This study, based on the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 (2017-2018), uncovers a significant association between multiple chronic conditions and depression among 65,562 older adults aged 45 years and above. It compares urban and rural settings in India, using nationally representative data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 (2017-2018). The authors meticulously analysed the data using Descriptive Statistics and the Logistic Regression technique to explore the association between depression and specific chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and bone-related conditions. The findings, which reveal a significantly higher depression prevalence among older adults with multiple chronic conditions, have the potential to revolutionise healthcare policies, particularly in the context of India's ageing population. The risk of depression increases as the number of morbidities rises, with stroke and neurological disorders showing the strongest association. Functional limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) further elevate the risk. The study also brings to light a distinct rural-urban disparity, with rural older adults bearing a higher burden of multimorbidity-related depression, possibly due to limited healthcare access and socioeconomic disadvantages. Additionally, individuals with lower education levels demonstrate a higher likelihood of depression. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated healthcare policies that address both physical and mental health, with a particular focus on rural populations. Targeted interventions, early screening programs, and improved healthcare accessibility can play a crucial role in mitigating the burden of depression among India's ageing population.
Multi-morbidity, Health care policies, Rural-urban population, Activities of Daily Living, Living arrangements, Community-based interventions
