Inequalities in the progress of multiple chronic conditions: A systematic review of longitudinal studies

Abstract

The objective of this review is to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on the progress of multiple chronic health conditions (MCC) in Adults. Two independent investigators searched three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS) up to August 2021 to identify longitudinal studies on inequalities in progress of MCC. Grey literature was searched using Open Grey and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were retrospective and prospective longitudinal studies; adult population; assessed socioeconomic inequalities in progress of MCC. Quality of included studies and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for longitudinal studies. Nine longitudinal studies reporting socioeconomic inequalities in progress of MCC were included. Two of the studies had poor quality. Studies varied in terms of follow-up time, sample size, included chronic conditions and socioeconomic indicators. Due to high heterogeneity meta-analysis was not possible. The studies showed positive association between lower education (five studies), lower income and wealth (two studies), area deprivation (one study), lower job categories (two studies) and belonging to ethnic minority (two study) and progress of MCC. The review demonstrated socioeconomic inequality in progress of multiple chronic conditions. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021229564).