Multimorbidity, Polyiatrogenesis, and COVID-19.

Area of Science:

• Medical Anthropology
• Public Health
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Pre-existing multimorbidity is the strongest predictor of COVID-19 mortality.
• Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are closely linked to socioeconomic inequality.
• Biomedicine's vertical structure can lead to uncoordinated, iatrogenic harm through multiple medication intake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore if clusters of over-medication contribute to higher COVID-19 death rates.
• To examine the role of pharmaceuticalization in exacerbating social deprivation.
• To understand vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 through anthropological perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of existing literature.
• Anthropological analysis of social embeddedness.
• Socioeconomic and pharmaceutical data review.

Main Results:

• Multimorbidity is strongly correlated with socioeconomic status and polypharmacy.
• Lack of integrated care can lead to iatrogenic harm.
• Over-medication may be a contributing factor to COVID-19 mortality in poorer areas.

Conclusions:

• Integrated care is crucial for managing multimorbidity and polypharmacy.
• Anthropological perspectives offer insights into vulnerability to infectious diseases.
• Addressing socioeconomic factors and medication management is key to reducing COVID-19 disparities.