Prevalence, Correlates, and Time Trends of Multiple Chronic Conditions Among Israeli Adults: Estimates From the Israeli National Health Interview Survey, 2014–2015

INTRODUCTION: Chronic diseases constitute a major public health challenge. The prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) has increased. The objective of our study was to describe the prevalence, correlates, and time trends of MCC in the Israeli population and among the nation’s 2 main population groups (Jewish and Arab). METHODS: To describe the prevalence of correlates of MCC, we used data from the 2014–2015 Israeli National Health Interview Survey-III (INHIS-III). MCC was defined as having 2 or more of the following 10 self-reported physician-diagnosed chronic conditions: asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, dyslipidemia, heart attack, hypertension, migraine, osteoporosis, or thyroid disease. For trend analysis, we used data from INHIS-I (2003–2004) and INHIS-II (2007–2010). Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Estimates were weighted to the 2014 Israeli population. P for trend was calculated by using the Cochran–Armitage test for proportions. RESULTS: In 2014–2015, the prevalence of MCC was 27.3% (95% confidence interval, 25.7%–28.8%). In multivariate analysis, MCC was associated with older age, female sex, a monthly household income of USD$3,000 or less, current and past smoking, and overweight or obesity. After adjusting for age, sex, income, smoking status, and body mass index, differences in MCC between Jewish and Arab populations disappeared. Dyslipidemia and hypertension were the most prevalent dyad among both men and women. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes were the most prevalent triad among both men and women. The age-adjusted prevalence of MCC increased by 6.7% between 2003–2004 and 2014–2015. CONCLUSION: With the increase in the prevalence of MCC, a comprehensive approach is needed to reduce the burden of chronic conditions. Of special concern are the groups most prone to MCC.