The Association Between Multimorbidity and Quality of Life, Health Status and Functional Disability

Approximately 50% of adults have multimorbidity (MM) that is associated with greater disability, poorer quality of life (QOL) and increased psychological distress. This study assessed the association between MM and QOL, health status and functional disability in U.S. adults.

Cross-sectional study of 23,789 patients from 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was conducted. Mean scores were calculated for QOL (physical component score [PCS] and mental component score [MCS]) and proportions for functional limitation (activities of daily living [ADL]; instrumental ADL [IADL] and physical functioning). Health status was assessed by depression and serious psychological distress. Regression models evaluated associations between MM and QOL, functional health status and functional limitations, while adjusting for confounders.

Approximately 53% of 45-64-year-olds and 84% of those ≥65-years-old had MM. In adjusted models, ≥3 conditions were significantly associated with poorer outcomes-PCS QOL (β = -9.15; 95% CI: -9.69 to -8.61), MCS QOL (β = -1.98; 95% CI: -2.43 to -1.52), ADL (odds ratio [OR] = 5.80; 95% CI: 2.27-14.8), IADL (OR = 3.99; 95% CI: 2.31-6.88) and physical functioning (OR = 16.8; 95% CI: 12.0-23.6) compared with 1-2 conditions. Depression (PCS QOL: β = -4.02; 95% CI: -4.89 to -3.15; MCS QOL: β = -12.5; 95% CI: -13.2 to -10.9; ADL: OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.65-3.76; IADL: OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.88-3.72; physical functioning: OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.99-2.99) and serious psychological distress (PCS QOL: β = -3.16; 95% CI: -4.30 to -2.03; MCS QOL: β = -11.8; 95% CI: -12.8 to -10.8; ADL: OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 0.95-2.60; IADL: OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.80-1.59 and physical functioning: OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.11-1.78) were significantly associated with adverse outcomes.

In this nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, MM was significantly associated with poorer QOL, functional health status and physical functioning, when adjusting for relevant confounders. A holistic view of the complexities associated with MM must dictate comprehensive care.