Health and well-being of informal caregivers: a cross-sectional comparison using the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1

The health of informal caregivers of older adults is an important public health concern. This study examines the gendered nature of informal caregiving and its association with physical and mental health outcomes among caregivers in India using a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). Women constituted nearly two-thirds of informal caregivers and reported moderate (43.1% vs 36.0%) and poor (19.0% vs 18.8%) self-rated health more frequently than men. Women also had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and musculoskeletal pain, and were less likely to receive treatment for some chronic conditions. Depressive symptoms were more common among women (36.5% vs 29.5%), while sleep problems and major depressive episodes were reported by both men and women caregivers. Caregiving in India is gendered, and women experience a disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes. The findings also highlight important health concerns among caregivers of both genders. Routine screening for physical and mental health problems, counselling, and community-based support services could help address the health needs of informal caregivers.