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Kabir A, Conway DP, Ansari S, Tran A, Rhee JJ, Barr M. Impact of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity on healthcare utilisation in older Australian adults aged 45 years or more: a large population-based cross-sectional data linkage study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078762. [PMID: 38199624 PMCID: PMC10806611 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As life expectancy increases, older people are living longer with multimorbidity (MM, co-occurrence of ≥2 chronic health conditions) and complex multimorbidity (CMM, ≥3 chronic conditions affecting ≥3 different body systems). We assessed the impacts of MM and CMM on healthcare service use in Australia, as little was known about this. DESIGN Population-based cross-sectional data linkage study. SETTING New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 248 496 people aged ≥45 years who completed the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study baseline questionnaire. PRIMARY OUTCOME High average annual healthcare service use (≥2 hospital admissions, ≥11 general practice visits and ≥2 emergency department (ED) visits) during the 3-year baseline period (year before, year of and year after recruitment). METHODS Baseline questionnaire data were linked with hospital, Medicare claims and ED datasets. Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted prevalence ratios for high service use with 95% CIs. Using a count of chronic conditions (disease count) as an alternative morbidity metric was requested during peer review. RESULTS Prevalence of MM and CMM was 43.8% and 15.5%, respectively, and prevalence increased with age. Across three healthcare settings, MM was associated with a 2.02-fold to 2.26-fold, and CMM was associated with a 1.83-fold to 2.08-fold, increased risk of high service use. The association was higher in the youngest group (45-59 years) versus the oldest group (≥75 years), which was confirmed when disease count was used as the morbidity metric in sensitivity analysis.When comparing impact using three categories with no overlap (no MM/CMM, MM with no CMM, and CMM), CMM had greater impact than MM across all settings. CONCLUSION Increased healthcare service use among older adults with MM and CMM impacts on the demand for primary care and hospital services. Which of MM or CMM has greater impact on risk of high healthcare service use depends on the analytic method used. Ageing populations living longer with increasing burdens of MM and CMM will require increased Medicare funding and provision of integrated care across the healthcare system to meet their complex needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamgir Kabir
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Damian P Conway
- Population and Community Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sameera Ansari
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - An Tran
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joel J Rhee
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margo Barr
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Gordon LG, Wood C, Tothill RW, Webb PM, Schofield P, Mileshkin L. Healthcare Costs Before and After Diagnosis of Cancer of Unknown Primary Versus Ovarian Cancer in Australia. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2023; 7:111-120. [PMID: 36253664 PMCID: PMC9929003 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-022-00371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the healthcare resource usage and costs for patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe and quantify healthcare resource use and costs in Australia, 6 months prior to and after a diagnosis of CUP, and compare to those of women with ovarian cancer. METHODS Individual-level data combining baseline surveys, clinical records and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claim records were analysed for 149 patients with CUP and 480 patients with ovarian cancer from two prospective cohort studies. MBS data were aggregated for the period 6 months prior to diagnosis date and 6 months after diagnosis. Data included doctor consultations, pathology, diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, imaging, allied health and medicines. Generalised linear models were used to evaluate the cost differences between CUP and ovarian cancer using gamma family and log link functions. Models were adjusted for age, employment, marital status, surgery, chemotherapy and number of comorbidities. RESULTS The mean healthcare costs in the 6 months prior to diagnosis of CUP were Australian (AU) $3903 versus AU$1327 for ovarian cancer (adjusted cost ratio 2.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08-4.15). Mean healthcare costs 6 months post-diagnosis were higher for patients with CUP versus ovarian cancer (AU$20,339 vs AU$13,819, adjusted cost ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.92). Higher costs for patients with CUP were driven by imaging (AU$1937 vs AU$1387), procedures (AU$5403 vs AU$2702) and prescribed medicines for all conditions (AU$10,111 vs AU$6717). CONCLUSIONS Pre-diagnosis costs for patients with CUP are nearly triple those for ovarian cancer. Six months after diagnosis, healthcare costs for CUP remained higher than for ovarian cancer due to imaging, procedures and medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa G Gordon
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Population Health Department, Locked Bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Nursing, Kelvin Grove, Australia.
