Half the population suffers from chronic disease

In 2001, half of the Dutch population suffered from chronic symptoms such as migraine, high blood pressure, pain in the locomotor apparatus and degenerative joint disease. Old people suffer more than young people, and women have more symptoms than men.

Chronic disorders by age, 2001

Children mostly have respiratory disorders

One in five children and teenagers (under 18 years of age) suffered from at least one chronic disorder. in 2001. Respiratory disease, migraine and chronic eczema are the most common disorders in this age group. Some 11 percent of children suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema or another chronic non-specific lung disease. Six percent have chronic eczema, and another six percent suffer from migraine.

Chronic disorders among children to 18 years, 2001

Migraine most common

Migraine is the most common complaint among 18-64 year-olds. One in four women and one in ten men suffered from migraine in 2001. High blood pressure, and severe or persistent pain in the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand, and degenerative joint disease are equally prevalent among men and women.

Chronic disorders among 18-64 year-olds, 2001

Old people suffer from degenerative joint disease and hypertension

Three-quarters of older people (over 65) suffered from one or more chronic disorders in 2001. Degenerative joint disease and high blood pressure are mainly conditions of old age. Forty percent of women in this age group suffer from degenerative joint disease, nearly thirty percent have high blood pressure. For men these percentages are around twenty.

About one in ten people aged over 65 suffers from diabetes incontinence, or severe pain in back, neck or shoulders. More men than women suffer from diabetes, while incontinence is more a women’s complaint.

Chronic disorders among the over-65s, 2001

Anita Botterweck