The Impact of Multimorbidity on the Functional Skills in Elderly People

Abstract

Introduction. Multimorbidity is defined as the occurrence of two or more chronic diseases and is the most noticeable feature of an elderly person. With age, an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases is observed. Somatic diseases frequently co-occur with mental illnesses. In most cases, chronic diseases result in seniors’ disability. The most common ones include cardiovascular system, locomotor system, sight and hearing disorders; neurological and mental diseases; and mental impairments. Aim. The aim of the paper was to assess the prevalence of multimorbidity in elderly people in their home environment and to determine the relationship between multimorbidity and seniors’ functional skills. Material and Methods. The method of a diagnostic survey was applied, with the direct questionnaire technique. A questionnaire of the authors’ own construction was used, as well as standardized tools, i.e. the Barthel and the Lawton scales. The study involved 504 people aged 66–94 years staying in their home environment. Results. Only 0.05% of the subjects did not report any disease. The average number of diseases was 2.98 (3.03 in women, 2.90 in men). A statistically significant correlation was found between the number of the declared diseases and the patients’ age (p<0.001). In addition, together with an increase in the number of diseases, a deterioration was observed in the results on the Barthel and Lawton scales (p<0.001), as well as in cognitive and emotional skills (p<0.001). Conclusions. The vast majority of people aged over 65 years living in rural areas experienced multimorbidity; the following predominated among the diseases: hypertension, osteoarthritis, circulatory insufficiency, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus. Together with an increase in the number of diseases, a deterioration was observed in the patients’ functional, cognitive, and emotional skills. (JNNN 2024;13(1):17–22)