title: Multimorbidity prevalence and patterns across socioeconomic determinants: a cross-sectional survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies on the prevalence of multimorbidity, defined as having two or more chronic conditions, have predominantly focused on the elderly. We estimated the prevalence and specific patterns of multimorbidity across different adult age groups. Furthermore, we examined the associations of multimorbidity with socio-demographic factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using data from the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) 2010 Patient Experience Survey, the prevalence of self reported multimorbidity was assessed by telephone interview among a sample of 5010 adults (18 years and over) from the general population. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between a range of socio-demographic factors and multimorbidity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall age- and sex-standardized prevalence of multimorbidity was 19.0% in the surveyed general population. Of those with multimorbidity, 70.2% were aged less than 65 years. The most common pairing of chronic conditions was chronic pain and arthritis. Age, sex, income and family structure were independently associated with multimorbidity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multimorbidity is a common occurrence in the general adult population, and is not limited to the elderly. Future prevention programs and practice guidelines should take into account the common patterns of multimorbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, 2-040 Li Ka Shing Center for Health Research and Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada.
authors.forename: Calypse B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Agborsangaya
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lahtinen
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires