Social and physical environment effects on toileting disability among older adults in India.

BACKGROUND: To examine the prevalence of toileting disability among older adults in India and its association with broad aspects of the physical and social environment. METHODS: We use data from the inaugural wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India and focus on adults aged 65 and older (N = 20,789). We draw on the disablement process model and existing frameworks to identify environmental factors and other risk factors that may be associated with toileting disability. Hierarchical logistic regressions are implemented to analyze the health impacts from physical and social environment characteristics. RESULTS: One in five older Indian adults had difficulties with toileting, and the prevalence rate of this functional disability varied across sub-national regions. We find that low neighborhood trust was associated with an increased likelihood of toileting disability, as was the use of assistive mobility devices. The negative effects of these social and external environment characteristics hold when we stratified the sample by rural and urban residency. Also, older adults in urban areas without access to toilets and using shared latrines had higher odds of being disabled in terms of toileting. Other factors important in explaining toileting disability among older adults included poor self-rated health, arthritis, currently working, living in the East or West region, and having functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Poor person-environment fit can compromise older adults' ability to perform self-care tasks. Policymakers need to look beyond the physical environment (e.g., dedicating resources to construct toilet facilities) to adopt a more holistic, multi-faceted approach in their sanitation policies. Improving the safety of neighborhood surroundings in which shared latrines are located and the availability of accessible toilets that cater to those with mobility impairments can help improve independence in toileting among older adults.

Association of perceived childhood socio-economic status and health with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in India: using data from LASI Wave I, 2017-2018.

BACKGROUND: Childhood adverse experience has been linked with poor health outcomes across the life course. Nevertheless, whether such an association or direction could be projected to older people's life remains still unclear and needs to generate more evidence, particularly in India. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the association of childhood socio-economic status and health with depressive symptoms amongst middle- aged and older adults in India. METHODS: The data for the study was drawn from national representative survey "Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)" Wave I, 2017-2018 in order to conduct cross-sectional study. Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the association of childhood socioeconomic status and health with depressive symptoms in the older population. RESULTS: Poor childhood health was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (AoR: 1.56, CI: 1.19, 2.04). Likewise, respondents who were bedridden for a month during their childhood had high odds of developing depressive symptoms (AoR: 1.16 CI: 1.01, 1.34). In addition to this, the odds of having depressive symptoms increased significantly among the average (AoR: 1.28 CI: 1.08, 1.51) and poor childhood socioeconomic status group (AoR: 1.31 CI: 1.11, 1.55) as compared to the higher socioeconomic category. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood socioeconomic status and health have a significant role in determining mental health in later life. Results suggest that considering childhood socioeconomic status and health is important while diagnosing depression in older population in order to identify the significant associated factors in early childhood and thus help in preventing depressive symptoms in later life.

Association between Multimorbidity and Psychological Distress among Older Adults in India: The Moderating Role of Elder Abuse.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examine the association between multimorbidity and psychological distress and to what extent elder abuse mediates the association. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional nationally representative data from the "Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI)." Multivariate logistic regression was used to understand the association between multimorbidity and psychological distress. We used Karlson-Holm- Breen (KHB) method to understand the role of elder abuse in mediating the association between multimorbidity and psychological distress. RESULTS: Older adults who ever experienced abuse (OR = 1.92 95%CI = 1.62, 2.26, p < .001) or in last one month (OR = 2.09 95%CI = 1.65, 2.64, p < .001) reported higher odds of psychological distress. Further, older adults with four or more chronic diseases are thrice more likely to report psychological distress (OR = 3.03 95%CI = 2.38, 3.82, p < .001). The results further suggest the mediating role of abuse on the association between multimorbidity and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the role of elder abuse on the association between multimorbidity and psychological distress among older population in India. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Creating an environment to reduce the abuse among older adults who have multimorbidity will be essential to reducing the psychological distress among older adults in India.

Association between food insecurity and quality of life among older adults (60+) in six low and middle-income countries.

Food insecurity is a key social determinant of health and nutrition. However, very few studies have examined the association of food insecurity and quality of life outcomes among older adults in low and middle-income settings. In this study, we examine the association of food insecurity with self-rated poor quality of life, low life satisfaction, and WHO quality of life (WHOQol). Nationally representative data from WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) consisting of 20,026 older adults were analyzed. The association of food insecurity with self-rated poor quality of life and low life satisfaction was assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multivariate linear regression models examine the association between food insecurity and WHOQol score. Pooled data analysis of six countries showed older adults with severe food insecurity were two times more likely to report poor quality of life (OR = 2.49, CI 2.10, 2.96; p < 0.001) and low life satisfaction (OR = 2.36, CI 1.94, 2.87; p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, older adults with severe food insecurity had 3.60 (CI-4.25, -2.95; p < 0.001) points lower WHO-QoL score than those who are food secure. These results show that the association of food insecurity is statistically significant with all three outcomes of quality of life in all six countries adjusting for sociodemographic and health measures. Public health and social security interventions are important to prevent food insecurity to promote overall wellbeing of the growing older population in low and middle-income countries.

Food insecurity and its association with health and well-being in middle-aged and older adults in India.

AIM: Food insecurity is a global public health concern; however, there is limited knowledge about its health impacts in India. We examined the associations of food insecurity with socioeconomic conditions, chronic disease and various domains of health and well-being in a community sample of middle-aged and older adults (45+ years) in India. METHODS: Cross-sectional nationally representative data were collected in wave 1 (2017-2018) of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. Food insecurity was measured by questions of access and availability of food. We used logistic regression analyses to examine associations of food insecurity with poor self-rated health, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, low life satisfaction, depression, sleep problems and low body mass. RESULTS: Food insecurity related to all seven indicators of poor health and well-being, even after controlling for material wealth and the presence of multimorbidity (which food insecurity also predicted). Associations with mental health were stronger for those for physical health. For instance, food insecurity related to a threefold increase in probable depression (OR=2.9, 95% CI=2.4 to 3.4) and low life satisfaction (OR=3.4, 95% CI=2.9 to 3.8). CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity is a powerful social determinant of poor health among older adults in India. Policy measures to improve population health and well-being should closely follow trends in food insecurity, particularly among those living in poverty and with multiple health conditions.

Mediation of pain in the association of sleep problems with falls among older adults in India.

Body pain, sleep problems and falls are commonly reported among the elderly population. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of pain in the association of sleep problems with fall-outcomes (falls, fall-injury, and multiple falls) among older adults. Cross-sectional data from the baseline survey of Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017-18 were used. The total sample size for the study was 28,285 older adults aged 60 years and above. Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults in the last two years were self-reported. The Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-4) was used to assess sleep problems while pain was assessed using questions on whether respondents reported that they were troubled by pain and they required some form of medication or treatment for the relief of pain. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to fulfill the study objectives. While 13% older adults suffered from sleep problems, 38.83% were troubled with pain. Additionally, 12.63%, 5.64% and 5.76% older adults reported falls, fall-injury and multiple falls respectively. Older adults who suffered from sleep problems had higher odds of falls [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.43, confidence interval (CI): 1.30-1.58], fall-injuries, [aOR:1.50,CI:1.30-1.73] and multiple falls [aOR:1.41,CI:1.24-1.62]. Similarly, older adults who were troubled with pain were more likely to report falls [aOR:1.80, CI:1.67-1.95], fall-injuries [aOR:1.66, CI:1.48-1.87] and multiple falls [aOR:1.90,CI:1.69-2.12]. The percent of the mediated effect of pain when examining the association between sleep problems and fall outcomes were reported to be 17.10%, 13.56% and 18.78% in case of falls, fall-injuries and multiple falls respectively. The current study finds evidence that pain mediates the association of sleep problems and falls, fall-injuries, and multiple falls among older Indian adults. Both sleep problems and pain are modifiable risk factors that need attention for fall prevention strategies.

Insights on historical milestones of mental health in Nepal: Country profile.

