Background: The objective of this work was to analyse the prevalence trends of multimorbidity among European
community-dwelling adults.
Methods: A temporal series study based on waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and
Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ ...»»»»
Background: The objective of this work was to analyse the prevalence trends of multimorbidity among European
community-dwelling adults.
Methods: A temporal series study based on waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and
Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ (n = 274,614) from
15 European countries were selected for the period 2004–2017. Prevalence, adjusted by age, Average Annual
Percentage Change (APC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were all calculated. Trend analyses were realised by
period, age groups and groups of diseases.
Results: The results showed a large variability in the prevalence of multimorbidity in adults aged 50 and over
among European countries. Increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity in the countries of central Europe (Austria,
Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany and Switzerland) and Spain in both sexes, and in the Netherlands
among men. Stability was observed in northern and eastern European countries. Musculoskeletal and
neurodegenerative groups showed more significant changes in the trend analyses.
Conclusions: This information can be useful for policy makers when planning health promotion and prevention
policies addressing modifiable risk factors in health.^^^^