Gender differential in chronic diseases among older adults in India: Does living arrangement has a role to play?

Background

This study examined the prevalence and related factors of four major chronic diseases among older adults in India with a focus on living arrangement and gender.

Methods

Longitudinal Ageing Study in India survey data (LASI- Wave I) conducted in 2017–18 was used. This study is based on 31,464 older people aged 60+ years in India. The outcome variables for this study are four chronic diseases namely; Hypertension, Diabetes, Chronic lung diseases, and Chronic heart diseases. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of diagnosed chronic diseases with socio-demographic and health characteristics.

Results

Prevalence rates of chronic heart diseases (5.8% vs. 4.6%), chronic lung diseases (9% vs. 8%), and diabetes (14.6% vs. 13.9%) were higher among the male older adults than in the female older adults. In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension was higher among the female older adults (37.1% vs. 28%) than in the male older adults. The odds of diabetes were lower among the older adults living with spouse and/or others [Odds Ratio (OR)=0.54, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=0.32–0.91] and living with spouse and children (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.29–0.81) than living alone. The odds of chronic lung diseases (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.50–0.78) and chronic heart diseases (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.54–0.96) were lower among females than in males.

Conclusions

Given the higher prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults, there is a need to set-up the geriatric clinics to cater to the needs of the older adult population. Furthermore, special attention should be given to the older adults living alone.