The present paper has highlighted the mental health development in Nepal. It covers the current state of mental health system and services and a throwback on the significant changes over a period of time. This review grabs a sneak into mental health plan/policies, prevalence; health facilities and human resources, monitoring and supervision, budget allocation, nongovernmental sector involvement, and international agreements. Every description in this paper is substantially based on the progression made at the different time frames, which provides clear understanding of the mental health situation in Nepal. Furthermore, this article throws insights on the main challenges to overcome the current situation on mental health and the associated treatment gap due to stigma toward mental illness, lack of appropriate budget allocation, shortage of human resources, and fear of discrimination.

Health status and associated factors of middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors in India: results from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India.

BACKGROUND: The number of persons who have survived cancer has been increasing in India as elsewhere due to advances in detection and treatment of this disease. However, evidence on the standardised number of cancer survivors, their characteristics and their complex health challenges on a national level does not exist due to data limitations. This study, therefore, examines the profile of cancer survivors and their health status using the recently released Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) survey data. METHODS: LASI wave 1 is a cross-sectional nationally representative survey of 65,562 middle and older adults aged 45 and above. We first calculated the socioeconomic, demographic and geographical characteristics of cancer survivors (per 100,000 population). We later estimated the adjusted odds of poor health, sleep problems, depressive symptoms, activities of living limitations (ADL and IADL), and hospitalisation of cancer survivors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: According to LASI estimates, there were 2.1 million cancer survivors in India (95% CI 1.8 million to 2.6 million) in 2017-18. Overall, 440 cancer survivors have been identified in this study, with considerable state variations. The number of cancer survivors per 1,00,000 population was relatively more in non-indigenous groups, people with a history of cancer in their families, those who worked earlier but currently not working and those in the richest quintile categories. As compared to those who never had cancer, the cancer survivors are at higher risk of hospitalisation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.61 CI 1.86, 3.67), poor self-rated health (aOR = 3.77, CI 2.55, 5.54), depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.53, CI 1.41, 2.05) and sleep problems (aOR = 2.29, CI 1.50, 3.47). They also reported higher ADL (aOR = 1.61, CI 1.11, 2.34) and IADL (aOR = 1.49, CI 1.07, 2.07) limitations. Cancer survivors who had their cancer diagnosis in the past 2 years or a cancer-related treatment in the past 2 years have significantly higher odds of poor health status than middle-aged and older adults without a cancer history. CONCLUSION: Middle-aged and older cancer survivors, particularly those who underwent cancer diagnosis or treatment in the past 2 years, are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing poor self-reported health and other health challenges, suggesting the need for an integrated healthcare approach.

Association of back pain with major depressive disorder among older adults in six low- and middle-income countries: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and decreased quality of life. In this study, we examined the association between back pain and major depressive disorder (MDD) in six low- and middle-income countries. We also examined the association of back pain duration and severity with MDD among middle-aged and older adults in these countries. METHODS: Nationally representative data from the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (WHO-SAGE) consisting of 33,878 middle-aged and older adults aged 50 years or above were analysed. The linkages of back pain, pain duration and severity with MDD were examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Across six countries, the prevalence of MDD was higher among middle-aged and older adults who reported back pain than those who did not report back pain (14.5 % vs 4.5 %). In the pooled data, middle-aged and older adults who suffered from back pain had higher odds of depression [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.41, confidence interval (CI): 2.19-2.64] compared to those with no back pain. Particularly, the association was stronger in Ghana [aOR: 4.78] and South Africa [aOR: 2.42]. Further, the association was stronger for those who experienced back pain for >2 weeks as well as those who reported severe and extreme back pain than those with no back pain across all the countries. CONCLUSION: In this study, the association of back pain and its duration and severity with MDD is consistent and significant among middle-aged and older adults in six countries. Government policies should consider the role of back pain in improving the mental health of middle-aged and older adults.

