Multiple Chronic Conditions Among Veterans and Nonveterans: United States, 2015-2018

Abstract

Objectives-This report describes the prevalence of multiple (two or more) chronic conditions (MCC) among veterans and nonveterans and examines whether differences by veteran status may be explained by differences in sociodemographic composition, smoking behavior, and weight status based on body mass index. Methods-Data from the 2015-2018 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of MCC among adults aged 25 and over by veteran status and sex. Estimates (age-stratified and age-adjusted) were also presented by race and Hispanic origin, educational attainment, poverty status, smoking status, and weight status. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the odds of MCC by veteran status after age stratification (65 and over or under 65) and further adjustment for age and other covariates. Results-Among adults aged 25 and over, age-adjusted prevalence of MCC was higher among veterans compared with nonveterans for both men and women (22.2% compared with 17.0% for men aged 25-64, 66.9% compared with 61.9% for men aged 65 and over, 25.4% compared with 19.6% among women aged 25-64, and 74.1% compared with 61.8% among women aged 65 and over). Following stratification by age and adjustment for selected sociodemographic characteristics, the prevalence of MCC remained higher among veterans compared with nonveterans for both men and women. After further adjustment for smoking status and weight status, differences in the prevalence of MCC by veteran status were reduced but remained statistically significant, with the exception of men aged 65 and over.