Multimorbidity in the elderly in China based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

The influencing factors of health status among low-income individuals living alone in Wuxi, China

This study aimed to understand the health status of low-income individuals living alone and to identify influencing factors. Using systematic random sampling methods, low-income individuals living alone were randomly selected. Via telephone interviews, we gathered information about their general health status. A logistic regression model was used to analyze relevant factors about the physical health of this population. The study included 1583 low-income individuals living alone. The prevalence rate of all kinds of diseases in low-income living alone in this survey was 88.63%. The multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for illness in this population were age ≥ 60 (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.135-2.926, P = 0.006), self-rated poor mental health (OR 2.538, 95% CI 1.128-3.828, P = 0.005), and self-rated poor hearing status (OR 2.781, 95% CI 1.586-3.647, P = 0.001). Being female (OR 0.469, 95% CI 0.178-0.821, P = 0.033) was identified as a protective factor. Low-income individuals living alone are a unique group who lack familial care and economic and social support, and are thus in a disadvantaged social position. Therefore, this population requires increased attention, especially regarding their physical health. Implementing targeted assistance policies to improve their health status and enhance their quality of life is essential.

A Multi-State Model Study of the Disability-Free Life Expectancy Among Older Adults with Chronic Multimorbidity Based on CHARLS - China, 2011-2020

What is already known about this topic?

Chronic disease multimorbidity is prevalent among older Chinese people, seriously affecting their well-being and quality of life.

What is added by this report?

This study estimated the impact of multimorbidity on the risk of health state transitions and health expectancy among older adults in China. It used population-representative, long-term longitudinal data and multi-state Markov modeling along with microsimulation methods.

What are the implications for public health practice?

The study results suggest that the Chinese government should strengthen the prevention and management of multimorbidity and accelerate the transition from chronic disease management to multimorbidity management.

Relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms in patients with multimorbidity: the chained mediating role of cognitive function and activities of daily living

OBJECTIVE

The potential mechanisms linking social participation and depressive symptoms in Chinese individuals with multimorbidity are not yet fully understood. This study aims to explore how cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADLs) mediate the relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms in individuals with multimorbidity.

METHODS

We selected 3782 participants with multimorbidity from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Data related to social participation, cognitive function, ADLs, and depressive symptoms were extracted. Regression and Bootstrap analyses were used to explore the sequential mediating effects of social participation, cognitive function, ADLs, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

(1) There was a significant correlation between social participation, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). (2) Social participation directly affected depressive symptoms (β = -0.205, p < 0.05). (3) Cognitive function (β = -0.070, p < 0.01) and activities of daily living (β = -0.058, p < 0.01) played separate mediating roles in the effect of social participation on depressive symptoms. (4) Cognitive function and activities of daily living had a chain-mediated role in the relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms in patients with multimorbidity (β = -0.020, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A chained mediating effect was found between cognitive function, ADLs, social participation, and depressive symptoms in patients with multimorbidity. Social participation was found to improve the cognitive function of patients with multimorbidity, which in turn enhanced their daily life activities and ultimately alleviated their depressive symptoms.

Prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity in China: a cross-sectional study of 224,142 adults over 60 years old

Aim

To examine the prevalence and potential risk factors of multimorbidity among older adult in China. In addition, we investigated the pattern of multimorbidity.

Methods

This study is based on data from the fourth Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) in 2015, a comprehensive survey of individuals aged 60 years or older in China. We calculated baseline data and prevalence rates for comorbidities, stratified by household registration, age, sex, education, exercise, and health insurance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for comorbidities. Furthermore, we determined the prevalence rates for the three most frequent disease combinations.

Results

A total of 215,040 participants were included in our analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 50.5% among the older adult in China. The prevalence rate was slightly higher in rural areas than in urban areas, with rates of 51.5 and 49.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, the prevalence rate was higher in females than in males, with rates of 55.2 and 45.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals aged 70-79 years (OR:1.40, 95% CI: 1.38-1.43, p < 0.001) and over 80 years (OR:1.41, 95% CI: 1.38-1.45, p < 0.001) had a higher prevalence of multimorbidity than those aged 60-69 years. The most prevalent pair of comorbidities was hypertension and osteoarthropathy, with 19.6% of the participants having these two conditions, accounting for 5.4% of the total participants.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of multimorbidity among the older adult in China. Increased expenditure on preventive health care, popularization of general medicine and popular medical education may be adopted by the Government to cope with the high prevalence of multimorbidity.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors for joint events of air pollution wave and cold wave in China

Climate change triggered more environmental extremes. The joint events of air pollution wave and cold wave showed higher health risks than independent events, but little evidence is available for the spatiotemporal features of their co-occurrence. To better understand and forecast the joint events, a method framework was developed in this study. The temporal trend and spatial distribution of count and duration for joint events were measured at each grid cell (0.5°×0.5°) by integrating the PM2.5 air pollution wave and cold wave. The generalized linear mixed model was used to screen influencing variables that took into account socioeconomic characteristics, meteorological variables, and annual PM2.5 levels. During 2000 and 2018, the average annual count of joint events was 4.1 ± 6.8 days and the average duration ranged from 1.0 to 9.7 days. High spatial heterogeneity was observed throughout China, with a significant increase in joint events observed in Xinjiang area (the largest province in China). The most average count of joint events was observed in Henan province (one of the most populous provinces), while the longest duration was in Chongqing (a municipality, one of the megacities). Areas with higher PM2.5 levels, prolonged air pollution wave, and cold wave durations would experience more joint events. These findings can assist China in locating vulnerable areas and establishing effective local early warning systems. The method framework offers broader perspectives on mitigating health risks associated with extreme events in other countries and regions.

Association between residential proximity to major roadways and chronic multimorbidity among Chinese older adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Multiple negative health outcomes were linked to residential proximity to major roadways. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the association between residential proximity to major roadways and chronic multimorbidity.

METHODS

We used data from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which included 12,214 individuals aged ≥ 60. We derived the residential proximity to major roadways from self-reported data, defining chronic multimorbidity as the presence of two or more concurrent chronic diseases. A binary logistic regression model was utilized to investigate the association between residential proximity to major roadways and chronic multimorbidity. The model accounted for some demographic features, socioeconomic conditions, social participation, and health conditions. Subsequently, we conducted subgroup analyses to examine potential interaction effects.

RESULTS

Residential proximity to major roadways was associated with chronic multimorbidity, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Compared with those living > 300 m from major roadways, the OR for those living 201-300 m, 101-200 m, 50-100 m, and < 50 m were increased. When subgroup analyses were conducted using a cutoff point of 200 m, the risk of chronic multimorbidity associated with residential proximity to major roadways was stronger in participants with education levels > 6 years (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide important implications for improving residential area siting, transportation policies, and environmental regulations to reduce the risk of chronic multimorbidity caused by traffic-related exposure.

Effects of Linpan nature therapy on health benefits in older women with and without hypertension

Background

Nature therapy can significantly benefit the physiology and psychology of middle-aged and older people, but previous studies have focused on forest environments. The restoration potential of rural environments in urban fringe areas, which are more accessible to older people on a daily basis, has not been fully studied. This study assessed the effects of nature therapy on the physical and mental health of older women in a rural setting (locally known as Linpan) in the urban fringe area of Chengdu, China.

Methods

We recruited a total of 60 older women (65.3 ± 5.5 years old) living in cities for 3 days of nature therapy in the winter (30 subjects) and spring (30 subjects), including 20 hypertensive patients.

Results

The results showed that the overall blood pressure, pulse and sleep dysfunction rating scores of the participants were significantly lower than the pretest levels, and the finger blood oxygen saturation, mid-day salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol were increased post-treatment. Increases in these biomarker indicates and increase in stress. There were significant differences in the changes in systolic blood pressure between the hypertension group (HTN) and the normal group (normal) (HTN decreased by 8.8%, normal decreased by 5.4%), salivary alpha-amylase content (HTN decreased by 0.3%, normal increased by 16.9%), and sleep dysfunction rating scores (HTN decreased by 59.6%, normal decreased by 54%). The decreases in systolic blood pressure and pulse in the winter group were higher than those in the spring group by 1.8 and 4.4%, respectively, while the increases in salivary alpha-amylase content and salivary cortisol content were lower than those in the spring group by 11.7 and 11.2%, respectively, and the decrease in sleep dysfunction rating scores was lower than that in the spring group by 7.1%.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that nature therapy based on various health activities in the Linpan has significant health effects on older women. It can regulate blood pressure and pulse in older women, relieve cardiovascular disease, improve sleep quality. Meanwhile, older women with high blood pressure experienced a more significant effect than the healthy group.

Association of multimorbidity patterns with motoric cognitive risk syndrome among older adults: Evidence from a China longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a pre-dementia syndrome, is characterized by slow gait and subjective cognitive complaints among older adults. This study assessed the relationship between multimorbidity, its patterns, and MCR.

