Patterns of multimorbidity in India: A nationally representative cross-sectional study of individuals aged 15 to 49 years
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: There is a dearth of evidence on the epidemiology of multimorbidity in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of multimorbidity in India and its variation among states and population groups. We analyzed data from a nationally representative household survey conducted in 2015-2016 among individuals aged 15 to 49 years. Multimorbidity was defined as having two or more conditions out of five common chronic morbidities in India: anemia, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. We disaggregated multimorbidity prevalence by condition, state, rural versus urban areas, district-level wealth, and individual-level sociodemographic characteristics. 712,822 individuals were included in the analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 7·2% (95% CI, 7·1% - 7·4%), and was higher in urban (9·7% [95% CI, 9·4% - 10·1%]) than in rural (5·8% [95% CI, 5·7% - 6·0%]) areas. The three most prevalent morbidity combinations were hypertension with obesity (2·9% [95% CI, 2·8% - 3·1%]), hypertension with anemia (2·2% [95% CI, 2·1%- 2·3%]), and obesity with anemia (1·2% [95% CI, 1·1%- 1·2%]). The age-standardized multimorbidity prevalence varied from 3·4% (95% CI: 3·0% - 3·8%) in Chhattisgarh to 16·9% (95% CI: 13·2% - 21·5%) in Puducherry. Being a woman, being married, not currently smoking, greater household wealth, and living in urban areas were all associated with a higher risk of multimorbidity. Multimorbidity is common among young and middle-aged adults in India. This study can inform screening guidelines for chronic conditions and the targeting of relevant policies and interventions to those most in need.
Source: PLOS Global Public Health
Institutions: Heidelberg University, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Technical University of Munich, Massachusetts General Hospital, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Public Health Foundation of India, University of London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System, University of Birmingham, Harvard University, Africa Health Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, University of Göttingen, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, Stanford Medicine, Stanford University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
OpenAlex ID: W4293065493