Patterns of comorbidity and the use of health services in the Dutch population

Background: The study objective was to examine the relation between combinations of chronic conditions in the same person and the volume and variety of health care utilization. Methods: Analysis of continuous Netherlands Health Interview Survey data (1990–1997). The study population consisted of adults (16 years and older) reporting at least one chronic condition from the following six disease clusters: musculoskeletal diseases, lung diseases, neurological disorders, heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer (n=13, 806). Health care utilization is categorized in terms of contacts in the preceding y... Mehr ...