Socioeconomic patterns of underweight and its association with self-rated health, cognition and quality of life among older adults in India.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Underweight defined as body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 is associated with negative health and quality of life outcomes including mortality. Yet, little is known about the socioeconomic differentials in underweight and its association with health and well-being among older adults in India. This study examined the socioeconomic differentials in underweight among respondents aged ≥50 in India. Consequently, three outcomes of the association of underweight were studied. These are poor self-rated health, cognition and quality of life.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on 6,372 older adults derived from the first wave of the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a nationally representative survey conducted in six states of India during 2007-8, were used. Bivaria

SUBMITTER: Selvamani Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5841798 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature