Socioeconomic inequalities, substance use, and chronic multimorbidity in Kiambu and Nakuru counties in Kenya

Bibliographic Data

ID19590998
AuthorsLinnet Ongeri (0000-0003-2330-6144, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Lydia Kaduka (0000-0001-8746-0533, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Damaris Matoke (Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Doris W Njomo (0000-0003-3935-4036, corresponding author), Doris Njomo, Zipporah Bukania (0000-0001-7134-4423, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Moses Mwangi (0000-0001-6172-2507, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Linus Ndegwa (0000-0002-3609-7962, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Joanna Olale (0009-0006-2697-7516, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Caleb Othieno (0000-0002-3646-7708), C O Othieno (Maseno University, corresponding author), Sahara Hussein (Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Geoffrey Barini (0000-0002-4471-0691, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, corresponding author), Valentine Wanga (0000-0002-9104-0125, University of Washington, corresponding author), Polycarp Mogeni (0000-0003-1926-7576, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author)
EditorsJulia Robinson Julia Robinson
Year2025
Volume5
Issue12
Pagese0005544
Publication date2025-12-08
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0005544
PMID41359630
OpenAlexW4417132938
LanguageEN
References cited27

Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, is a growing public health concern associated with increased healthcare costs, poorer quality of life, and increased mortality. Substance use, defined as the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, may influence the development of multimorbidity, but evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. We examined the prevalence of multimorbidity and its association with substance use, as well as socioeconomic and demographic factors, in two counties in central Kenya. Data were obtained from a household-based, cross-sectional survey using a stratified, two-stage random sampling design. To account for the complex survey design, we employed sample-weighted multivariable analysis using a modified Poisson regression model to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations. Among the 1,484 participants (median age, 36 years), 58% were female, 61% were married, and 52% reported lifetime substance use. Multimorbidity was prevalent in 7.7% of study participants and relatively higher among participants aged 36–45 years (aPR, 4.32 [95% CI, 1.15–16.28], P = 0.031) and 46 years or older (aPR, 12.52; 95% CI, 3.68–42.56; P

Alcohol consumption · Confidence interval · Cross-sectional study · Poisson regression · Public health · Socioeconomic status · Substance use · Chronic Disease Management Strategies · Diabetes Management and Education · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Epidemiology

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Open DOIOpen Access