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Problems in determining occurrence rates of multimorbidity.
M van den Akker1, F Buntinx, S Roos
1Department of General Practice, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. Marjan.vandenAkker@HAG.unimaas.nl
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|July 5, 2001
Summary
This study explores how to define and analyze multiple diseases, known as comorbidity and multimorbidity. It presents methods to understand disease patterns and their prevalence, crucial for medical research.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Medical Research Methodology
Background:
- Studying multiple diseases (comorbidity and multimorbidity) requires careful methodological choices.
- The number and types of diseases selected significantly influence observed incidence and prevalence rates.
- Comorbidity and multimorbidity rates are affected by determinants like age and sex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To operationalize comorbidity and multimorbidity based on disease selection.
- To present and evaluate available analytical approaches for multiple pathology.
- To guide researchers in methodological decisions for studying multiple diseases.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive measures, odds ratios, and relative risks for comorbidity analysis.
- Observed/expected ratios for multimorbidity analysis.
- Utilized standard statistical packages and developed specialized programs for multimorbidity distribution and unexpected comorbidity analysis.
Main Results:
- Methodological choices directly impact the observed rates of comorbidity and multimorbidity.
- Different analytical techniques are suitable for comorbidity versus multimorbidity.
- Specialized software aids in analyzing complex disease distributions.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate operationalization and analytical techniques are essential for studying multiple pathology.
- External validity testing is recommended due to potential multicomparisons in analyses.
- The study provides a framework for robust comorbidity and multimorbidity research.