[Self-reported health and morbidity among adult Danes 1987-1994]

Developments in morbidity among adult Danes were studied by means of representative national health interview surveys conducted in 1987, 1991, and 1994. Each health interview survey was based on personal interviews with a sample of 6000 Danes. Response rates were about 80%. From 1987 to 1994 prevalence of long-standing illness increased from 33 to 38%, prevalence of health-related restrictions of daily activities increased from 11 to 14%, while prevalence of perceived poor health decreased slightly and prevalence of not feeling well enough to do what you want to do decreased from 22 to 19%. In 1994 16% reported reduced psychological well-being within a four week period, and 23% had due to emotional problems accomplished less than they desired at work or in other daily activities. The prevalence of self-reported morbidity and ill-health increased with increasing age, and for most of the indicators prevalence was higher among women than among men.