Determinants and patterns of multimorbidity in Brazilian adults: evidence from a population-based study

We aimed to explore the association between lifestyle, sociodemographic variables, and multimorbidity, as well as to identify the patterns of multimorbidity (dyads). Cross-sectional study, based on data from the 2019 National Health Survey, Brazil. Data on 76,492 adult participants between 18 and 70 years old were included. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle variables with multimorbidity and dyads. Multimorbidity was associated with older age, female sex, lower educational level, and overweight. Significantly higher odds of multimorbidity were noted among participants who are insufficient leisure-time physical activity, with irregular consumption of beans and spend more time in front of screens. The most frequently occurring dyads were hypertension-chronic back problem (28.2%) and hypertension-high cholesterol (26.5%). This study contributes to the understanding multimorbidity in the Brazilian context, emphasizing its public health significance, identifying risk factors, and uncovering associative patterns. Recognizing sociodemographic elements as crucial determinants, this study sheds light on the intricate relationship between lifestyle, demographics, and the prevalence of multimorbidity.