The Disabling Effect of Diseases: A Study on Trends in Diseases, Activity Limitations, and Their Interrelationships

作者：Hoeymans Nancy; Wong Albert; van Gool Coen H^*; Deeg Dorly J H; Nusselder Wilma J; de Klerk Mirjam M Y; van Boxtel Martin P J; Picavet H Susan J

来源：American Journal of Public Health, 2012, 102(1): 163-170.

DOI：10.2105/AJPH.2011.300296

Objectives. Data from the Netherlands indicate a recent increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and a stable prevalence of disability, suggesting that diseases have become less disabling. We studied the association between chronic diseases and activity limitations in the Netherlands from 1990 to 2008. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods. Five surveys among noninstitutionalized persons aged 55 to 84 years (n=54847) obtained self-reported data on chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, lung disease, joint disease, back problems, and cancer) and activity limitations (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD] long-term disability questionnaire or 36-item Short Form Health Survey [SP-36]). %26lt;br%26gt;Results. Prevalence rates of chronic diseases increased over time, whereas prevalence rates of activity limitations were stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Associations between chronic diseases and activity limitations were also stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Surveys varied widely with regard to disease and limitation prevalence rates and the associations between them. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions. The hypothesis that diseases became less disabling from 1990 to 2008 was only supported by results based on activity limitation data as assessed with the SF-36. Further research on how diseases and disability are associated over time is needed. (Am J Public Health. 2012;102:163-170. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2011.300296)

• 出版日期2012-1