Definitions and Prevalence of Multimorbidity in Large Database Studies: A Scoping Review

Ying Pin Chua, Ying Xie, Poay Sian Sabrina Lee and Eng Sing Lee
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Ying Pin Chua: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Ying Xie: Clinical Research Unit, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Poay Sian Sabrina Lee: Clinical Research Unit, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Eng Sing Lee: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Multimorbidity presents a key challenge to healthcare systems globally. However, heterogeneity in the definition of multimorbidity and design of epidemiological studies results in difficulty in comparing multimorbidity studies. This scoping review aimed to describe multimorbidity prevalence in studies using large datasets and report the differences in multimorbidity definition and study design. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases to identify large epidemiological studies on multimorbidity. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol for reporting the results. Results: Twenty articles were identified. We found two key definitions of multimorbidity: at least two (MM2+) or at least three (MM3+) chronic conditions. The prevalence of multimorbidity MM2+ ranged from 15.3% to 93.1%, and 11.8% to 89.7% in MM3+. The number of chronic conditions used by the articles ranged from 15 to 147, which were organized into 21 body system categories. There were seventeen cross-sectional studies and three retrospective cohort studies, and four diagnosis coding systems were used. Conclusions: We found a wide range in reported prevalence, definition, and conduct of multimorbidity studies. Obtaining consensus in these areas will facilitate better understanding of the magnitude and epidemiology of multimorbidity.

Keywords: multimorbidity; prevalence; definition; large database (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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