Prevalence and distribution of multimorbidity according to sex and age groups among elderly Brazilians: a nationally representative cross-sectional study.

Objective

To analyze the prevalence of multimorbidity and its distribution according to sex and age groups in elderly Brazilians in 2013 and 2019.

Method

Cross-sectional study with individualized data from the National Health Survey of 2013 (n = 11,177) and 2019 (n = 22,728). Analyses for complex samples were performed, applying sample weights and chi-square tests, considering sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables.

Results

The prevalence of multimorbidity was 51.2% in 2013 and 56.7% in 2019. Statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of multimorbidity according to sex and age groups. Among men, higher daily consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and hospitalizations were observed in both years. Among women, lower income, occurrence of falls, and a higher concentration in the younger age group stood out in 2019. The 60-79 age group showed a higher proportion of married individuals, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and lower income. Among the elderly ≥80 years, higher proportions of widowhood, white race, medical consultation in the last year, falls in both years, and hospital admission in 2019 were observed.

Conclusions

The study revealed an increase in multimorbidity and differences in its distribution according to sex and age groups, supporting actions for the care of the elderly, with a focus on comprehensiveness.