Discrimination and Multimorbidity Among Older Adults

AIM: This study aims to investigate the relationship between racial discrimination and multimorbidity among older American adults, and whether this relationship is affected by socioeconomic factors or not. METHODS: 44,029 older adults aged 65 and over were selected from the 2022 Behavioural Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS), a cross-sectional nationally representative survey of Americans. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions, including stroke, heart attack, angina, cancer, asthma, arthritis, depression, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Racial discrimination was measured through self-reported experiences of being treated differently based on race. The relationship between racial discrimination and multimorbidity was investigated using negative binomial regression models, adjusting for socioeconomic factors and behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity). RESULTS: The analysis revealed a significant association between experience of racial discrimination and multimorbidity (Rate Ratio [RR] = 1.13; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.05–1.21). Lower income and education levels were also significantly associated with higher multimorbidity risk, however no evidence of discrimination experience partially mediating the association. CONCLUSION: Understanding the impact of racial discrimination on multimorbidity highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate health inequalities among older adults, particularly those facing racial discrimination.