Exploring the Link between Occupation and Chronic Diseases in the Elderly: A Study from India

Krishna Dornalpalle

This study aims to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, and chronic lung diseases by occupation, health, and sociodemographic characteristics among older adults in India. Using cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI Wave-I, 2017–2018), the analysis focuses on adults aged 45 and above. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses, along with propensity score matching, are employed to understand the association between occupation and selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The findings reveal that NCD prevalence varies across occupational categories. Non-workers have the highest CVD prevalence at 33.79%, while Service, Craft, Plant, and Machine Workers have the lowest at 18%. Legislators, Professionals, and Clerks have the highest diabetes prevalence at 22.91%. Chronic lung diseases are most prevalent among Legislators, Professionals, and Clerks at 7.27%. After matching, Service/Craft/Plant and Machine Workers show a significant increase in CVD and chronic lung disease prevalence. Different occupational categorizations significantly increase the risk of selected NCDs among older Indian adults. The study highlights the need for policymakers and healthcare providers to address occupational health and labor laws through a multi-sectoral approach to mitigate the consequences of NCDs in India's elderly population.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population Ageing

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