprocess.

Furthermore, this study underscores the significant potential of genetic genealogyas a tool for reconstructing complex historical demographic processes. Our findings demonstrate how analyzing paternal lineages that contribute to the genetic makeup of the Västerbotten population can reveal clues about regional colonization dynam-ics. This work illustrates the broader applicability of genetic analysis in deepeningour understanding of historical events, not only in this region but also in similar contexts worldwide.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Umeå: Umeå University, 2024. p. 25
Series
CEDAR Working Papers ; 2024:32
Keywords
Historical demography, Genetic genealogy, DNA testing, Colonization, Northern Sweden, Västerbotten
National Category
History
Research subject
Genetics; Historical Demography
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-230466 (URN)
Available from: 2024-10-01 Created: 2024-10-01 Last updated: 2024-10-02Bibliographically approved
Namatovu, F., Häggström Gunfridsson, E. & Vikström, L. (2023). Is teenage parenthood associated with early use of disability pension? Evidence from a longitudinal study. PLOS ONE, 18(6), Article ID e0287265.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Is teenage parenthood associated with early use of disability pension? Evidence from a longitudinal study
2023 (English)In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 18, no 6, article id e0287265Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Over the past decades the number of young people using disability pensions (DP) has gradually increased in Europe but the reasons for this change are poorly understood. We hypothesize that teenage parenthood could be associated with an increased risk of receiving early DP. The aim of this study was to examine the association between having a first child at age 13-19 and receiving DP at age 20-42 (here called early DP).

Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was undertaken based on national register data obtained from 410,172 individuals born in Sweden in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Teenage mothers and fathers were followed until age 42 and compared to non-teenage parent counterparts to examine their early receipt of DP. Descriptive analysis, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox regression analyses were performed.

Results: The proportion of teenage parents was more than twice higher in the group that received early DP (16%) compared to the group that did not receive early DP (6%) during the study duration. A higher proportion of teenage mothers and fathers started to receive DP at 20-42 years old compared to non-teenage parents, and the difference between the two groups increased during the observation period. A strong association was observed between being a teenage parent and receiving early DP, significant both independently and after adjusting for the year of birth and the father's level of education. From the age of 30 to 42 years, teenage mothers used early DP more often than teenage fathers or non-teenage parents, and this difference also increased during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: A strong association was found between teenage parenthood and the use of DP between 20 and 42 years of age. Teenage mothers used DP more than teenage fathers and non-teenage parents.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2023
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-211148 (URN)10.1371/journal.pone.0287265 (DOI)001010646600053 ()37315051 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85162014297 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Foundation, 2019.0003
Available from: 2023-07-05 Created: 2023-07-05 Last updated: 2025-04-24Bibliographically approved
Projects
Family networks, lifestyle and health [P11-1058:1_RJ]; Umeå University; Publications
Lundholm, E., Sandow, E. & Malmberg, G. (2020). Income distribution in family networks by gender and proximity. Population, Space and Place, 26(7), Article ID e2373.
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-1561-4094

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