Population Institute

ABSTRACT

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), defined as the coexistence of two or more cardiometabolic diseases, poses a growing public health challenge as populations across the globe are aging, especially in low- to middle-income countries such as the Philippines. This study examined the prevalence and differentials of CMM across sociodemographic characteristics, and its effects on functional limitation and all-cause mortality using the Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health in the Philippines, a nationally representative survey of Filipinos aged 60 and older.

CMM was derived from four doctor-diagnosed conditions, namely, hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. Functional limitation was assessed using four measures — Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living , Nagi Functioning Measure, and the Washington Group Short Set Test on Functioning.

Multivariable binary logistic regression and Cox regression models were employed as methods of analysis. The prevalence of CMM was 19% at baseline and was more prevalent among women, those with higher education, those residing in urban areas, and those in the highest wealth quintile. CMM was significantly associated with higher odds of functional limitation across all measures. Older Filipinos with CMM faced twice the mortality risk compared to those without any cardiometabolic disease, controlling for age, sex, education, urbanity, and wealth index. These findings suggest that CMM is a significant predictor of both functional limitation and mortality among older Filipinos, emphasizing the need for a life-course perspective in preventive care and management of these diseases.

KEYWORDS: cardiometabolic multimorbidity, mortality, functional limitations, older Filipinos, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being