Statistical issues in assessing comorbidity

Stat Med. 1995 Apr 30;14(8):721-33. doi: 10.1002/sim.4780140803.

Abstract

I define three separate and distinct types of non-random comorbidity: epidemiologic, clinical and familial. These might exist singly or in any combination for a pair of disorders. The focus is on their definition and the measurement and interpretation of the types of comorbidity of most common concern: epidemiologic comorbidity. I discuss certain sources of epidemiologic comorbidity such as shared risk factors, or diagnostic 'fuzziness', and I indicate the directions of research design and analyses to disclose such sources.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Comorbidity*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Humans
  • Research Design
  • Risk Factors
  • Terminology as Topic