Socioeconomic patterning of chronic conditions and behavioral risk factors in rural South Asia: a multi-site cross-sectional study

Nandita Bhan (), Christopher Millett, S. V. Subramanian, Amit Dias, Dewan Alam, Joseph Williams and Preet K. Dhillon
Additional contact information
Nandita Bhan: Public Health Foundation of India
Christopher Millett: Public Health Foundation of India
S. V. Subramanian: Harvard University
Amit Dias: Goa Medical College and Sangath
Dewan Alam: York University
Joseph Williams: Voluntary Health Services
Preet K. Dhillon: Public Health Foundation of India

International Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 62, issue 9, No 8, 1019-1028

Abstract: Abstract Objectives Our aim was to examine relationships between markers of socioeconomic status and chronic disease risks in rural South Asia to understand the etiology of chronic diseases in the region and identify high-risk populations. Methods We examined data from 2271 adults in Chennai, Goa and Matlab sites of the Chronic Disease Risk Factor study in South Asia. We report age–sex adjusted odds ratios for risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, fruit–vegetable use and physical activity) and common chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, overweight, depression, impaired lung and vision) by education, occupation and wealth. Results Respondents with greater wealth and in non-manual professions were more likely to be overweight [OR = 2.48 (95% CI 1.8,3.38)] and have diabetes [OR = 1.88 (95% CI 1.02,3.5)]. Wealth and education were associated with higher fruit and vegetable [OR = 1.89 (95% CI 1.48,2.4)] consumption but lower physical activity [OR = 0.52 (95% CI 0.39,0.69)]. Non-manual workers reported lower tobacco and alcohol use, while wealthier respondents reported better vision and lung function. Conclusions Ongoing monitoring of inequalities in chronic disease risks is needed for planning and evaluating interventions to address the growing burden of chronic conditions.

Keywords: Chronic diseases; South Asia; Socioeconomic inequalities; Behavioral risk factors; Socioeconomic status (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-1019-9

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