Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Chronic diseases and multimorbidity impose substantial burdens on healthcare systems globally, particularly in aging populations, resulting in elevated healthcare utilization rates and increased expenditures. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This study validates previous research findings using an extensive administrative database from a major city in South China. Additionally, it provides comprehensive estimates of annual hospitalization expenditures per patient associated with chronic diseases and multimorbidity patterns among older adults, elucidating the economic burden and cost variations across specific diseases and multimorbidity combinations. Cancer, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and heart disease - whether occurring individually or in conjunction with other chronic conditions, particularly within complex multimorbidity patterns - were associated with substantial annual hospitalization expenditures and significant healthcare resource utilization. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Disease burden studies provide critical evidence for prioritizing public health policies and targeted interventions. Policymakers should implement comprehensive prevention strategies, evidence-based interventions, appropriate reimbursement policies, and integrated management approaches to control disease progression and reduce healthcare expenditures.