Unexpectedly, however, a comparison of negative affect at T4 yielded significant differences [ t(43) = 2.18, p < .05, cohen's d = .65], such that those in the negative training condition reported more negative affect than those in the positive condition.
These comparisons established that the proxy-completed respondents were demographically different, varied in type of chronic condition, reported more depression, and reported decreased status in physical and mental health compared to self-completed respondents.
In contrast to medical conditions, all behavioral conditions were reported more frequently in the interview questionnaires than in the medical records.
Medical conditions were reported more frequently in medical records and behavioral conditions had higher prevalence in interviews.
Clients with four or more chronic conditions also reported more difficulties in navigating the healthcare system, having sufficient information for health, and having less social support for health.
For females only, all medical conditions were reported more frequently in medical records when compared with the interviews, except for diabetes (9.1% vs. 9.3%) and renal/kidney disease (3.2% vs. 3.7%) (Table 2).
Compared to patients with only one chronic condition, males who reported more than one chronic condition were more likely to have consulted a generalist prior to the survey and used the telephone health line, whereas females were more likely to have consulted a specialist.
Fifty-four percent of the caregivers reported no co-morbidities (n = 32), 14 reported at least one other health condition, and four reported more than one, but no more than four.
Thirty-six percent of lower back pain sufferers lost between 1 and 31 days due to their condition, while 5% reported more than 6 months absence from physical activity (work, sport, education).
