Table 1 Description of variables

Dependent variable

Subjective health status

1: very good

2: good

3: fair

4: poor

5: very poor

Independent variable

Multimorbidity

0, 1, 2, 3+

Mediator

Use of medical device

0: no use

1: use

Control variables

Sex

0: female

1: male

Age

Continuous variable

Marital status

0: single

1: married

2: etc. (divorced, widowed)

Education

0: under elementary

1: under high school

2: over university

Household income

1: quantile 1 (low income)

2: quantile 2

3: quantile 3

4: quantile 4

5: quantile 5 (high income)

Economic activity

0: no

1: yes

Type of insurance

0: assistance

1: national health insurance

Disability

0: no

1: yes