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Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
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Educational inequalities in multimorbidity at older ages: a multi-generational population-based study
Cornelia Wagner1,2, Josephine Jackisch1,3, Natalia Ortega1,4
1Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
European Journal of Public Health
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Individual education significantly impacts multimorbidity risk in older adults, regardless of parental education. Higher education levels are crucial for mitigating multimorbidity and promoting health equity across generations.
Area of Science:
- Social Epidemiology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Social inequalities in multimorbidity can stem from familial and individual factors, varying by sex.
- This study investigates the influence of parental and individual education on multimorbidity risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the roles of parental and individual education in the risk of multimorbidity.
- To examine the potential effect modification by sex on these associations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 62,060 adults aged 50+ from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (14 countries).
- Intergenerational educational trajectories (parental-individual) categorized as High-High, Low-High, High-Low, and Low-Low.
- Multimorbidity defined as ≥2 self-reported chronic conditions (2013-2020); inequalities quantified as multimorbidity-free years lost (MFYL).
Main Results:
- Low individual education increased multimorbidity risk irrespective of parental education.
- Compared to High-High, trajectories High-Low and Low-Low were associated with increased MFYL (3.0 and 2.6 years, respectively).
- These patterns were consistent for both sexes but more pronounced in women.
Conclusions:
- Individual educational attainment is the primary driver of intergenerational inequalities in multimorbidity among older European adults.
- Achieving higher education is vital for reducing multimorbidity risk and promoting health equity.
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