[The epidemiology of chronic diseases and long-term care: results of a claims data-based study].

BACKGROUND

It is generally assumed that chronic diseases and multimorbidity increase the risk of long-term care. Nevertheless, a systematic study on the nature and the prevalence of those diseases associated with long-term care has not been yet undertaken in Germany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was perfomed using claims data of one nationwide operating statutory health insurance company in 2006. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years, minimum of 1 out of 46 diagnoses in a minimum of three quarters of the year (n = 8,678). A comparison group was formed with n = 114,962. We calculated prevalences and relative risks -using nominal regression- to determine influential factors on long-term care.

RESULTS

A small number of diseases (e.g. dementia, urinary incontinence, chronic stroke and cardiac insufficiency) show high prevalences (> 20%) among long-term care users and at the same time great prevalence differences between users and non-users

CONCLUSION

These data are important for improving medical and nursing care of long-term care users. Further research is needed with regard to the question by which mechanisms those diseases produce disability and frailty, thus leading to long-term care requirements.