The impact of multimorbidity patterns on health-related quality of life in the general population: results of the Belgian Health Interview Survey

• DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02951-w
• Publication Date: 2021-08-23T14:06:06Z
• Authors: Lisa Van Wilder; Brecht Devleessch...; Els Clays; Stefanie De Buyser; Johan Van der Heyden; Rana Charafeddine; Pauline Boeckxstaens; Dirk De Bacquer; Sophie Vandepitte; Delphine De Smedt
• Keywords: Multimorbidity; Dyad; Affect; Population Health; Depression

Chronic diseases and multimorbidity are a major cause of disease burden-for patients, caregivers, society. Little is known however about potential interaction effects between specific combinations. Besides an additive effect, the presence multiple conditions could also act synergistically or antagonistically regarding impact on patients' health-related quality life (HRQoL). The aim was to estimate coexisting chronic HRQoL adult general Belgian population.The Health Interview Survey 2018 provided data self-reported (EQ-5D-5L) for nationally representative sample. Linear mixed models were used analyze two-way three-way interactions combinations HRQoL.Multimorbidity had prevalence 46.7% (≥ 2 conditions) 29.7% 3 conditions). decreased considerably with diseases. 14 out 41 dyad 5 13 triad showed significant interactions, dominant negative/synergistic effects. Positive/antagonistic found in more subjective such as depression fatigue. Conditions appearing most frequently pair dorsopathies, respiratory diseases, arthropathies.Diverse patterns, both dyads triads, associated lower HRQoL. Tackling burden needed, especially because affect each other synergistically, resulting greater reduction Further knowledge those patterns needed better understand beyond mortality morbidity data.