Factors associated with multimorbidity in the elderly: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The objective of the present study was to identify factors associated with multimorbidity in the elderly through an integrative literature review. Method: The “Cochrane Library”, “MEDLINE”, “Web of Science”, “Scopus” and “LILACS” databases were used, as well as the “SciELO” virtual library and the electronic search engine “Google Academic”. The following search terms were applied: “multimorbidity”; “multi-morbidity”; “comorbidity; “multiple diseases”; “elderly”; “major adults”, “older people”, “older persons”, “aged”, “associated factors”, “correlated factors”, “socioeconomic factors” and “demographic factors.” The inclusion criterion was that the object of the study was the elderly population with multimorbidity. Studies in which multimorbidity was not the dependent variable were excluded. Results: a total of seven articles were included in this review. A prevalence of multimorbidity in the elderly ranging from 30.7% to 57% was found. The associated factors were smoking, alcohol consumption, lived in rural areas, low levels of schooling, the female gender, older elderly persons and not living with children. In the majority of articles a low level of family income was also associated with multimorbidity. Conclusion: The results suggest that multimorbidity in the elderly is a common condition and that it is influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors, lifestyle and family structure.