Sub-national patterns and correlates of depression among adults aged 45 years and older: findings from wave 1 of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a major public health challenge linked with several poor health outcomes and disabilities among adults aged 45 years and older in India. We aimed to describe the prevalence of depression and its association with a variety of sociodemographic correlates and co-existing health conditions for this age group in India and its states. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, data from wave 1 (baseline) of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India were used to estimate the national and subnational state level age-standardised prevalence of depression-major depressive episodes-using the internationally validated Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF) scale. Hierarchical mixed effect multivariate logistic regression models were used to study the sociodemographic correlates and co-existing health conditions of major depressive episodes among the nationally representative sample of 72 250 adults aged 45 years and older from 35 states or union territories (except the state of Sikkim). Associations between depression and self-rated health, co-morbid conditions, functional health, and life satisfaction measures were also examined. FINDINGS: A total of 40 335 (58·3%) females and 29 407 (41·7%) males aged 45 to 116 years (median age 58 years) participated. The overall age-standardised prevalence of depression based on CIDI-SF scale was 5·7% (95% CI 5·5-5·8) compared with 0·5% (0·5-0·6) self-reported prevalence of depression among adults aged 45 years and older in India. Wide sub-national variations were seen in depression prevalence, ranging from 0·8% (95% CI 0·3-1·3) in Mizoram state to 12·9% (11·6-14·2) in Madhya Pradesh. Prevalence was higher in females (6·3% [95% CI 6·1-6·6] vs 4·3% [4·1-4·6]) for India, and this higher prevalence was more pronounced in some of the northern states. The risk of depression was higher in those residing in rural areas, widowed, with no or low education, and in the poorest quintile. Depression showed a strong positive association with poor self-rated health (OR 2·39 [95% CI 2·21-2·59]; p<0·0001), with one or more limitations in the activities of daily living (ADL; OR 1·60 [1·46-1·75]; p<0·0001), instrumental ADL limitations (OR 1·51 [1·40-1·64]; p<0·0001), and low cognitive judgment of life satisfaction (OR 1·94 [95% CI 1·78-2·10]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Despite the substantial burden, depression remains undiagnosed and strongly linked with poor health and wellbeing outcomes in adults aged 45 years and older in India. The ageing population of India and the subnational variations amplify the implications of this new evidence to address the substantial gaps in prevention and treatment of depression. FUNDING: LASI was funded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the National Institute of Ageing, USA and the United Nations Population Fund, India.

Association between food insecurity and perceived stress among older adults (50+) in six low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assess the relationship between food insecurity andperceived stress among older adults (50+) in six low- and middle-income countries of China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and, South Africa. METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative analysis was conducted using nationally representative data from the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health survey. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses examine if food insecurity was associated with perceived stress. We also examined the mediating role of health conditions on the association between food insecurity and perceived stress. RESULTS: Across countries, the mean perceived stress score was higher among the older population with food insecurity. Regression analysis showed significant and positive association between food insecurity and perceived stress. Findings from the pooled data of six countries showed, older adults who experienced severe food insecurity (ß = 4.05, p < .001) had higher perceived stress scores. The association was statistically significant in India, Russia, South Africa, and Ghana. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity showed significant adverse impact on perceived stress among the older population in low- and middle-income countries. Policy measures to reduce household food insecurity are important for improving both mental and physical health conditions of the growing older population in low- and middle-income countries.

Gender differences in self-reported sleep problems among older adults in six middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study.

This study examines gender differences in sleep problems among older adults in India, China, Ghana, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. We used data on 33,929 individuals (50+ years) from the WHO-SAGE. Results showed significant gender differences in the prevalence of sleep problems with the largest difference in Russia followed by India. Regression results showed higher odds of sleep problems among women in India, China, Russia, and South Africa. Age, low back pain, depression, and poor self-rated health were significantly associated with sleep problems. This research confirms significant gender differences in sleep problems among the older population in middle-income countries.

