Socioeconomic patterns of underweight and its association with self-rated health, cognition and quality of life among older adults in India

Background Underweight defined as body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 is associated with negative health and quality of life outcomes including mortality. Yet, little is known about the socioeconomic differentials in underweight and its association with health and well-being among older adults in India. This study examined the socioeconomic differentials in underweight among respondents aged >= 50 in India. Consequently, three outcomes of the association of underweight were studied. These are poor self-rated health, cognition and quality of life. Methods Cross-sectional data on 6,372 older adults derived from the first wave of the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a nationally representative survey conducted in six states of India during 2007-8, were used. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were applied to fulfil the objectives. Results The overall prevalence of underweight was 38 percent in the study population. Further, socioeconomic status showed a significant and negative association with underweight. The association of underweight with poor self-rated health (OR = 1.60; p <.001), cognition (beta = -0.95; p <.001) and quality of life (beta = -1.90; p <.001) were remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, place of residence, marital status, years of schooling, wealth quintile, sleep problems, chronic diseases, low back pain and state/province. Conclusion The results indicated significant socioeconomic differentials in underweight and its association with poor self-rated health, cognition and quality of life outcomes. Interventions focussing on underweight older adults are important to enhance the overall wellbeing of the growing older population in India.