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. 2021 Mar;75(3):242-244.
doi: 10.1136/jech-2020-214301. Epub 2020 Oct 5.

Multimorbidity: the case for prevention

Anna Head  1 , Kate Fleming  2 , Chris Kypridemos  2 , Jonathan Pearson-Stuttard  3 , Martin O'Flaherty  2
Affiliations

Multimorbidity: the case for prevention

Anna Head et al. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Multimorbidity is of increasing concern for healthcare systems globally, particularly in the context of ageing population structures, such as in the European Union and the UK. Although there is growing attention on developing strategies to manage the health and healthcare burden of older patients with multimorbidity, little research or policy focus has been placed on how to best prevent the development of multimorbidity in future generations. In this research agenda piece, we argue for a shift from a sole focus on the management of multimorbidity in old age to a multimorbidity agenda that considers prevention and management throughout the life-course.

Keywords: Epidemiology of chronic diseases; Prevention; Public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: AH, KF, CK and MOF report no competing interests. JP-S is vice-chairman of the Royal Society for Public Health and reports personal fees from Novo Nordisk A/S and Lane, Clark & Peacock LLP outside of the submitted work.

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