Rural-Urban Differentials in Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (Ncds) and Its Contextual Determinants in India: A Secondary Data Analysis of the 75th round of Nsso (2017-18)

Diksha Chettri, Research scholar
Dipika Subba, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University

The rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural areas is becoming a significant public health concern. Traditionally associated with urban settings, NCDs are increasingly prevalent in rural regions highlighting a shift in disease patterns. In light of this, the present study examines rural-urban differentials in NCD prevalence and identifies their determinants. Using data from the 75th round of the National Sample Survey Office (2017- 2018), the findings reveal significant variations in NCD prevalence between rural and urban areas. Distinct disease patterns emerge, with respiratory, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal diseases being more common in rural areas, while cardiovascular and endocrine diseases are more prevalent in urban regions. Additionally, regional variations are notable, with populations in the Eastern and Western regions being 1.50 and 1.23 times more likely, respectively, to be affected by NCDs compared to those in the Northern region. The estimated odds ratios further indicate similar factors, such as advanced age, female gender, higher education, affluence, and belonging to upper-caste groups, contribute to the occurrence of NCDs in both rural and urban areas. These finding highlights the need for targeted public health interventions that address socio-economic and gender-specific factors, while also tailoring regional strategies to the distinct disease patterns observed.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Big data, Multi-level modeling , Spatial Demography

See extended abstract.