The relationship between symptoms of chronic disease and dependence

Abstract

A total of 2705 people aged 60 years and over were sent a postal questionnaire requesting information about the symptoms of four common conditions –- exertional chest pain, chronic productive cough, breathlessness, and exertional pain in the calves. These were elicited using a standardizd questionnaire. The effect of these symptoms on the dependence of those suffering them was assessed in relation to a series of activities associated with normal daily living. There was a consistent rank order in the activities that people were unable to perform for the different symptoms studied, but this order altered with increasing severity and multiple symptoms. There was a consistency about the activities which changed order. It is suggested that symptoms and their associated dependence need to be assessed in relation to each other, using simple scaling systems by professional service personnel, managers, and planners, in order to bring together the therapeutic-rehabilitative, and social aspects of health needs. These are felt to be vital before decisions about service development can be made.

Key Words:

• Chronic disease
• Dependence
• Disability
• Elderly
• Symptoms

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Norman J. Vetter

It is with great sadness that we have to inform the readership of the Journal that shortly after completing the final editorial work on this Special Issue, Professor Kalman Jacob Mann was seriously injured in a car accident and subsequently died.

Professor Mann was responsible for establishing the two Hadassah Hospitals and Community Health Centres in Jerusalem and for the past 20 years headed the Presidium of Yad Sarah, Israel's largest community based, volunteer operated organization which provides a spectrum of free or nominal cost home care services nation-wide.

We offer our condolences to his family and friends, and trust that this Special Issue stands as a testament to his work in the field.