Californians with the Top Chronic Conditions: 11 Million and Counting

Chronic conditions are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., as well as the biggest contributor to health care costs. But there is a wide variation in their incidence, with major differences depending on age, income, race and ethnicity, and insurance status. In addition, many Californians with chronic conditions are delaying needed care because of cost.

Authors of the report used 2011-2012 data from the California Health Interview Survey to examine five major chronic conditions ― asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and serious psychological distress ― and how each of these affects Californians. Findings include: high blood pressure is the most common chronic condition, affecting 1 in 4 Californians; of those age 65 or older, 70 percent have at least one chronic condition, compared to 26 percent of those age 18 to 39; people with chronic disease delayed care; the proportion of people with chronic disease varied by region; and adults living under 138 percent of the federal poverty level are more likely to have two or more chronic conditions (14 percent) than those in the highest income group, 400%+ of the federal poverty level (8 percent).

 

Publication Authors:

• Ying-Ying Meng, DrPH
• Melissa Pickett, MPH
• Tamanna Rahman