Gender Differences and Widowhood Status: Effects on Days Spent in Poor Health: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey in India

Illias Sheikh, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Babul Hossain, Luxembourg institute of Health

This study examines the relationship between widowhood and days spent in poor health among adults in India, with a particular focus on gender differences. Utilizing nationally representative data from the 75th round (2017–2018) of the National Sample Survey (NSS), the research employed a negative binomial regression model to analyze the impact of marital status (married vs. widowed) on days spent in poor health. The interaction between age and widowhood was also assessed separately for men and women. Findings reveal that widowed individuals experience significantly more days of illness, restricted activity, and bed confinement compared to their married counterparts. Specifically, widowed women were found to spend more days with limited activity (IRR = 1.141, 95% CI = 1.01–1.29). The analysis also indicated that older widowed women, unlike their male counterparts, faced a greater likelihood of restricted activity and bed confinement. These results highlight the pressing need for targeted public health policies and programs to improve the health and well-being of widowed women in India, especially those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Health and Morbidity, Mortality and Longevity

See paper.