MULTIMORBIDITY: JUST A MATTER OF THE ELDERLY? LITHUANIAN NATIONAL DATA ANALYSIS

Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of at least two chronic conditions in the same individual, is usually associated with older age. Interestingly, an upward trend in multimorbidity is related not only to the increasing life expectancy, but in addition, an increasing number of younger people suffering from multiple chronic diseases. Despite the obvious trend, the age effect on the occurrence of multimorbidity has not been well researched. The presentation will focus on a national study, covering the whole Lithuanian chronically diseased population with at least one chronic condition from the 32 chronic disease list. The presentation will reflect on the age breaking points for the occurrence of multimorbidity and analyze the age effect on healthcare resources as well as medication usage. Based on 450,000 patients’ data, results will suggest potential age groups, where interventions for chronic disease management could provide higher success rates.