Objective The aim of this systematic review is to analyse existing evidence on prevalence, patterns, determinants, and healthcare challenges of communicable and non-communicable disease multimorbidity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched from 1st January 2000 to 31st July 2020. The National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool was used to critically appraise studies. Findings were summarized in a narrative synthesis. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019133453). Results Of 3718 articles screened, 79 articles underwent a full text review of which 11 were included for narrative synthesis. Studies reported on 4 to 20 chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases; prevalence of multimorbidity ranged from 13% in a study conducted among 242,952 participants from 48 LMICS to 87% in a study conducted among 491 participants in South Africa. Multimorbidity was positively associated with older age, female sex, unemployment, and physical inactivity. Significantly higher odds of multimorbidity were noted among obese participants (OR 2.33; 95% CI: 2.19–2.48) and those who consumed alcohol (OR 1.44; 95% CI: 1.25–1.66). The most frequently occurring dyads and triads were HIV and hypertension (23.3%) and HIV, hypertension, and diabetes (63%), respectively. Women and participants from low wealth quintiles reported higher utilization of public healthcare facilities. Conclusion The identification and prevention of risk factors and addressing evidence gaps in multimorbidity clustering is crucial to address the increasing communicable and non-communicable disease multimorbidity in LMICs. To identify communicable and non-communicable diseases trends over time and identify causal relationships, longitudinal studies are warranted.

BackgroundA more comprehensive understanding and measurement of adult social care need could contribute to efforts to develop more effective, holistic personalised care, particularly for those with Multiple Long Term Conditions. Progress in this area faces the challenge of a lack of clarity in the literature relating to how social care need is assessed and coded within variables included in primary care databases.AimTo explore how social care need is assessed and coded within variables included in primary care databases.Design & settingAn exploratory rapid scoping review of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature.MethodArticles were screened and extracted onto a charting sheet and findings were summarised descriptively. Articles were included if published in English, related to primary care and social care using data from national primary care databases.ResultsThe search yielded 4,010 articles. Twenty-seven were included. Six articles used the term ‘social care need’, although related terminology was identified including ‘need factors’, ‘social support’ and ‘social care support’. Articles mainly focused on specific components of social care need, including levels of social care usage/service utilisation and costs incurred to social care, primary care and other providers in addressing needs. A limited range of database variables were found measuring social care need.ConclusionFurther research is needed on how social care need has been defined in a UK context and captured in primary care big databases. There is potential scope to broaden the definition of social care need, which captures social service needs and wider social needs.