Socio-Demographic Profiles and Determinants of Short-Term and Long-Term Multimorbidity among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in India: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

ANJNA KUMARI, Suresh Gyan Vihar University Jaipur

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions, is a growing public health issue in India. This study examines the socio-demographic patterns of short-term and long-term multimorbidity using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, and their implications for healthcare policy. A sample of 66,606 individuals aged 45 and above was analysed to compare the prevalence of these two types of multimorbidity across socio-demographic factors using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. The results showed that long-term multimorbidity was more prevalent among adults aged 60-74 (48.36%; p<0.001), women (57.41%), urban residents (45.53%), those with 10 or more years of education (23.25%), and the richest quintile (27.29%; p<0.001). In contrast, short-term multimorbidity was more common in rural populations (80.80%) and among individuals with no education (59.93%). Logistic regression indicated that adults aged 60-74 were 1.83 times more likely to have long-term multimorbidity, and urban residents were 1.84 times more likely to experience long-term multimorbidity compared to rural residents. Functional limitations were also strongly associated with both types of multimorbidity, with higher rates among those with long-term conditions. These findings highlight the need for healthcare policies that strengthen long-term care in urban areas and emphasize preventive care in rural settings.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population Ageing

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