Determinants of the onset and development of multimorbidity in different subpopulations of older Chinese adults: insights from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Multimorbidity trajectories were more complex in the non-multimorbidity population. Both CESD and FS were identified as important determinants of poor multimorbidity trajectories, underscoring the need for stratified interventions. For the non-multimorbidity population, primary prevention should integrate CESD/FS monitoring into primary care for early risk detection. For the multimorbidity population, secondary prevention requires integrated care models that concurrently manage depression and functional decline to curb progression.