Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Propensity Score using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
Measuring multimorbidity beyond counting diseases: systematic review of community and population studies and guide to
Lucy E Stirland1,2, Laura González-Saavedra3, Donncha S Mullin2,4
1Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK l.stirland@ed.ac.uk.
Objectives:
To identify and summarise existing indices for measuring multimorbidity beyond disease counts, to establish which indices include mental health comorbidities or outcomes, and to develop recommendations based on applicability, performance, and usage.
Design:
Systematic review.
Data Sources:
Seven medical research databases (Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL Plus) from inception to October 2018 and bibliographies and citations of relevant papers. Searches were limited to English language publications.
Eligibility Criteria For Study Selection:
Original articles describing a new multimorbidity index including more information than disease counts and not focusing on comorbidity associated with one specific disease. Studies were of adults based in the community or at population level.
Results:
Among 7128 search results, 5560 unique titles were identified. After screening against eligibility criteria the review finally included 35 papers. As index components, 25 indices used conditions (weighted or in combination with other parameters), five used diagnostic categories, four used drug use, and one used physiological measures. Predicted outcomes included mortality (18 indices), healthcare use or costs (13), hospital admission (13), and health related quality of life (7). 29 indices considered some aspect of mental health, with most including it as a comorbidity. 12 indices are recommended for use.
Conclusions:
35 multimorbidity indices are available, with differing components and outcomes. Researchers and clinicians should examine existing indices for suitability before creating new ones.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO CRD42017074211.
Related Concept Videos
Genomics
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Dimensions of Health and Illness

