Investigation and association analysis of multimorbidity in middle-aged and elderly population in China / 中华疾病控制杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To characterize the multimorbidity patterns of chronic diseases in middle-aged and elderly people in China，and explore the correlation and intensity among chronic diseases by using association rules. Methods A total of 17 796 people over 45 years old from 9 provinces and cities in China were sampled and surveyed. The data were analyzed by Apriori algorithm in R3.4.3 software to investigate the multimorbidity of chronic diseases. Results Among total 17 796 respondents, the number of patients with at least one chronic disease was 12 245 (68.81%), and the number of patients with two or more chronic diseases was 7 321 (41.15%). Among the selected association rules, according to the ranking of support degree, the most common three chronic disease multimorbidities were dyslipidemia and heart disease, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, asthma and chronic lung disease. The rule support was 6.77%, 5.27%, 4.28%, and the rule confidence was 34.38%, 43.14%, and 70.81%, respectively. Multiple results of association rules pointed to heart disease. After screening, the greatest association rules were found in the age group over 75 years old. Conclusions Heart disease exists in a variety of chronic disease multimorbidity patterns. Screening and prevention measures should be strengthened. Dyslipidemia is strongly associated with diabetes and hypertension, and male patients are more vulnerable to suffer from dyslipidemia. Chronic diseases intend to be more common and complicated along with age increase.