Back to Search Start Over

Older patients' perceived burdens of their health problems: a cross-sectional analysis in 74 German general practices.

Older patients' perceived burdens of their health problems: a cross-sectional analysis in 74 German general practices.

Authors :
Junius-Walker U
Wiese B
Klaaßen-Mielke R
Theile G
Müller CA
Hummers-Pradier E
Source :
Patient preference and adherence [Patient Prefer Adherence] 2015 Jun 18; Vol. 9, pp. 811-20. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Jun 18 (Print Publication: 2015).
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Background: Older patients often experience the burden of multiple health problems. Physicians need to consider them to arrive at a holistic treatment plan. Yet, it has not been systematically investigated as to which personal burdens ensue from certain health conditions.<br />Objective: The objective of this study is to examine older patients' perceived burden of their health problems.<br />Patients and Methods: The study presents a cross-sectional analysis in 74 German general practices; 836 patients, 72 years and older (mean 79±4.4), rated the burden of each health problem disclosed by a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Patients rated each burden using three components: importance, emotional impact, and impact on daily activities. Cluster analyses were performed to define patterns in the rating of these components of burden. In a multilevel logistic regression analysis, independent factors that predict high and low burden were explored.<br />Results: Patients had a median of eleven health problems and rated the burden of altogether 8,900 health problems. Four clusters provided a good clustering structure. Two clusters describe a high burden, and a further two, a low burden. Patients attributed a high burden to social and psychological health problems (especially being a caregiver: odds ratio [OR] 10.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-24.4), to specific symptoms (eg, claudication: OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.0; pain: OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.1), and physical disabilities. Patients rated a comparatively low burden for most of their medical findings, for cognitive impairment, and lifestyle issues (eg, hypertension: OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.2-0.3).<br />Conclusion: The patients experienced a relatively greater burden for physical disabilities, mood, or social issues than for diseases themselves. Physicians should interpret these burdens in the individual context and consider them in their treatment planning.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1177-889X
Volume :
9
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Patient preference and adherence
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
26124648
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S81348