Review and outlook of multimorbidity research in mainland China over the last 15 years

Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in a single individual, has become a major public-health challenge in ageing societies. The management of such complex health states relies fundamentally on primary health care services; however, the intricate interplay of coexisting diseases imposes substantial demands on the capacity and competency of these services. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this study systematically reviewed literature from mainland-China (2009–2025) situated within general-practice and primary health care settings. We summarized the developmental trajectory, research hotspots and intervention practices regarding multimorbidity, utilizing a SWOT framework to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats inherent to general practice in this domain. The review showed that research on multimorbidity in China has evolved through four stages: concept introduction, descriptive epidemiology, intervention exploration, and integrated management. While a community-based framework balancing service supply with patient needs has begun to emerge, critical gaps persist regarding high-quality intervention evidence, standardized clinical guidelines, integrated information systems and professional workforce. Future priorities should be the construction of high-quality primary health care data platforms and the deepening of integrated-care models. This shift is essential to transition chronic disease management from a single-disease management toward a synergistic, multimorbidity—focused approach, thereby fostering a more profound integration of clinical care and public health.