| A systematic review of prevalence studies on multimorbidity: toward a more uniform methodology. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 22412006 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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PURPOSE: We sought to identify and compare studies reporting the prevalence of multimorbidity and to suggest methodologic aspects to be considered in the conduct of such studies. METHODS: We searched the literature for English- and French-language articles published between 1980 and September 2010 that described the prevalence of multimorbidity in the general population, in primary care, or both. We assessed quality of included studies with a modified version of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. Results of individual prevalence studies were adjusted so that they could be compared graphically. RESULTS: The final sample included 21 articles: 8 described studies conducted in primary care, 12 in the general population, and 1 in both. All articles were of good quality. The largest differences in prevalence of multimorbidity were observed at age 75 in both primary care (with prevalence ranging from 3.5% to 98.5% across studies) and the general population (with prevalence ranging from 13.1% to 71.8% across studies). Apart from differences in geographic settings, we identified differences in recruitment method and sample size (primary care: 980-60,857 patients; general population: 1,099-316,928 individuals), data collection, and the operational definition of multimorbidity used, including the number of diagnoses considered (primary care: 5 to all; general population: 7 to all). This last aspect seemed to be the most important factor in estimating prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Marked variation exists among studies of the prevalence of multimorbidity with respect to both methodology and findings. When undertaking such studies, investigators should carefully consider the specific diagnoses included and their number, as well as the operational definition of multimorbidity. |
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Authors:
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Martin Fortin; Moira Stewart; Marie-Eve Poitras; José Almirall; Heather Maddocks |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Annals of family medicine Volume: 10 ISSN: 1544-1717 ISO Abbreviation: Ann Fam Med Publication Date: 2012 Mar-Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2012-03-13 Completed Date: 2012-07-09 Revised Date: 2012-09-28 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101167762 Medline TA: Ann Fam Med Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 142-51 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Family Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Martin.Fortin@usherbrooke.ca |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Comorbidity* Cross-Sectional Studies / methods* Humans Primary Health Care* |
| Grant Support | |
ID/Acronym/Agency:
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//Canadian Institutes of Health Research |
| Comments/Corrections | |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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