METHODS

Data for this study were obtained from three waves (2011, 2013, and 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants who were aged 60 years and older and had complete data at baseline as well as complete data about MCR at follow-up were selected. Patients without MCR at baseline were selected for further analyses. Longitudinal associations between multimorbidity, its patterns, and MCR were examined using a Cox proportional hazards model. Multimorbidity patterns were classified using latent class analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4923 respondents were included at baseline, 43.47% of whom had multimorbidity. Additionally, the prevalence of MCR at baseline was 12.61%. After adjusting for covariates, multimorbidity was positively associated with MCR (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.68). A higher number of multimorbidity was also significantly associated with an increased risk of developing MCR (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.19). Three multimorbidity patterns were selected: relatively healthy pattern, respiratory pattern, and cardiovascular pattern. Older adults with the cardiovascular pattern were 1.57 times more likely to develop MCR than those with the relatively healthy pattern (HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.16-2.13). There was no significant difference between the relatively healthy pattern and the respiratory pattern (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.91-1.92).

CONCLUSIONS

MCR is highly prevalent among older Chinese adults. MCR may be exacerbated by multimorbidity. For older adults with multimorbidity (especially cardiovascular multimorbidity), attention should be paid to MCR to achieve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Growing old in China in socioeconomic and epidemiological context: systematic review of social care policy for older people

BACKGROUND

From 2020 to 2050, China's population aged ≥65 years old is estimated to more than double from 172 million (12·0%) to 366 million (26·0%). Some 10 million have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, to approach 40 million by 2050. Critically, the population is ageing fast while China is still a middle-income country.

METHODS

Using official and population-level statistics, we summarise China's demographic and epidemiological trends relevant to ageing and health from 1970 to present, before examining key determinants of China's improving population health in a socioecological framework. We then explore how China is responding to the care needs of its older population by carrying out a systematic review to answer the question: 'what are the key policy challenges to China achieving an equitable nationwide long-term care system for older people?'. Databases were screened for records published between 1st June 2020 and 1st June 2022 in Mandarin Chinese or English, reflecting our focus on evidence published since introduction of China's second long-term care insurance pilot phase in 2020.

RESULTS

Rapid economic development and improved access to education has led to widescale internal migration. Changing fertility policies and household structures also pose considerable challenges to the traditional family care model. To deal with increasing need, China has piloted 49 alternative long-term care insurance systems. Our findings from 42 studies (n = 16 in Mandarin) highlight significant challenges in the provision of quality and quantity of care which suits the preference of users, varying eligibility for long-term care insurance and an inequitable distribution of cost burden. Key recommendations include increasing salaries to attract and retain staff, introduction of mandatory financial contributions from employees and a unified standard of disability with regular assessment. Strengthening support for family caregivers and improving smart old age care capacity can also support preferences to age at home.

CONCLUSIONS

China has yet to establish a sustainable funding mechanism, standardised eligibility criteria and a high-quality service delivery system. Its long-term care insurance pilot studies provide useful lessons for other middle-income countries facing similar challenges in terms of meeting the long-term care needs of their rapidly growing older populations.

Exploring disease interrelationships in older inpatients: a single-centre, retrospective study

Background

Comorbidity is a common phenomenon in the older population; it causes a heavy burden on societies and individuals. However, the relevant evidence, especially in the southwestern region of China, is insufficient.

Objectives

We aimed to examine current comorbidity characteristics as well as correlations among diseases in individuals aged >60 years.

Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

We included records of 2,995 inpatients treated at the Gerontological Department of Sichuan Geriatric Hospital from January 2018 to February 2022. The patients were divided into groups according to sex and age. Diseases were categorised based on the International Classification of Diseases and their Chinese names. We calculated the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), categorised diseases using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study questionnaire, and visualised comorbidity using web graphs and the Apriori algorithm.

Results

The ACCI was generally high, and it increased with age. There were significant differences in the frequency of all diseases across age groups, especially in individuals aged ≥90 years. The most common comorbid diseases were liver diseases, stomach or other digestive diseases, and hypertension. Strong correlations between the most common digestive diseases and hypertension were observed.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insights into the current situation regarding comorbidity and the correlations among diseases in the older population. We expect our findings to inform future research directions as well as policies regarding general clinical practice and public health, especially for medical consortiums.

Effects of family multi-generational relationship on multimorbidity and healthy life expectancy for second generations: insight from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

In the context of aging, Chinese families consisting of more than three generations (grandparents, parents, children) are the norm. The second generation (parents) and other family members may establish a downward (contact only with children) or two-way multi-generational relationship (contact with children and grandparents). These multi-generational relationships may have the potential effect on multimorbidity burden and healthy life expectancy in the second generation, but less is known about the direction and intensity of this effect. This study aims to explore this potential effect.