- The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - C Wood
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R W Tothill
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - P M Webb
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Population Health Department, Locked Bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - L Mileshkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Carman W, Ishida M, Trounson JS, Mercer SW, Anindya K, Sum G, Armstrong G, Oldenburg B, McPake B, Lee JT. Epidemiology of physical-mental multimorbidity and its impact among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Australia: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054999. [PMID: 36220313 PMCID: PMC9557280 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the differences in multimorbidity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, and the effect of multimorbidity on health service use and work productivity. SETTING Cross-sectional sample of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia wave 17. PARTICIPANTS A nationally representative sample of 16 749 respondents aged 18 years and above. OUTCOME MEASURES Multimorbidity prevalence and pattern, self-reported health, health service use and employment productivity by Indigenous status. RESULTS Aboriginal respondents reported a higher prevalence of multimorbidity (24.2%) compared with non-Indigenous Australians (20.7%), and the prevalence of mental-physical multimorbidity was almost twice as high (16.1% vs 8.1%). Multimorbidity pattern varies significantly among the Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians. Multimorbidity was associated with higher health service use (any overnight admission: adjusted OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.46 to 1.58), reduced employment productivity (days of sick leave: coefficient=0.25, 95% CI=0.19 to 0.31) and lower perceived health status (SF6D score: coefficient=-0.04, 95% CI=-0.05 to -0.04). These associations were found to be comparable in both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous populations. CONCLUSIONS Multimorbidity prevalence was significantly greater among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders compared with the non-Indigenous population, especially mental-physical multimorbidity. Strategies are required for better prevention and management of multimorbidity for the aboriginal population to reduce health inequalities in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Carman
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie Ishida
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin S Trounson
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stewart W Mercer
- The Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kanya Anindya
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grace Sum
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian Oldenburg
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbara McPake
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Tayu Lee
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Service Research, Faculty of Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Dahlén E, Bergström A, Ödling M, Ekström S, Melén E, Kull I. Non-adherence and sub-optimal treatment with asthma medications in young adults: a population-based cohort study. J Asthma 2021; 59:1661-1669. [PMID: 34121584 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1941092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pharmacological treatment plays a key role in the management of asthma, but medication adherence is generally low. Our aim was to assess factors associated with dispensing patterns of, and adherence to, asthma medication in young adults with asthma. METHODS The study included young adults (age 22-24 years) from the Swedish population-based birth cohort BAMSE (n = 3,064) with linkage to register data on dispensed asthma medications and recorded diagnosis. Dispensing information was collected in January 2014-June 2019 (the study period) to cover the period of questionnaire data. Adherence to asthma medication was defined as refilling a prescription within 18 months. RESULTS In total, 234 individuals (7.6%) had asthma (doctor's diagnosis of asthma in combination with respiratory symptoms) and had been dispensed at least one prescription of asthma medication during the study period. Among them, 77% were dispensed a controller medication. The mean number of prescriptions dispensed per individual was higher in males than females (11.0 vs. 7.2; p < 0.01). The proportion of asthmatics with only a short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) dispensed was 22%, of which 33% were classified as having uncontrolled asthma. Adherence to controller medication was 60% and higher among those with an asthma diagnosis from specialized care than those diagnosed in primary care (RR 1.32 95% CI 1.03-1.69). Sex, socioeconomic status, and non-allergic comorbidity did not affect adherence. CONCLUSION Young adults with asthma had few prescriptions of asthma medication dispensed, indicating sub-optimal treatment. A considerable proportion was dispensed only SABA. Furthermore, adherence to controller medication was relatively low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Dahlén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Ödling
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Ekström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Melén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inger Kull
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ishida M, Hulse ES, Mahar RK, Gunn J, Atun R, McPake B, Tenneti N, Anindya K, Armstrong G, Mulcahy P, Carman W, Lee JT. The Joint Effect of Physical Multimorbidity and Mental Health Conditions Among Adults in Australia. Prev Chronic Dis 2020; 17:E157. [PMID: 33301391 PMCID: PMC7769083 DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of chronic physical and mental health conditions is rising globally. Little evidence exists on the joint effect of physical and mental health conditions on health care use, work productivity, and health-related quality of life in Australia. Methods We analyzed data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, waves 9 (2009), 13 (2013), and 17 (2017). Economic effects associated with multimorbidity were measured through health service use, work productivity loss, and health-related quality of life. We used generalized estimating equations to assess the effect of the association between physical multimorbidity and mental health conditions and economic outcomes. Results From 2009 through 2017 the prevalence of physical multimorbidity increased from 15.1% to 16.2%, and the prevalence of mental health conditions increased from 11.2% to 17.3%. The number of physical health conditions was associated with the number of health services used (general practitioner visits, incidence rate ratio = 1.41), work productivity loss (labor force participation, adjusted odds ratio = 0.71), and reduced health-related quality of life (SF-6D score: Coefficient = −0.03). These effects were exacerbated by the presence of mental health conditions and low socioeconomic status. Conclusion Having multiple physical health conditions (physical multimorbidity) creates substantial health and financial burdens on individuals, the health system, and society, including increased use of health services, loss of work productivity, and decreased health-related quality of life. The adverse effects of multimorbidity on health, quality of life, and economic well-being are exacerbated by the co-occurrence of mental health conditions and low socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Ishida
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 333 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Emily Sg Hulse
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert K Mahar
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Gunn
- Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Barbara McPake
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Naveen Tenneti
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kanya Anindya
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patrick Mulcahy
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Will Carman
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Tayu Lee
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Sum G, Ishida M, Koh GCH, Singh A, Oldenburg B, Lee JT. Implications of multimorbidity on healthcare utilisation and work productivity by socioeconomic groups: Cross-sectional analyses of Australia and Japan. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232281. [PMID: 32343739 PMCID: PMC7188213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity, the presence of 2 or more non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is a major contributor to inequalities of health in Australia and Japan. We use nationally representative data to examine (i) the relationships between multimorbidity with healthcare utilisation and productivity loss and (ii) whether these relationships differed by socioeconomic groups. METHODS Cross-sectional analyses using the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) and the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR) surveys. We examined 6,382 (HILDA) and 3,503 (JSTAR) adults aged ≥50 years. We applied multivariable regression, logistic and negative binomial models. RESULTS Prevalence of multimorbidity was overall 38.6% (46.0%, 36.1%, 28.9% amongst those in the lowest, middle and highest education group, respectively) in Australia, and 28.4% (33.9%, 24.6%, 16.6% amongst those in the lowest, middle and highest education group, respectively) in Japan. In Australia and Japan, more NCDs was associated with greater healthcare utilisation. In Australia and Japan, more NCDs was associated with higher mean number of sick leave days amongst the employed and lower odds of being employed despite being in the labour force. The association between multimorbidity and lower retirement age was found in Australia only. CONCLUSION Having more NCDs pose significant economic burden to the health system and wider society in Australia and Japan. Targeted policies are critical to improve financial protection, especially for lower income groups who are more likely to have multiple NCDs. These individuals incur both high direct and indirect costs, which lead to a greater risk of impoverishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Sum
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
| | - Marie Ishida
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gerald Choon-Huat Koh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ankur Singh
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian Oldenburg
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Tayu Lee
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
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