Abstract
Objective
to analyze the prevalence of multimorbidity in the elderly and its associated factors.
Method
cross-sectional study, part of a population-based cohort, carried out in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A probabilistic sampling was carried out, by conglomerates, in two stages: by census sector and by households, according to the population density of the elderly. The dependent variable was multimorbidity, considering the simultaneous accumulation of two or more and three or more chronic diseases in community-dwelling elderly. Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression, with robust variance.
Result
the prevalence of multimorbidity in the elderly, considering two or more and three or more chronic diseases, was 67.8% and 43.4%, respectively. After multiple analysis, the female sex (PRaj=1.15; 95%CI 1.04-126)/(PRaj=1.19; 95%CI108-1.31), frailty (PRaj=1.15; 95%CI 1.05-1.27)/(PRaj= 1.28; 95%CI 1.16-1.41) and medical consultation in the last 12 months (PRaj=1.25; 95%CI 1.06-1 .47)/(PRaj=1.22; 95%CI 1.06-1.41) were associated with multimorbidity, both with two or more and with three or more chronic diseases, respectively. Poor self-perception of health (PRaj=1.20; 95%CI1.09-1.32) was associated with multimorbidity with two or more chronic diseases, while not having a private health plan (PRaj=1.14; 95%CI1.04-1.25) was associated with multimorbidity with three or more chronic diseases.
Conclusion
The prevalence of multimorbidity was high in community-dwelling elderly, considering two or more and three or more chronic diseases. Knowledge of these conditions can help in health promotion, prevention and surveillance actions for community-dwelling elderly people.
Keywords
Aging; Multimorbidity; Chronic diseases; Elderly; Epidemiology; Risk Factors