METHODS

We obtained longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018, which included 6,768 people. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between multi-generational relationships and the number of multimorbidity. The Markov multi-state transition model was used to analyze the relationship between multi-generational relationships and the severity of multimorbidity. The multistate life table was used to calculate healthy life expectancy for different multi-generational relationships.

RESULTS

The risk of multimorbidity in two-way multi-generational relationship was 0.830 (95% CIs: 0.715, 0.963) times higher than that in downward multi-generational relationship. For mild multimorbidity burden, downward and two-way multi-generational relationship may prevent aggravation of burden. For severe multimorbidity burden, two-way multi-generational relationship may aggravate the burden. Compared with two-way multi-generational relationship, the second generations with downward multi-generational relationship has a higher healthy life expectancy at all ages.

CONCLUSION

In Chinese families with more than three generations, the second generations with severe multimorbidity burden may aggravate the condition by providing support to elderly grandparents, and the support provided by offspring to the second generations plays a vital positive role in improving the quality of life and narrowing the gap between healthy life expectancy and life expectancy.

Solid Fuel Use and the Progression of Multimorbidity in Middle-Aged Chinese Participants: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association of solid fuel use for cooking and heating with the progression of multimorbidity. Methods: A total of 5,437 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of the independent and joint effects of solid fuel use for cooking and heating with the progression of multimorbidity. Results: The proportion of participants reporting solid fuel use for both cooking and heating was 59.0% at baseline. Solid fuel use for both cooking and heating was associated with the progression of multimorbidity (adjusted OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.70), compared with clean fuel use for both. Conclusion: Solid fuel use for cooking and heating play an important role in the progression of multimorbidity. Therefore, solid fuel reduction should be considered in developing multimorbidity control and prevention programmes.

Using Bayesian networks with Max-Min Hill-Climbing algorithm to detect factors related to multimorbidity

Objectives

Multimorbidity (MMD) is a medical condition that is linked with high prevalence and closely related to many adverse health outcomes and expensive medical costs. The present study aimed to construct Bayesian networks (BNs) with Max-Min Hill-Climbing algorithm (MMHC) algorithm to explore the network relationship between MMD and its related factors. We also aimed to compare the performance of BNs with traditional multivariate logistic regression model.

Methods

The data was downloaded from the Online Open Database of CHARLS 2018, a population-based longitudinal survey. In this study, we included 10 variables from data on demographic background, health status and functioning, and lifestyle. Missing value imputation was first performed using Random Forest. Afterward, the variables were included into logistic regression model construction and BNs model construction. The structural learning of BNs was achieved using MMHC algorithm and the parameter learning was conducted using maximum likelihood estimation.

Results

Among 19,752 individuals (9,313 men and 10,439 women) aged 64.73 ± 10.32 years, there are 9,129 ones without MMD (46.2%) and 10,623 ones with MMD (53.8%). Logistic regression model suggests that physical activity, sex, age, sleep duration, nap, smoking, and alcohol consumption are associated with MMD (P < 0.05). BNs, by establishing a complicated network relationship, reveals that age, sleep duration, and physical activity have a direct connection with MMD. It also shows that education levels are indirectly connected to MMD through sleep duration and residence is indirectly linked to MMD through sleep duration.

Conclusion

BNs could graphically reveal the complex network relationship between MMD and its related factors, outperforming traditional logistic regression model. Besides, BNs allows for risk reasoning for MMD through Bayesian reasoning, which is more consistent with clinical practice and thus holds some application prospects.

Frequency and types of clusters of major chronic diseases in 0.5 million adults in urban and rural China

Background

Little is known about the frequency and types of disease clusters involving major chronic diseases that contribute to multimorbidity in China. We examined the frequency of disease clusters involving major chronic diseases and their relationship with age and socioeconomic status in 0.5 million Chinese adults.

Methods

Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of at least two or more of five major chronic diseases: stroke, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer. Multimorbid disease clusters were estimated using both self-reported doctor-diagnosed diseases at enrolment and incident cases during 10-year follow-up. Frequency of multimorbidity was assessed overall and by age, sex, region, education and income. Association rule mining (ARM) and latent class analysis (LCA) were used to assess clusters of the five major diseases.

Results

Overall, 11% of Chinese adults had two or more major chronic diseases, and the frequency increased with age (11%, 24% and 33% at age 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79 years, respectively). Multimorbidity was more common in men than women (12% vs 11%) and in those living in urban than in rural areas (12% vs 10%), and was inversely related to levels of education. Stroke and IHD were the most frequent combinations, followed by diabetes and stroke. The patterns of self-reported disease clusters at baseline were similar to those that were recorded during the first 10 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

Cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory diseases were most common disease clusters. Understanding the nature of such clusters could have implications for future prevention strategies.