Multimorbidity research in Sub-Saharan Africa: proceedings of an interdisciplinary workshop

Banda, G. T. et al. (2023) Multimorbidity research in Sub-Saharan Africa: proceedings of an interdisciplinary workshop. Wellcome Open Research, 8, 110. (doi: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18850.1)

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Abstract

As life expectancies rise globally, the number of people living with multiple chronic health conditions – commonly referred to as ‘multimorbidity’ – is rising. Multimorbidity has been recognised as especially challenging to respond to in countries whose health systems are under-funded, fragmented, and designed primarily for acute care, including in sub-Saharan Africa. A growing body of research in sub-Saharan Africa has sought to better understand the particular challenges multimorbidity poses in the region and to develop context-sensitive responses. However, with multimorbidity still crystallising as a subject of enquiry, there remains considerable heterogeneity in conceptualising multimorbidity across disciplines and fields, hindering coordinated action. In June 2022, 60 researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders with regional expertise from nine sub-Saharan African countries gathered in Blantyre, Malawi to discuss ongoing multimorbidity research across the region. Drawing on insights from disciplines including epidemiology, public health, clinical medicine, anthropology, history, and sociology, participants critically considered the meaning, singular potential, and limitations of the concept of multimorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. The workshop emphasised the need to move beyond a disease-centred concept of multimorbidity to one foregrounding patients’ values, needs, and social context; the importance of foregrounding structures and systems rather than behaviour and lifestyles; the value of a flexible (rather than standard) definition of multimorbidity; and the need to leverage local knowledge, expertise, resources, and infrastructure. The workshop further served as a platform for exploring opportunities for training, writing, and ongoing collaboration.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Version 1; peer review: 3 approved with reservations.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bunn, Dr Christopher
Creator Roles:
Bunn, C.Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – review and editing
Authors: Banda, G. T., Bosire, E., Bunn, C., Chandler, C. I.R., Chikumbu, E., Chiwanda, J., Dixon, J., Ferrand, R. A., Kengne, A.-P., Limbani, F., Mendenhall, E., Morton, B., Moshabela, M., Peer, N., Salimu, S., Silman, A., Simiyu, I. G., Spencer, S. A., Tamuhla, T., Tiffin, N., and Yongolo, N. M.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Wellcome Open Research
Publisher:F1000Research
ISSN:2398-502X
ISSN (Online):2398-502X
Published Online:02 March 2023
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2023 Banda GT et al.
First Published:First published in Wellcome Open Research 8: 110
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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