Retrospective cohort study identifies multimorbidity patterns linked to mortality risk in a national adult sample, suggesting implications for care strategies.
Key Points
This study aims to identify distinct multimorbidity patterns and assess their association with all-cause mortality in U.S. adults.
Conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the 2004 National Health Interview Survey linked to the National Death Index until 2019 (n = 28,598).
Applied latent class analysis to identify multimorbidity classes based on physician-diagnosed chronic conditions.
Used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate mortality risk considering complex survey design.
Compared to the Low Multimorbidity group, all other classes had increased mortality risk.
Severe Cardiopulmonary–Metabolic class had the highest risk (HR 3.71, 95% CI 2.99–4.60).
Intermediate risks were found in Cardiometabolic–Arthritis (HR 2.45, 95% CI 2.13–2.81) and Respiratory–Musculoskeletal (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.22–1.58) classes.