Chronic lung diseases (Asthma and COPD) among middle-aged and older populations in India: social, individual, and household determinants and their associations with geriatric syndromes.

Abstract

Background: India's ageing population presents new health challenges, particularly the rising burden of lung diseases like Asthma and COPD among middle-aged and older adults. These conditions weaken individuals and heighten the risk of geriatric complications. Understanding their interplay with socio-economic, demographic, and household factors is essential for informed public health interventions.

Objectives and methods: This study investigates the growing burden of Asthma and COPD among Indian individuals aged 45 years and above using LASI Wave 1 data. Unadjusted prevalence was calculated across predictor variables. Poisson regression identified factors associated with Asthma and COPD, while logistic regression examined their unadjusted and adjusted associations with geriatric syndromes.

Results: The study reveals that the prevalence of Asthma and COPD among individuals aged 45 years and above is 4.38% and 2.1%. It reveals distinct yet overlapping risk patterns for both Asthma and COPD. For both diseases, the risk increases significantly with age, particularly for those aged 60 years and above, and is higher among wealthier individuals and those belonging to SC, OBC, or non-classified social groups. Women are less likely to suffer from both diseases, while discontinued smoking elevates the risk for both. Employment status influences both conditions differently, those currently working are less likely to have COPD and Asthma. Household factors such as the absence of a separate kitchen increase the risk for both diseases. Cooking on open fires and exposure to passive smoking significantly heighten the risk of COPD. Regional variations persist, with lower risk in the North-East and elevated risks in the South. Both diseases show significant association with geriatric syndromes such as ADL (1.418 for Asthma and 1.424 for COPD), IADL (1.587 for Asthma and 1.542 for COPD), and Falls ((1.172 for Asthma and 1.320 for COPD)), after adjusting for various individual and household determinants.

Conclusion: The study reveals complex relationships between social, individual and household factors, chronic lung diseases (Asthma and COPD), and age-related complications in India's older population.It highlights the need for targeted treatments addressing both lung diseases and geriatric complications, guiding policymakers in framing healthcare policies to promote healthy aging in India's diverse older population.