Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health challenge in China. This study examined comorbidity prevalence among outpatients in Yunnan and its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, 5,978 outpatients (2019–2022) were recruited. Data on comorbidities, HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), and sociodemographics were analyzed via structural equation modeling. Results Mean age was 38.1 years; 56.8% female. Nearly half (49.1%) had ≥1 NCD. Mean HRQoL score was 0.89 ± 0.20. HRQoL was positively associated with socioeconomic status ( β = 0.170, 95%CI: 0.140–0.199), Han ethnicity (0.052, 0.027–0.077), and preference for heavily seasoned foods (0.028, 0.006–0.051); negatively with age (−0.171, −0.190 to −0.143), addictive behaviors (−0.070, −0.094 to −0.046), divorce/widowhood (−0.082, −0.131 to −0.034), and NCDs (−0.040, −0.060 to −0.020). NCDs were positively associated with household fuel exposure (0.647, 0.615–0.679), age (0.143, 0.123–0.162), and addictive behaviors (0.075, 0.050–0.100); negatively with socioeconomic status (−0.064, −0.097 to −0.030) and Han ethnicity (−0.037, −0.064 to −0.010). Age, ethnicity, fuel exposure, addictive behaviors, and socioeconomic status had indirect associations with HRQoL via NCDs. Conclusion Socioeconomic status, household fuel exposure, addictive behaviors, and demographics are significantly linked to NCDs and HRQoL. Interventions targeting modifiable factors are needed.
He et al. (2026) studied this question.