Socio-economic gradients in hypertension and diabetes management amid the COVID-19 pandemic in India

Abstract

This study examines socio-economic inequalities in the prevalence and treatment of hypertension and diabetes among adults in India, utilising data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disparities associated with individual demographic and socio-economic characteristics are measured, with the level of inequality quantified using the dissimilarity index and contributing factors analysed through decomposition analysis. The results reveal significant socio-economic gradients, with wealthier individuals more likely to have elevated blood pressure and blood glucose levels and to treat them. Socio-economic gradients in treatment are even steeper among middle-aged groups during the pandemic. These wealth- and education-related disparities become more pronounced with age. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to address socio-economic disparities in access to essential care for socio-economically disadvantaged populations.