Associating Multimorbidity Patterns With Healthcare Utilization and Unmet Healthcare Needs Among Older Koreans Living...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Multimorbidity is prevalent in older adults living alone, yet specific patterns and their healthcare implications are not well understood.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems for this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct multimorbidity patterns among older Koreans living alone.
• To examine the association between these patterns and healthcare utilization (outpatient services, hospitalization) and unmet healthcare needs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Adults (N=3423, aged ≥65, living alone).
• Employed latent class analysis to identify multimorbidity patterns based on 11 chronic conditions.
• Used multivariable regression to assess associations with outpatient service use, hospitalization, and unmet healthcare needs.

Main Results:

• Identified four patterns: Low Comorbidity (23.2%), Hypertension Dominant (58.3%), Neurobehavioral Challenges (6.7%), and Mobility Challenges (11.8%).
• All patterns except Low Comorbidity showed higher odds of outpatient use; Mobility Challenges had the highest (OR=5.59).
• Neurobehavioral Challenges (OR=3.30) and Mobility Challenges (OR=2.41) patterns were associated with significantly higher unmet healthcare needs. Hospitalization showed no significant associations.

Conclusions:

• Multimorbidity among older adults living alone is heterogeneous, with distinct patterns influencing healthcare outcomes.
• The Neurobehavioral Challenges and Mobility Challenges patterns are linked to increased unmet needs and frequent clinical visits.
• Findings advocate for a shift towards person-centered, integrated care models for sustainable aging in place.