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=69

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=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> This study aimed to determine which sociodemographic and lifestyle factors may act as predictors of multimorbidity (defined as diabetes + hypertension) amongst men aged 15–54 within urban and rural areas of India.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Data from the latest 2019–2021 India NFHS-5 survey were utilized. Presumed cases of multimorbidity were defined as men who had DM + HTN. A total of 22,411 men in urban areas and 66,768 rural men were analyzed using mixed-effect multi-level binary logistic regression models.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> 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.</p>