Musculoskeletal Diseases as the Most Prevalent Component of Multimorbidity: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Due to their high frequency, common risk factors, and similar pathogenic mechanisms, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are more likely to occur with other chronic illnesses, making them a "component disorder" of multimorbidity. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of multimorbidity and to identify the most common clusters of diagnosis within multimorbidity states, with the primary hypothesis that the most common clusters of multimorbidity are MSDs. Methods: The current study employed data from a population-based 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). Multimorbidity was defined as a ≥2 diagnosis from the list of 17 chronic non-communicable diseases, and to define clusters, the statistical method of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed. Results: Out of 13,178 respondents, multimorbidity was present among 4398 (33.4%). The HCA method yielded six multimorbidity clusters representing the most common diagnoses. The primary multimorbidity cluster, which was prevalent among both genders, age groups, incomes per capita, and statistical regions, consisted of three diagnoses: (1) lower spine deformity or other chronic back problem (back pain), (2) cervical deformity or other chronic problem with the cervical spine, and (3) osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Given the influence of musculoskeletal disorders on multimorbidity, it is imperative to implement appropriate measures to assist patients in relieving the physical discomfort and pain they endure. Public health information, programs, and campaigns should be utilized to promote a healthy lifestyle. Policymakers should prioritize the prevention of MSDs by encouraging increased physical activity and a healthy diet, as well as focusing on improving functional abilities.

Keywords: cervical deformity; hierarchical cluster analysis; low back deformity; multimorbidity; musculoskeletal disorders; osteoarthritis.

Figure 1

(a) Multimorbidity distribution categorized by age groups; (b) multimorbidity distribution based on monthly income per capita; (c) multimorbidity distribution in four statistical regions of Serbia.

Figure 1

(a) Multimorbidity distribution categorized by age groups; (b) multimorbidity distribution based on monthly income per capita; (c) multimorbidity distribution in four statistical regions of Serbia.

Figure 2

Dendrogram of most common clusters of multimorbidity obtained by HCA method.