Health-related quality of life with multiple chronic conditions

Date: Sep-30-2013According to a new studyout of Hawaii, both baseline and new multiple chronic conditions led to worse health in terms of activities of daily living and health-related quality of life.
Researchers say these conclusions should be considered important outcomes to intervene on for improved long-term health. Using a longitudinal path model, we found the numbers of chronic conditions at baseline and 2-year follow-up were independently associated with more limitations in activities of daily living at 2-year follow-up. In addition, more limitations in activities of daily living at 2-year follow-up were associated with worse health-related quality of life during the follow-up time period.
The association between multiple chronic conditions and indices of health-related quality of life was mediated by changes in limitations in activities of daily living. The study says public health practitioners should consider addressing classes of multiple chronic conditions by using interventions designed to reduce the emergence of multiple chronic conditions, such as physical activity, reductions in smoking rates, and improved and coordinated access to health care services.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.