Prevalence of multimorbidity in the Brazilian adult population according to socioeconomic and demographic characteristics

Abstract

Knowledge on the occurrence of multimorbidity is important from the viewpoint of public policies, as this condition increases the consumption of medicines as well as the utilization and expenses of health services, affecting life quality of the population. The objective of this study was to estimate prevalence of self-reported multimorbidity in Brazilian adults (≥18 years old) according to socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. A descriptive study is presented herein, based on data from the National Health Survey, which was a household-based survey carried out in Brazil in 2013. Data on 60,202 adult participants over the age of 18 were included. Prevalences and its respective confidence intervals (95%) were estimated according to sex, age, education level, marital status, self-reported skin color, area of residence, occupation and federative units (states). Poisson regression models univariate and multivariate were used to evaluate the association between socioeconomic and demographic variables with multimorbidity. To observe the combinations of chronic conditions the most common groups in pairs, trios, quartets and quintets of chronic diseases were observed. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 23.6% and was higher among women, in individuals over 60 years of age, people with low educational levels, people living with partner, in urban areas and among unemployed persons. The states of the South and Southeast regions presented higher prevalence. The most common groups of chronic diseases were metabolic and musculoskeletal diseases. The results demonstrated high prevalence of multimorbidity in Brazil. The study also revealed that a considerable share of the economically active population presented two or more chronic diseases. Data of this research indicated that socioeconomic and demographic aspects must be considered during the planning of health services and development of prevention and treatment strategies for chronic diseases, and consequently, multimorbidity.

Functional status and annual hospitalization in multimorbid and non-multimorbid older adults: a cross-sectional study in Southern China

“…The population of China is aging much faster than those of other high-income or low- and middle-income countries, with the proportion of the population aged 60 years and over is predicted to increase from 12.4% in 2010 to 28% in 2040 [ 1 ], which has become a major concern. Aging is strongly associated with increased multiple chronic conditions [ 2 , 3 ] and functional decline [ 4 ], which in turn leads to substantial increases in health resources usage and costs [ 5 – 8 ]. Hospitalization in the last year, as a part of health service utilization, is an important and costly resource in older adult care.…”

Trends of multimorbidity in 15 European countries: a population-based study in community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over

“…Several studies show that the prevalence of multimorbidity increases with age 22,34,35 . Strati ed analysis for 10-year age groups indicates in our results a possible cohort effect in some countries, such as the reduction among men and women in Italy for the younger age groups (50-59 and 60-69) and increase in men in the 80 and over age group.…”

Trends of multimorbidity in 15 European countries: a population-based study in community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over

“…Several studies show that the prevalence of multimorbidity increases with age 20,32,33 . Stratified analysis for 10-year-old groups indicates in our results a possible cohort effect in some countries, such as the reduction among men and women in Italy for the younger age groups (50-59 and 60-69) and increase in men in group 80 or more.…”