Multimorbidity Prevalence, Patterns, and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adults Visiting the Family Medicine Department at Hatta Hospital, United Arab Emirates

TL;DR

This study finds that over 40% of adults in a UAE hospital have multiple chronic conditions, with age and education level being key factors.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into multimorbidity patterns and risk factors in a primary care setting in the UAE.

Findings

40.8% of participants had two or more chronic conditions.

Age and low educational attainment were strongly associated with higher odds of multimorbidity.

Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were the most common chronic conditions observed.

Abstract

Background

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions, is an increasing global public health challenge. Although its prevalence is rising internationally, evidence from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains limited, particularly in primary care settings serving remote or underserved populations.

Objective

To determine the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of multimorbidity among adults attending the outpatient Family Medicine Department at Hatta Hospital, Dubai, UAE.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Family Medicine Department of Hatta Hospital, a primary care facility serving the rural Hatta region of Dubai, UAE, from April to July 2025. A total of 262 adults aged ≥18 years were consecutively enrolled. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of ≥2 chronic conditions according to WHO criteria. Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, chronic disease status, and mental health indicators (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)) were collected through structured interviews, electronic medical record review, and clinical assessments. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with multimorbidity.

Results

The mean age of participants was 45.3±18.5 years; 87 (33.2%) were male, and 175 (66.8%) were female. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 107 (40.8%). Among all participants, 77 (29.4%) had two to four conditions, 12 (4.6%) had five to six conditions, and 18 (6.9%) had more than six conditions. The most common chronic conditions were obesity in 89 (34.0%), hypertension in 80 (30.5%), and diabetes in 73 (27.9%). In multivariable analysis, age and educational level emerged as associated factors. Compared with individuals aged ≥60 years, those aged 18-34 years (adjusted OR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-0.21, p=0.001) and 35-59 years (adjusted OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.53, p=0.005) had significantly lower odds of multimorbidity. Illiterate individuals (adjusted OR=5.72, 95% CI: 1.32-24.78, p=0.020) and those with primary education (adjusted OR=15.46, 95% CI: 3.07-77.68, p<0.001) had significantly higher odds compared with university graduates.

Conclusion

Multimorbidity is highly prevalent among primary care patients in Hatta, with age and low educational attainment emerging as key factors independently associated with multimorbidity. The predominance of cardiometabolic conditions and their clustering patterns highlight the need for integrated chronic disease management and targeted health literacy interventions, especially for older adults with limited formal education.

Figures