Contribution of Chronic Disease to Disability
Author Information
Author(s): Bart Klijs, Wilma J. Nusselder, Caspar W. Looman, Johan P. Mackenbach
Primary Institution: Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
This paper aims to determine the contribution of specific diseases to the prevalence of disability and to years lived with disability.
Conclusion
To reduce the burden of disability, the extent diseases such as back pain, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke lead to disability should be reduced, particularly among the oldest old.
Supporting Evidence
- Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease contributed most to the burden of disability.
- Back pain, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke had a high disabling impact.
- Arthritis and heart disease contributed substantially due to their high prevalence.
Takeaway
As people get older, many have disabilities caused by diseases like arthritis and heart problems, so we need to help them feel better.
Methodology
Data from the Dutch POLS-survey (2001–2007) were analyzed using additive regression to calculate the disabling impact of selected chronic diseases.
Potential Biases
Possible selection bias caused by non-response and exclusion of subjects without disease information.
Limitations
Selection bias may limit the external validity of the results, and 22% of subjects lacked disease information.
Participant Demographics
Subjects aged 55 and older from the Dutch non-institutionalized population.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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