Approved research

Patterns, outcomes and predictors of non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity

Lay summary

Non-communicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. With rapid population ageing and increased life expectancy, the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases, termed as multimorbidity, has become a growing public health concern. However, in contrast to a large number of researches focusing on a single chronic disease, studies investigating the mutual relation among non-communicable diseases and the phenomenon of multimorbidity are far from adequate. Therefore, this study aims to make an in-depth investigation into the patterns, outcomes and predictors of non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity. Based on the unique UK Biobank resource, we will establish the causal network of non-communicable diseases and identify specific patterns of multimorbidity. In addition, the impact of major non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity on health impairment and healthcare system will be evaluated. At last, we will identify shared risk factors and pathological mechanisms for common non-communicable diseases, and provide effective prediction models for disease clusters and multimorbidity. We intend to carry out our research with a three-year duration. The findings in this study are expected to provide scientific evidence for the prevention, intervention and care of non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity.

Scope extension:

Current scope:

Questions:

With rapid population aging, non-communicated diseases and multimorbidity have become a prominent problem worldwide. To decrease the great disease burden and provide scientific evidence for healthcare guidance, investigating the patterns, outcomes and predictors of non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity is of great significance.

Aims:

The aims of this study are threefold:

(1) To investigate the interactions among non-communicable diseases and patterns of multimorbidity.

(2) To assess the health impairment and disease burden attributed to major non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity.

(3) To explore the independent and joint predictors for non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity.

New scope:

Additional questions:

To decrease the great disease burden of non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity and achieve precise prevention and control, it is of great significance to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Additional aims:

Our additional aims are threefold:

(1) To investigate the shared and unique molecular mechanisms among non-communicable diseases.

(2) To explore the molecular mechanisms that underlie the developmental trajectory of multimorbidity.

(3) To understand the roles of molecular changes in mediating the relation between macro risk factors and non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity.