Socio-economic Inequalities in Cardiovascular and Diabetes Treatment in India
Author Information
Author(s): Krishna D. Rao, Aarushi Bhatnagar, Adrianna Murphy
Primary Institution: Public Health Foundation of India
Hypothesis
This study examines socio-economic differences in self-reported morbidity due to CVD and diabetes, where people seek care, and how they finance hospital treatment.
Conclusion
Households, particularly the poor, face considerable financial strain in treating CVD and diabetes, highlighting the need for better health policies and insurance coverage.
Supporting Evidence
- 12% of adults reported having CVD and 6% reported having diabetes.
- Out-of-pocket payments for CVD treatment claimed 30% of annual household expenditures.
- Most CVD and diabetes treatment was sought in the private sector, but the poor relied more on public hospitals.
- Households financed treatment through savings, borrowing, and asset sales, with poorer households relying more on borrowing.
Takeaway
This study shows that people with heart disease and diabetes in India often struggle to pay for their hospital treatment, especially those who are poor.
Methodology
Data were taken from the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) 60th round on ‘Morbidity and Health Care’ conducted between January and June 2004, analyzing information from hospitalized individuals.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting bias may be larger among poorer economic groups, affecting observed socio-economic differences in health expenditures.
Limitations
The study relies on self-reported conditions, which may not represent true prevalence, and does not include asymptomatic patients.
Participant Demographics
Participants were middle-aged, included equal proportions of males and females, mostly married, with varying levels of education, and tended to be from rural areas.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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