Changes in Multimorbidity Prevalence in Turkey (2008-2019)

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the 11 year change in the prevalence of multimorbidity according to age, gender, educational status and NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions from 2008 to 2019 in Turkey. Materials and Methods: For this study, the data from the Turkiye Health Survey conducted by the TUIK in every 2 or 3 years from 2008 to 2019 were used. Descriptive statistics for multimorbidity were calculated according to gender, age groups, educational status and IBBS regions by using the weights provided by TUIK. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate expected prevalence of multimorbidity. Absolute and relative changes in the prevalence of multimorbidity for 11 year period were examined in the EXCEL program. Results: In the period between 2008 and 2019, the prevalence of multimorbidity increased by 77.0% in relative terms. The increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity is more evident in the female gender, in the group with a low education level, in those living in the Eastern Anatolia Region, and in the group aged 55-64 years and above. Conclusion: Multimorbidity shows an increasing trend and it is a priority issue for our country.