Multimorbidity as a Risk Factor of Elder Abuse/Mistreatment in India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, elder abuse/mistreatment is a common form of violence against the elderly. This study examines the association between multimorbidity and abuse/mistreatment among the elderly population (60+) in India. Cross-sectional data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s "Building Knowledge Base on Population Aging in India" (BKPAI, 2011) was analyzed. We generated a multimorbidity variable by combining 20 self-reported diagnosed chronic diseases. Bivariate analysis was used to understand the sample distribution and prevalence estimation of elder abuse/mistreatment by multimorbidity and state. Furthermore, multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was used to examine the association between multimorbidity and elder abuse/mistreatment. The overall prevalence of elder abuse/mistreatment in the study population is 11.4%. The prevalence of elder abuse/mistreatment among elderly with no chronic diseases is 6.01% which increases to 22.7% among elderly with four or more chronic diseases. Furthermore, the result from the multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression showed a close association between multimorbidity and elder abuse. Elderly with two, three, and four or more chronic diseases are 3.02 (CI = 2.33, 3.91, p < .000), 4.16 (CI = 3.02, 5.74, p < .000), and 5.06 (CI = 3.50, 7.31, p <.000) times more likely to experience abuse/mistreatment than elderly with no chronic diseases, respectively. In specific, this association is stronger for the elderly population residing in the urban areas. Furthermore, economic status and educational attainment have a protective role in determining elder abuse/mistreatment in India. In conclusion, multimorbidity has emerged as a significant risk factor of elder abuse/mistreatment in India. Measures to prevent elder abuse should consider the role of multimorbidity.

Socioeconomic differences in handgrip strength and its association with measures of intrinsic capacity among older adults in six middle-income countries.

Handgrip strength, a measure of muscular strength is a powerful predictor of declines in intrinsic capacity, functional abilities, the onset of morbidity and mortality among older adults. This study documents socioeconomic (SES) differences in handgrip strength among older adults aged 50 years and over in six middle-income countries and investigates the association of handgrip strength with measures of intrinsic capacity-a composite of all the physical and mental capacities of an individual. Secondary data analysis of cross-sectional population-based data from six countries from the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 were conducted. Three-level linear hierarchical models examine the association of demographic, socioeconomic status and multimorbidity variables with handgrip strength. Regression-based Relative Index of Inequality (RII) examines socioeconomic inequalities in handgrip strength; and multilevel linear and logistic hierarchical regression models document the association between handgrip strength and five domains of intrinsic capacity: locomotion, psychological, cognitive capacity, vitality and sensory. Wealth quintiles are positively associated with handgrip strength among men across all countries except South Africa while the differences by education were notable for China and India. Work and nutritional status are positively associated with handgrip strength. Our findings provide new evidence of robust association between handgrip strength and other measures of intrinsic capacity and confirms that handgrip strength is a single most important measure of capacity among older persons.

Association of life course socioeconomic status and adult height with cognitive functioning of older adults in India and China.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive functioning is an important measure of intrinsic capacity. In this study, we examine the association of life course socioeconomic status (SES) and height with cognitive functioning among older adults (50+) in India and China. The age pattern of cognitive functioning with measures of life course socioeconomic status has also been examined. METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative analysis was conducted using the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) data for India and China. Multilevel mixed-effect linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of life course socioeconomic status and adult height with cognitive functioning. RESULTS: In both India and China, parental education as a measure of childhood socioeconomic status was positively associated with cognitive functioning. The association between adult socioeconomic status and cognitive functioning was positive and significant. Height was significantly and positively associated with improved cognitive functioning of older adults in India and China. Furthermore, the age-related decline in cognitive functioning score was higher among older adults whose parents had no schooling, particularly in China. The cognitive functioning score with age was much lower among less-educated older adults than those with higher levels of education in China. Wealthier older adults in India had higher cognitive functioning in middle ages, however, wealth differences narrowed with age. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a significant association of lifetime socioeconomic status and cumulative net nutrition on later-life cognitive functioning in middle-income settings.

Height and quality of life among older adults (50+) in India: a cross-sectional study.

Adult height is a summary measure of health and net nutrition in early childhood. This study examines the association between height and quality-of-life outcomes in older adults (50+) in India. Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) conducted in 2007 were analysed. The association between height and quality of life was assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression models. The mean WHO quality-of-life score (WHO-QoL) increased from 45.2 among the older adults in the lowest height quintile to 53.2 for those in the highest height quintile. However, the prevalence of self-rated poor quality of life declined from 16.4% in the lowest height quintile to 6.1% in the highest height quintile. In the fully adjusted regression model, height was found to be positively associated with quality-of-life outcomes among both men and women, independent of socioeconomic and physical health confounders. The association was particularly strong for women. Women in the highest height quintile had a 2.65 point higher WHO-QoL score than those in the lowest height quintile. Similarly, the likelihood of reporting a poor quality of life was lower among women in the highest height quintile. Furthermore, measures of economic status, handgrip strength, cognitive ability and poor self-rated health were significantly associated with WHO-QoL and self-rated poor quality of life. Overall, this study revealed a significant association between height and quality of life among older adults in India, suggesting a significant role of childhood circumstances in quality of life in later life.

