Physical and mental health among citizens with chronic disease in the Capital Region of Denmark

Abstract Background Chronic disease is a significant problem affecting those living with them, and often also leading to negative effects on other areas of health. This study aims to investigate if individuals with chronic disease have a higher prevalence of poor physical and mental health compared with the general population in the Capital Region of Denmark, and to compare mental and physical health among those with different chronic diseases. Methods Data from the Danish Capital Region Health Survey 2021 among individuals (≥16 years) in the Capital Region of Denmark in 2021 (N = 56,245, response rate=54.9%) were used to obtain information on physical and mental health status (SF-12), stress (Cohens’ Perceived Stress Scale), and loneliness (Three-Item Loneliness Scale). Information from national registers on hospital diagnoses and medical treatment were used to identify individuals with chronic diseases. In the presentation, results from several diseases will be presented, but in this abstract, heart disease is used as an example. Results Preliminary results show that individuals with heart disease have a higher prevalence of poor physical health compared to the general population in the Capital Region. For example, 42% of individuals with heart disease reported poor general health (Capital Region: 16%), while 38% had low score on the physical health scale (Capital Region: 9.1%), and 50% were greatly affected by pain or discomfort in the musculoskeletal system (Capital Region: 29%). However, there were also health indicators (such as stress and loneliness) where there was no or only a minor difference between individuals with heart disease and the general population. Conclusions Among individuals with heart disease, there are two to four times as many with poor physical health on certain indicators compared with the general population in the Capital Region. It is important to be aware that individuals with chronic disease often also have other health challenges. Key messages • Individuals with heart disease have a significantly higher prevalence of poor physical health compared to the general population in the Capital Region. • Healthcare professionals and other professionals should incorporate knowledge in their work about the other health challenges that citizens with specific chronic diseases often face.