Indigenous Health and Socioeconomic Status in India
Author Information
Author(s): Subramanian S. V, Smith George Davey, Subramanyam Malavika
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
The study investigates the inequalities in mortality and substance use between indigenous and non-indigenous groups in India, focusing on the role of socioeconomic status.
Conclusion
Indigenous groups in India were found to have excess mortality rates compared with non-indigenous groups, and a socioeconomic gradient within indigenous populations was also identified.
Supporting Evidence
- Indigenous groups experience excess mortality compared to non-indigenous groups, even after adjusting for economic standard of living.
- Indigenous peoples in the bottom quintile of the standard of living index have a significantly higher odds ratio for mortality compared to those in the top quintile.
- Indigenous groups are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol than non-indigenous groups.
Takeaway
Indigenous people in India are more likely to die young and use tobacco and alcohol than non-indigenous people, and their health is closely linked to their economic situation.
Methodology
The study used cross-sectional population-based data from the 1998–1999 Indian National Family Health Survey to analyze mortality and substance use.
Potential Biases
Potential under-reporting of deaths and socioeconomic status may lead to underestimation of health disparities.
Limitations
The study's mortality findings may be influenced by recall bias and under-reporting of deaths, particularly among indigenous populations.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on indigenous populations classified as scheduled tribes in India, which constitute about 8.2% of the total Indian population.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
1.13–1.30
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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