AUTHOR=Brar Vikramjit , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Terry Amanda , Thind Amardeep 

TITLE=Predictors of Multimorbidity (Defined as Diabetes + Hypertension) Amongst Males Aged 15–54 in India: An Urban/Rural Split Analysis

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 69 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2024.1606660

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2024.1606660

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objectives: This study aimed to determine which sociodemographic and lifestyle factors may act as predictors of multimorbidity (defined as diabetes + hypertension) amongst males aged 15-54 within urban and rural areas of India.Methods: Data from the latest 2019-2021 India NFHS-5 survey was utilized. Presumed cases of multimorbidity were defined as males who had DM + HTN. A total of 22,411 males in urban areas and 66,768 rural males were analyzed using mixed-effect multi-level binary logistic regression models.Results: Various predictors were found to have a statistically significant association to multimorbidity. Urban areas: Age, region of residence, wealth, religion, occupation, and BMI. Rural areas: Age, education, region of residence, wealth, occupation, caste, BMI, alcohol consumption, media exposure, and tobacco consumption.Departing from the broad operational definitions often studied within literature, this study provided insight into one of the most prevalent specific multimorbidities across India. The urban/rural split analyses revealed substantial differences in high-risk characteristics across both areas, which have commonly been overlooked. These findings may better inform policymakers and assist in effectively reducing multimorbidity-related burden through area-specific preventative programs.