Could determinants of PCS and MCS serve for public health intervention regarding chronic diseases in Croatia? [Mogu li determinante PCS-a i MCS-a ukazati na potrebe javnozdravstvenih intervencija vezanih za kronične bolesti u Hrvatskoj?]

Abstract

The aim of this article was to identify parameters that determinate PCS and MCS values, and analyze 5-year changes in those values according to the age, sex and geographic region. Cohort of 3229 participants was obtained from the CAHS 2003-2008. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between same age group, sex, and different region regarding PCS and MCS. When chronic conditions were in the model difference was present, PCS being more influenced by all conditions but bronchial asthma. The strongest influence comes from musculoskeletal conditions; followed by weak heart. Values for PSC and MSC decreased in 2008 compared with 2003, but only in few cases decrease was statistically significant. Values of PCS and MCS are higher in men in all regions, but they show higher variability than woman. Our results support the findings that data obtained through SF-36 could be the useful for public health interventions regarding chronic diseases