Prevalence, factors and inequalities in chronic disease multimorbidity among older adults in India: analysis of cross-sectional data from the nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)

Objective This study examines the prevalence, patterns and factors of chronic disease-related multimorbidity. Also, this study examines the inequality in the prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults in India. Design Cross-sectional study; large nationally representative survey data. Setting and participants We have used the first wave of a Longitudinal Ageing Study in India conducted in 2017-2018 across all the 35 states (excluded Sikkim) and union territories in India. This study used information from 31 373 older people aged 60+years in India. Primary and secondary outcome measures The outcome variable for this study is multimorbidity. The study used multinomial logistic regression to examine the risk factors for multimorbidity among older adults. To measure the inequality in multimorbidity, the slope of index inequality and relative index of inequality have been used to understand the ranked-based inequality. Results Almost one-fourth (24.1%) reported multimorbidity. The relative risk ratio (RRR) of multimorbidity (RRR=2.12; 95% CI=1.49 to 3.04) was higher among higher educated older adults than uneducated older adults. Furthermore, the RRR of multimorbidity (RRR=2.35; 95% CI=2.02 to 2.74) was higher among urban older adults than their rural counterparts. Older adults in the richest wealth quintile were more likely to report multimorbidities (RRR=2.86; 95% CI=2.29 to 3.55) than the poorest older adults. Good self-rated health and no activities of daily living disability were associated with a lower risk of multimorbidities. Conclusions This study contributes to the comprehensive knowledge of the prevalence, factors and inequality of the chronic disease-related multimorbidity among older adults in India. Considering India's ageing population and high prevalence of multimorbidity, the older adults must be preferred in disease prevention and health programmes, however, without compromising other subpopulations in the country. There is a need to develop geriatric healthcare services in India. Additionally, there is a need to disseminate awareness and management of multimorbidity among urban and highly educated older adults.

Automated summary

This study explores the prevalence, patterns, and factors of chronic disease-related multimorbidity among older adults in India. The study found that older adults with higher education levels, urban residence, and better wealth status were more likely to have multimorbidity. Good self-rated health and no activities of daily living disability were associated with a lower risk of multimorbidity. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, factors, and inequality of multimorbidity among older adults in India.