Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
The study aimed to estimate the value of the change in health in Sweden 1980/81 to 1996/97. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) for men and women at specific ages were estimated for 1980/81, 1988/89 and 1996/97, by combining survival rates and health state scores. Data from the Swedish Survey of Living Conditions (n=39 966) were used to estimate age‐specific health state scores. Responses to selected survey questions were mapped into the EQ‐5D measure, using the UK EQ‐5D index tariff to derive health state scores. The monetary value of a QALY was assumed to be $100 000. Life expectancy for infants increased by 3.68 years for males and 2.70 years for females between 1980/81 and 1996/97. Average health status decreased in younger age groups whereas it increased in older age groups. Expected QALYs for infants increased by 2.64 for males and 0.54 for females. With 3% discounting the gain was 0.11 QALYs ($11 000) among males and a loss by 0.58 QALYs ($58 000) among females. The corresponding gain in discounted QALYs for a 75‐year‐old was 1.15 ($115 000) and 0.80 ($80 000), respectively. It is concluded that older persons have experienced considerable health gains whereas the health gains have been small or non‐existent for younger women. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.