Studying trajectories of multimorbidity: a systematic scoping review of longitudinal approaches and evidence.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Multimorbidity-the co-occurrence of at least two chronic diseases in an individual-is an important public health challenge in ageing societies. The vast majority of multimorbidity research takes a cross-sectional approach, but longitudinal approaches to understanding multimorbidity are an emerging research area, being encouraged by multiple funders. To support development in this research area, the aim of this study is to scope the methodological approaches and substantive findings of studies that have investigated longitudinal multimorbidity trajectories.

Design

We conducted a systematic search for relevant studies in four online databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase) in May 2020 using predefined search terms and inclusion and exclusion criteria.

SUBMITTER: Cezard G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8609933 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature