Polymorbidity: definition, classifications, prevalence, estimation methods and practical significance

Based on the analysis of Russian and foreign literary sources, the definition of the concept of polymorbidity is given, its classification, information on prevalence, measurement methods and practical significance are given. It is emphasized that at present in the literature the concepts of polymorbidity, comorbidity, multimorbidity coexist, while there is no universally accepted definition of them. This uncertainty is historically conditioned and is associated with the use of these concepts by various scientific schools. In most modern literary sources, polymorbidity (multimorbidity) refers to a combination of two or more chronic diseases in one patient. At present, a considerable number of different methods of measuring polymorbidity are used, which have their own advantages and disadvantages, and a universal method has not been developed. The most convenient for assessing polymorbidity is currently recognized polymorbidity index Charlson. Due to the lack of unified approaches to the measurement of polymorbidity, as well as taking into account the fact that studies are conducted in different population samples, the published figures for the prevalence of polymorbidity vary considerably. Emphasis is placed on the fact that polymorbidity is a multifaceted problem that has not only clinical but also economic and social importance, which requires a further in-depth study.