Socio-economic gradients in hypertension and diabetes management amid the COVID-19 pandemic in India

Toshiaki Aizawa

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-21

Abstract: This study examines socio-economic inequalities in the prevalence and treatment of hypertension and diabetes among adults in India, utilising data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disparities associated with individual demographic and socio-economic characteristics are measured, with the level of inequality quantified using the dissimilarity index and contributing factors analysed through decomposition analysis. The results reveal significant socio-economic gradients, with wealthier individuals more likely to have elevated blood pressure and blood glucose levels and to treat them. Socio-economic gradients in treatment are even steeper among middle-aged groups during the pandemic. These wealth- and education-related disparities become more pronounced with age. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to address socio-economic disparities in access to essential care for socio-economically disadvantaged populations.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0315867

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315867

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