The contribution of six chronic conditions to the total burden of mobility disability in the Dutch population.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the proportions of the burden of mobility disability in the Dutch population that are attributable to musculoskeletal diseases, lung diseases, neurological disorders, heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.


METHODS
National survey data were analyzed with an elimination technique that combines the results of logistic regression analysis and the disease prevalence.


RESULTS
Of the total prevalence of disability (20.5%), 33.7% can be attributed to these six chronic conditions. Musculoskeletal disorders account for the major part, whereas the contribution of cancer is very small.


CONCLUSIONS
The potential benefits of effective curative or preventive treatments for chronic conditions, in terms of reduction of the disability burden in the population, are limited.
Picavet
H S
HS
Institute of Social Medicine, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van den Bos
G A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D016138:Walking