Determinants of Gender Differences in Self-Rated Health Among Older Population

Lucky Singh,Rajesh Kumar Rai,Perianayagam Arokiasamy,Prashant Kumar Singh

doi:10.1177/2158244013487914

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine gender difference in self-rated health among older population in India. Data from the 60th round of National Sample Survey Organization on 34,831 older persons are used. The present study measured self-rated health categorized as “poor” and “good.” We used bivariate and binary logistic regression model to investigate differences and factors that best explain and predict the self-rated health among older persons. Results show that poor self-rated health was more common among women than men. Furthermore, the poor self-rated health was higher among Muslims, Scheduled Castes, and women residing in rural areas. Findings suggest a clear need for gender-sensitive health interventions.

Highlights

India, like other countries in Asia, is experiencing rapid demographic transition, which has resulted in an increasingly aging population (Chaudhury, 2004; Mujahid, 2006; United Nations Population Division, 2006)
75% of the older men and women were from rural areas
The self-rated health status of older persons has been used as a response variable in the present study

Summary

Introduction

Like other countries in Asia, is experiencing rapid demographic transition, which has resulted in an increasingly aging population (Chaudhury, 2004; Mujahid, 2006; United Nations Population Division, 2006). In 1961, the older population at age 60 and above was only 24 million; it increased to 43 million in 1981 and to 57 million in 1991. The 2001 census shows that the older population (age 60+) of India reached 77 million, and 100 million according to the 2011 census. The United Nations statistical projection indicates that the size of India’s population aged 60 and above is expected to increase to 117 million in 2015, 193 million in 2030, and further to 335 million in 2050. The proportion is likely to reach 13% of the population in 2030 and 20% in 2050 (United Nations Population Division, 2006)

Objectives

Results

Conclusion