Patterns of multimorbidity among immigrants to Canada: an analysis of the CCHS-IMDB

Background: Multimorbidity is a growing public health concern and is associated with reduced quality of life and adverse health outcomes, yet investigation of multimorbidity among the immigrant population is limited in the Canadian context. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and correlates of multimorbidity among immigrants to Canada 18 years of age or older. Methods: Data from the 2007 to 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey linked to the Longitudinal Immigration Database were used. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable regressions. Results: Among immigrants, 3.5% had multimorbidity. Immigration factors such as recency of immigration, birth region, immigration category as well as age, marital status, income, employment, physical activity and smoking status were associated with multimorbidity. Conclusion: Immigration related factors are important considerations when studying multimorbidity among immigrants. Although significant correlates were identified, additional research is required to better understand the nature of the relationship between these factors and multimorbidity