Adjusted mean (with standard error) SF-36 norm-based scores according to absence or presence of the 5 most common self-reported chronic conditions ^*(with results for those with no reported chronic condition included for reference).

Note: PF = physical functioning; RP = role physical; BP = bodily pain; GH = general health; VT = vitality; SF = social functioning; RE = role emotional; MH = mental health; PCS = physical component score; MCS = mental component score; Cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. SF-36 scores range from zero (worst health) to 100 (best health) and are scaled relative to those of the United States population (mean = 50, standard deviation = 10) All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, marital status, education, income and rurality. *Excluding diabetes: see table 4.