Multimorbidity in dependent community-dwelling older adults: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract Objective To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with multimorbidity in dependent community-dwelling older adults. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 197 dependent older adults selected by probabilistic sampling, registered at a primary care unit. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and scales of independence for activities of daily living, the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test, and a Visual Analog Scale, assessing functional capacity, risk of violence, and pain in older adults, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and binary logistic regression analysis, by the enter method. Results Multimorbidity was found in 57.9% of participants, 66.0% of whom were women, with predominance among individuals aged 80 or over (65.0%), with less than one year of education (56.2%), no partner (65.3%), and income of up to one minimum wage (89.6%). There was a greater chance of multimorbidity among participants with one year or more of education (OR=2.3), taking four or more medications (OR=3.7), and showing signs of domestic violence (OR=1.3). Conclusion Polypharmacy, risk of violence, and education, were significantly associated with multimorbidity in the individuals studied. These results highlight the need for proper management of polypharmacy, implementation of health interventions to reduce abuse, and close monitoring of chronic diseases in the older population with greater social vulnerability, through educational actions that take into account level of education.