PREVALENCE OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH DISABILITY AMONG ADULTS IN INLAND NORTHEAST BRAZIL: THE MDS-BRAZIL STUDY

Abstract

Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more health conditions in the same individual, is an emerging topic in public health. Although most studies focus on older populations, increasing attention has been given to multimorbidity among younger adults. However, the relationships between multimorbidity, personal factors, and functional disability remain inconclusive. To estimate the prevalence of self-reported multimorbidity in the adult population and analyze its association with disability and personal factors in the municipality of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, using data from the MDS-Brazil instrument. This population-based, cross-sectional, observational study with a quantitative approach was conducted in 2024. Individuals aged 18 years or older, of both sexes, with or without disabilities, and without restrictions regarding educational level, residing in Santa Cruz were included. Data were collected on personal factors (age, sex, income, education, and race/skin color) and levels of disability (none, mild, moderate, and severe). Functionality was assessed across the domains of mobility, body functions, and activity and participation, according to the MDS-Brazil instrument. Analysis of 504 interviews revealed a prevalence of 60.6% of self-reported multimorbidity. A higher proportion of women (76.4%) was observed, with predominance of older adults (35.5%), married individuals, and those with low educational attainment. Multimorbidity was significantly associated with disability across all three functional domains, indicating that individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to present some level of functional impairment. The findings highlight the complexity of multimorbidity and its strong association with functional disability, reinforcing the need for care strategies that integrate disease management with the preservation of functionality.