Which chronic conditions are associated with better or poorer quality of life?

The objective of the present study is to compare the QL of a wide range of chronic disease patients. Secondary analysis of eight existing data sets, i ncluding over 15,000 patients, was performed. The studies were conducted be tween 1993 and 1996 and included population-based samples, referred samples , consecutive samples, and/or consecutive samples. The SF-36 or SF-24 were employed as generic QL instruments. Patients who were older, female, had a low level of education, were not living with a partner, and had at least on e comorbid condition, in general, reported the poorest level of QL. On the basis of rank ordering across the QL dimensions, three broad categories cou ld be distinguished. Urogenital conditions, hearing impairments, psychiatri c disorders, and dermatologic conditions were found to result in relatively favorable functioning. A group of disease clusters assuming an intermediat e position encompassed cardiovascular conditions, cancer, endocrinologic co nditions, visual impairments, and chronic respiratory diseases. Gastrointes tinal conditions, cerebrovascular/neurologic conditions, renal diseases, an d musculoskeletal conditions led to the most adverse sequelae. This categor ization reflects the combined result of the diseases and comorbid condition s. If these results are replicated and validated in future studies, they ca n be considered in addition to information on the prevalence of the disease s, potential benefits of care, and current disease-specific expenditures. T his combined information will help to better plan and allocate resources fo r research, training, and health care. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All r ights reserved.