Longitudinal data of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older adults in Taiwan from 2000 to 2013

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalences and trends of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older adults in Taiwan. Methods An observational study was performed using the 2000-2013 database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program (analysis in 2018). Participants ≥65 years were included in the study. Multimorbidity was defined as participants having two or more chronic diseases annually. Polypharmacy was defined as the average daily number of prescribed medications ≥5. Results The prevalences of multimorbidity were 42.4% in 2000 and 56% in 2013. The prevalences of polypharmacy were 22.9% in 2000 and 32.1% in 2013. Conclusions From 2000 to 2013, multimorbidity and polypharmacy were prevalent among older adults in Taiwan. Public health efforts to intervene the primary prevention for chronic diseases should be considered in older adults.