Multi-morbidity and mental health in a population-based study of older old age: Findings from the Cambridge City over-75s Cohort (CC75C)

Anna Wiedemann, Carol Brayne, Jane Fleming

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Background: The growing proportion of elderly people in the community is linked to an increase in prevalence of chronic conditions. Improvements in healthcare and its related longevity show that it is becoming increasingly common for patients to live with multiple conditions at the same time. Even though extensive research exists showing the rising number of co-existing diseases with age, other aspects of multi-morbidity, particularly in extreme old age, have been paid less attention. Aims: This study aims to examine the relationship between the rising degree of physical conditions and psychological implications (e.g. depressive behaviour). Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the third survey of the CC75C cohort which was conducted in 1992. In total 11 medical conditions reportedly diagnosed by a doctor and 11 specific physical problems affecting day-to-day routine were included to measure the degree of multi-morbidity. Results: The full survey 3 study cohort with 714 participants (Mean age=85.9 ± 3.7 years, 69.6% female) were included in the study. On average, subjects reported 2.1 (SD=1.6) medical conditions and 3.1 (SD=2.2) specific physical problems affecting day-to-day life. Reporting medical or specific physical conditions above-average significantly increased the likelihood to suffer poor mental health (odds ratio (95%-CI) for >2 medical condition: 1.9 (1.4, 2.7), p<.0001; for >3 specific physical conditions affecting day-to-day routine 4.2 (3.0, 6.0), p<.0001.). Conclusion: This study adds noteworthy evidence to multi-morbidity research in a population of extreme old age. Knowing the significance of co-morbidity contribution across various mental health domains may help to create clearer guidelines for assessment/ management for both clinicians and patients in the future.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2 Sept 2017
EventAmgen Scholars European Symposium - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Duration: 2 Sept 20175 Sept 2017
http://amgenscholars.com/europe-program

Conference

ConferenceAmgen Scholars European Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityCambridge
Period2/09/175/09/17
Internet address

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multi-morbidity and mental health in a population-based study of older old age: Findings from the Cambridge City over-75s Cohort (CC75C)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this