Conclusions
Given the increasing prevalence of multimorbidity, understanding the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity is important to help guide clinical care. In this research, we have described the epidemiology of multimorbidity and characterized common patterns of multimorbidity in a cross-sectional sample of the adult Alberta population. We found that multimorbidity was not limited to the elderly, and was associated with sex, age, family structure and household income. The information may be vital in designing guidelines and strategies for prevention and care for people with multimorbidity. Further studies are needed to examine the consequences of multimorbidity, and to evaluate interventions to improve care of people with multimorbidity.