Determinants of Morbidity and Multi-morbidity among Indian Population: Large Scale Data Based Evidence

Globally, one in three adults suffer from multimorbidity. The challenges of multimorbidity in low-middle income countries are accentuated by social inequity, environmental degradation and inefficiencies in health systems. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of multi-morbidity across population sub-groups using the database of 71st round of National Sample Survey. ‘Multi-morbidity’ is operationalised in terms of ‘number of hospitalizations.’ Individuals reporting multiple hospitalizations due to multiple ailments are considered as a case of multi-morbidity. We find that 8.43% adults reported multimorbidity. Pearson’s chi squared test is performed to see whether any relationship exists between its episode and socio demographic characteristics. Elderly and women are the commonly affected groups. Binary logistic regression analyses shows a significant association between multi-morbidity and variables like - age, gender, geographic zones and the insurance coverage. The study manifests novel approach of defining ‘multi-morbidity’ and highlights the need to design age and gender specific combating strategies.