Coexisting morbidities among older adults with hypertension in India: Prevalence and risk analysis

Hypertension is one of the major causes of premature death and one of the leading risk factors for multi-morbidity. Multi-morbidity with hypertension is more prevalent in older adults as compare to younger people. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of multi-morbidity among older adults with hypertension in India. The study using the data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) conducted in 2017-18. Multi-nominal regression models were used to examine the association between multi-morbidity and various socio-demographic factors among older adults with hypertension. Additionally, Structural Equation Model was employed to identify the direct effects of exogeneous factors on Multi-morbidity with Hypertension. The finding represents that the risk of multi-morbidity with hypertension is higher at the age of 75 and above (RRR= 8.23) as compared to young age people. The prevalence of multi-morbidity with hypertension increases with age, economic status, education. Gender difference indicates that females had 39% lower risk of multimorbidity than males. SEM result shows that among all the exogenous factor age, social group, education and MPCE of the respondent showed the highest direct effect on multi-morbidity with hypertension. The prevalence of multi-morbidity with Hypertension is higher in the state Punjab (41.92%) and followed by Jammu & Kashmir, and the lower prevalence of multi-morbidity with Hypertension in the state Nagaland (12.57%). This research provides valuable insights into the healthcare needs of older adults with hypertension and inform policy interventions for better management of chronic diseases in aging populations.