Risk factors for multimorbidity in adolescents and young adults in Brazil

Background Recent studies have highlighted the growing trend of multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) in younger people due to unhealthy lifestyles and various environmental stressors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of demographic, socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle factors on MLTC risk in Brazilian youth, with a particular focus on sex differences. Methods Using a cross-sectional approach, this study used data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey to analyze MLTC in people aged 15–29 years. It examines 14 self-reported chronic conditions and independent variables, such as sociodemographic, health and lifestyle behaviors. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors and average marginal effects were employed to estimate the risk of multimorbidity. Results According to a survey of 17,708 young people, the overall MLTC prevalence was 8.02%, which was greater than that in young women (9.7%). Depression and mental disorders linked to asthma, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension were common. The key predictor factors included self-perceived health, self-esteem, and sleep disturbances. Regional socioeconomic disparities can mask problems of under- and overdiagnosis of the diseases analyzed. Education and physical activity were not significant factors in this study. Conclusion Increasing rates of multimorbidity in young people pose significant challenges for healthcare systems and society. Chronic conditions such as mixed depressive and anxiety disorders, along with physical-mental comorbidities, can result in psychosocial issues, health risks, poor quality of life, and premature death. Therefore, it is essential to gain a better understanding of MLTC in youth to effectively prevent chronic diseases early in life, particularly in LMICs.