The double burden of malnutrition among adults in India: evidence from the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16).

OBJECTIVES: India still faces the burden of undernutrition and communicable diseases, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity is steadily increasing. The discourse regarding the dual burden of underweight and overweight/obesity has not yet been widely explored in both men and women. The present study assessed the determinants of underweight and overweight/obesity in India among adult men and women aged 15-49. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional and nationally representative data from the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16), consisting of a sample of men and women, were analyzed. Stratified 2-stage sampling was used in the NFHS-4 study protocol. In the present study, bivariate and adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the correlates of underweight and overweight/obesity. RESULTS: The results suggested a persistently high prevalence of underweight coexisting with an increased prevalence of overweight/obesity in India. The risk of underweight was highest in the central and western regions and was also relatively high among those who used either smoking or smokeless tobacco. Overweight/obesity was more prevalent in urban areas, in the southern region, and among adults aged 35-49. Furthermore, level of education and wealth index were positively associated with overweight/obesity. More educated and wealthier adults were less likely to be underweight. CONCLUSIONS: In India, underweight has been prevalent, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity is increasing rapidly, particularly among men. The dual burden of underweight and overweight/obesity is alarming and needs to be considered; public health measures to address this situation must also be adopted through policy initiatives.

Socioeconomic patterns of underweight and its association with self-rated health, cognition and quality of life among older adults in India.

BACKGROUND: Underweight defined as body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 is associated with negative health and quality of life outcomes including mortality. Yet, little is known about the socioeconomic differentials in underweight and its association with health and well-being among older adults in India. This study examined the socioeconomic differentials in underweight among respondents aged ≥50 in India. Consequently, three outcomes of the association of underweight were studied. These are poor self-rated health, cognition and quality of life. METHODS: Cross-sectional data on 6,372 older adults derived from the first wave of the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a nationally representative survey conducted in six states of India during 2007-8, were used. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were applied to fulfil the objectives. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of underweight was 38 percent in the study population. Further, socioeconomic status showed a significant and negative association with underweight. The association of underweight with poor self-rated health (OR = 1.60; p < .001), cognition (ß = -0.95; p < .001) and quality of life (ß = -1.90; p < .001) were remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, place of residence, marital status, years of schooling, wealth quintile, sleep problems, chronic diseases, low back pain and state/province. CONCLUSION: The results indicated significant socioeconomic differentials in underweight and its association with poor self-rated health, cognition and quality of life outcomes. Interventions focussing on underweight older adults are important to enhance the overall wellbeing of the growing older population in India.

Age, socioeconomic patterns and regional variations in grip strength among older adults (50+) in India: Evidence from WHO's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE).

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength, measured as grip strength is a potential marker of bodily function and sarcopaenia. Yet, not much is known about its patterns and correlates among older population in India. This study assesses the age and socioeconomic patterns and state variations in grip strength among older adults (50+) in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional and nationally representative data from the first wave of WHO's Study on global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) -2007 (n = 6262) was used. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to understand the regional variations and association of socioeconomic status and general health with grip strength, adjusting for anthropometric and demographic confounders. RESULTS: Socioeconomic status has a significant association with grip strength. Moreover, the association between wealth quintile and grip strength was highly significant. Further, the socioeconomic differences in grip strength narrowed in older ages, especially among men, supporting the convergence of health inequality hypothesis. Notable differences were observed in grip strength across selected states of India. Poor self-rated health was negatively associated with grip strength. Edentulism in men was associated with reduced grip strength. CONCLUSION: This study has contributed to a better understanding of significant social and regional inequalities in grip strength among older population in India. State-specific and subgroup level interventions are important to improve the physical functioning of the growing older population in India.