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Unlocking Wellness: How Morbidity Impacts Your Quality of Life

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the critical link between reported illnesses and overall well-being, and learn how to take control of your health narrative."

In today's fast-paced world, the term 'quality of life' is thrown around frequently, but what does it truly mean? Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) encompasses a person's perception of their health and its effects on their social, psychological, physical, and environmental well-being. It's not just about the absence of disease; it's about feeling good, functioning well, and living a fulfilling life.

Research consistently shows that certain factors can significantly reduce HRQOL scores. These include older age, decreased functional capacity, low education levels, physical inactivity, and, notably, a high number of reported morbidities. Morbidities, or the presence of one or more diseases or conditions, can cast a long shadow on overall wellness.

This article dives into a population-based study that examines the relationship between reported morbidities and quality of life. By understanding this connection, we can identify strategies to improve well-being and empower individuals to take charge of their health journey.

The Study: Linking Morbidities and Quality of Life

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A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2012, involving 600 adults aged 20 years and older. This research aimed to assess the level of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population and its association with the number of reported morbidities. Participants were interviewed, and data was collected on various factors, including demographics, socioeconomic status, physical activity, smoking habits, reported illnesses, and quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).

The SF-36 questionnaire measures eight domains of health: Functional Capacity (FC), Limitations by Physical Aspects (LPA), Pain, General Health Condition (GHC), Vitality (VIT), Limitations by Social Aspects (LSA), Limitations by Emotional Aspects (LEA), and Mental Health (MH). Each domain receives a score from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates the worst possible HRQOL level and 100 the best condition.

Participants: 600 adults aged 20+ in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
Data Collection: Interviews covering demographics, health behaviors, reported illnesses, and SF-36 questionnaire.
SF-36 Domains: Functional Capacity, Physical Limitations, Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Limitations, Emotional Limitations, Mental Health.
Analysis: Descriptive and bivariate analyses using Student's t-test and ANOVA.

The study revealed several key findings that shed light on the connection between morbidities and quality of life:

Empowering Your Wellness Journey

In conclusion, the Bauru study underscores the significant impact of reported morbidities on health-related quality of life. Individuals with a greater number of diseases, particularly older adults, experienced lower HRQOL scores across physical, social, and emotional domains. By acknowledging these connections, we can develop targeted interventions and support systems to improve well-being and empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is health-related quality of life?

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to a person's perception of their health and its impact on their well-being across various aspects, including social, psychological, physical, and environmental factors. It goes beyond just the absence of disease, focusing instead on how individuals feel, function, and experience life. This holistic view contrasts with a purely medical perspective, emphasizing the subjective experience of health.

What are morbidities and how do they relate to a person's well-being?

Morbidities are the presence of one or more diseases or conditions. The research in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, studied the relationship between the number of reported morbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The more morbidities a person has, the lower their HRQOL scores tend to be, particularly in the physical, social, and emotional domains. This suggests that managing or mitigating the impact of these conditions is crucial for improving overall well-being. The cross-sectional study used the SF-36 questionnaire to measure HRQOL across eight domains.

How was health-related quality of life measured in the study?

The study examined the association between reported morbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). This questionnaire measures eight domains of health: Functional Capacity (FC), Limitations by Physical Aspects (LPA), Pain, General Health Condition (GHC), Vitality (VIT), Limitations by Social Aspects (LSA), Limitations by Emotional Aspects (LEA), and Mental Health (MH). Each domain is scored from 0 to 100, reflecting the level of HRQOL.

What are the different domains used in the SF-36 questionnaire?

The SF-36 questionnaire has eight domains. These are: Functional Capacity, Limitations by Physical Aspects, Pain, General Health Condition, Vitality, Limitations by Social Aspects, Limitations by Emotional Aspects, and Mental Health. These domains provide a comprehensive view of a person's health and how their health impacts their quality of life. The Bauru study used the SF-36 to assess the HRQOL in relation to reported morbidities.

What were the main findings of the study in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, regarding morbidities and quality of life?

The study in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, found that individuals with a greater number of reported morbidities had lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores. Specifically, the findings indicated that older adults with more diseases experienced reduced HRQOL across the physical, social, and emotional domains. The research underscored the importance of addressing the impact of morbidities to enhance well-being and improve health outcomes. This also emphasizes the value of targeted interventions and support systems designed to improve people's lives.