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Multimorbidity and comorbidity in the Dutch population - data from general practices
Sandra H van Oostrom1, H Susan J Picavet, Boukje M van Gelder
1Centre for Prevention and Health Services Research, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven 3720 BA, the Netherlands. Sandra.van.oostrom@rivm.nl
BMC Public Health
|September 1, 2012
Summary
Multimorbidity affects 13% of the Dutch population, rising to 37% in those over 55. Chronic disease comorbidity is common, especially in older adults, highlighting the need for integrated care strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Multimorbidity presents a significant public health challenge.
- Data on the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity are limited.
- Understanding disease clustering is crucial for effective healthcare management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of multimorbidity in the Dutch population.
- To explore disease clustering and common comorbidities among older adults.
- To provide insights into the patterns of chronic disease co-occurrence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 7-year data (2002-2008) from a large Dutch general practice network (212,902 patients).
- Defined multimorbidity as having two or more of 29 chronic diseases.
- Employed logistic regression and descriptive analyses for disease clustering and comorbidity exploration in patients aged 55+.
Main Results:
- Multimorbidity was present in 13% of the total Dutch population and 37% of individuals over 55.
- Over two-thirds of patients aged 55+ with a chronic disease had at least one additional chronic condition.
- Disease pairs frequently co-occurred, and comorbidities were diverse, extending beyond common combinations.
Conclusions:
- Multimorbidity is prevalent across all age groups, increasing significantly with age.
- A substantial proportion of older adults with chronic diseases experience multimorbidity.
- Integrated care, research, and policy adjustments are essential to address the growing burden of multimorbidity.
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