Financial burden by chronic disease and its associated factors among aged (60+) living in India: An Evidence from 75th‐National Sample Survey (NSS)

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSome or more chronic diseases are directly associated with standard of living, socioeconomic status, behavioural, economic support from friends/relatives and loan or monetary generated through the sales of household items/goods. However, financial stability plays an important role in handling the cost of care during hospitalization, transportation and non‐medical expenses, and to avoid further chronic conditions. These costs of care during hospitalization are key contributors among aged (60+) people living in India, especially for those who have no support from other family members or relatives. These monetary costs also vary across various social groups (castes). This study has done to understand the monetary burden due to chronic disease among aged (60+) and its associated factors in India.MethodThis study has utilized social consumption and health data from National Sample Survey, 75th round (2017‐18). The average expenditure per hospitalization case (in‐patient) due to chronic disease in aged (60+) were estimated. Generalised Linear regression modeling (GLRM) was done to understand effect of exposure variables (social group, education, household‐expenditure quintile, major source of finance, nature of treatment) on in‐patient expenses incurred on chronic disease.ResultThis study found that around 61 percent married older people were suffering from chronic morbidity in India. Around 43 percent illiterate older people suffered from any chronic diseases, which was the highest compared to highly educated elderly. The results confirm the significantly higher in‐patient expenses among the people having higher level of education [β = 1.26] compared to lower education. Also, the people belonging to Other backward caste bear significantly higher expenses compared to SC.ConclusionIndian aged (60+) are facing high out of pocket expenses on hospitalization due to chronic disease among. Such costs not only create financial problem but also may affect expenses on other health condition or diseases. Insurance coverage was found very weak in India, especially in rural part, and in people with low education level. Policy makers should focus on such schemes on priority basis to ensure active and health ageing in India.