Chronic disorders

The data on chronic disorders are based on self-reported information and are taken from the health module of the permanent life situation survey. The following chronic diseases and disorders are distinguished:

  • migraine or regular severe headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • vascular constriction in abdomen or legs (exc. varicose veins)
  • asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema or chronic non-specific lung disease (CNSLD)
  • psoriasis
  • chronic eczema
  • dizziness with falls
  • severe or persistent bowel disorders, longer than three months
  • incontinence
  • osteoarthritis in hips and knees
  • chronic inflammation of the joints (inflammatory rheumatism, chronic rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • severe or persistent back disorders (incl. slipped disc)
  • other severe or persistent  disorders of neck or shoulder
  • other severe or persistent  disorders of elbow, wrist or hand
  • diabetes (types 1 and 2)
  • stroke
  • heart attack
  • other serious heart disease
  • cancer.

The question on migraine, for example, is formulated as follows:
‘Do you suffer from migraine or regular severe headaches, or have you suffered from these complaints in the last 12 months?’
The figures give the percentage of persons answering ‘yes’.

As the figures are based on a sample survey, they are subject to a margin of error. The standard errors are given in the StatLine tables.