Prevalence of multimorbidity in subjects aged ≥60 years in a developing country

Abstract

BackgroundAging is one of the most prominent features in recent population dynamics around the world. As populations age, the prevalence of simultaneous chronic diseases increases, which is known as multimorbidity.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of multimorbidity and associated factors in a sample of elderly Mexican subjects.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on a convenience sample of 139 subjects aged ≥60 years. The dependent variable was the multimorbidity diagnosis performed by a physician, which was categorized as 0 for subjects with no chronic disease or only 1 disease and 1 for subjects with 2 or more chronic diseases. Questionnaires were used to collect the information on the different variables. A statistical analysis was performed in Stata 11.0.ResultsThe mean age was 79.06±9.78 years, and 69.1% of the subjects were women. A total of 69.1% (95% confidence interval =61.3–76.8) reported at least 1 morbidity. The mean morbidity by subject was 1.04±1.90. Cardiovascular diseases (25.9%), hypertension (20.1%), musculoskeletal disorders (19.4%), and diabetes (13.7%) were the most frequently reported conditions. The prevalence of multimorbidity (2 or more diseases) was 27.3% (95% confidence interval =19.8–34.8). No significant differences were observed in the independent variables.ConclusionIn conclusion, the prevalence of multimorbidity in this sample of elderly Mexican subjects was relatively low. The distribution across the included variables was not significantly different. Interventions focused on the health care of older adults with multimorbidity should pay special attention to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Multimorbidity of chronic non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

“… 27 Most of the studies (n = 46, 60.5%) had a primary purpose of reporting the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity. Of the total 76 studies, 52 (68.4%) were conducted in only six middle-income countries: Brazil, 27 – 42 China, 43 – 54 South Africa, 25 , 26 , 55 – 64 India, 65 – 72 Mexico 73 , 74 and Iran. 75 , 76 Studies based on multicountry data (n = 11) were based on data obtained from the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) and World Health Surveys.…”

“…Prevalence of multimorbidity seemed to have a pattern of increasing prevalence with increasing age. It ranged from 3.2% (93) to 67.8% 37 among adults aged 18 or older, 19.4% 76 to 80% 59 among people aged 40 and older, and 27.3% 74 to 90.5% in participants aged 60 and older. 52 The prevalence in the general population was also found to be higher in females (25%–52.2%) (54, 75) than males (13.4%–38.6%).…”

Association between Overweight, Obesity and the Prevalence of Multimorbidity among the Elderly: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Analysis in Shandong, China

“…The prevalence of multimorbidity was higher than that of our research, probably because the survey data were of national origin. In addition, a study in a developing country also showed that the prevalence rate of multimorbidity in women is higher than that in men for people over 60 years old [ 28 ].…”

<p>Indicators of oral health in older adults with and without the presence of multimorbidity: a cross-sectional study</p>

“…We measured several oral health indicators. This secondary analysis is part of a larger study, some of whose results have been previously published 15–20. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) aged at least 60 years and 2) willingness to participate in the research (permission granted from either the participant or their relatives).…”