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Aim: Comorbidity is increasingly prevalent. Moreover, many different definitions and interpretations of this phenomenon are used. Because of its social and clinical significance, it is important that the concept is clear. In this review a summary of current uses of this concept and relevant figures are given, as well as a proposal for future use.

Method: A computerised search and an additional literature search were performed to identify relevant papers on comorbidity and related subjects. Available literature on the subject (nequals;38) was reviewed on definition, operationalisation, occurrence and potential determinants.

Results: The definitions in use are ambiguous; while some just imply coexistence of several diseases, others require medical conditions additional to an index disease. Other differences are related to the population and the number and type of diseases under study. Reported prevalence of comorbidity …