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Comorbidity of chronic diseases in general practice
F G Schellevis1, J van der Velden, E van de Lisdonk
1Department of General Practice and Nursing Home Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
In the Netherlands, 23% of individuals aged 65 and older have chronic diseases, with 15% experiencing multiple conditions. Osteoarthritis and diabetes mellitus show the highest comorbidity rates in this elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The aging population in the Netherlands is projected to increase chronic disease prevalence.
- Comorbidity, the presence of multiple chronic diseases, is common in older general practice patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the extent of comorbidity for hypertension, chronic ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic nonspecific lung disease, and osteoarthritis.
- To identify which of these chronic diseases exhibit the highest rates of comorbidity.
Main Methods:
- A general practice population of 23,534 individuals was analyzed.
- Patients with one or more of the specified chronic diseases, meeting diagnostic criteria, were identified.
- Prevalence of single and multiple chronic diseases was calculated for individuals aged 65 and older.
Main Results:
- 23% of individuals aged 65 and older had one or more of the studied chronic diseases.
- Within this elderly group, 15% suffered from more than one chronic disease.
- Osteoarthritis and diabetes mellitus demonstrated the highest comorbidity rates.
Conclusions:
- Comorbidity is a significant issue among elderly patients with chronic diseases in the Netherlands.
- High rates of comorbidity, particularly with osteoarthritis and diabetes mellitus, complicate patient care and research validity.
- Addressing comorbidity is crucial for effective healthcare organization and intervention studies in aging populations.