Mid Sweden University

Background: Given the mortality and morbidity burden of the four major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in India, evidence on factors associated with seeking treatment is of great public health interest. Purpose: To examine factors associated with ever seeking treatment for India´s four major NCDs. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Usual residents aged 15–49 who self-reported cancer (n = 1 056), chronic respiratory disease (CRD) (n = 10 534), diabetes (n = 13 501), and/or heart disease (n = 5 861) during the fifth round of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5) were included. Survey-adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to model whether the respondents had ever sought treatment for their NCDs. Each disease was modelled separately. Independent variables were selected based on the Andersen-Newman conceptual framework for healthcare utilisation. Results were reported using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 3.9% of India´s 15–49-year-old population had ≥ 1 of the four major NCDs (0.1% cancer, 1.4% CRD, 2% diabetes, 0.8% heart disease). The percentage that had ever sought treatment for their condition(s) was 82%, 68%, 76%, and 74%, respectively. Greater age and having ≥ 1 of the NCDs were associated with greater odds of seeking treatment. People in the middle or lower wealth quintile had lower odds of ever seeking care than the wealthiest 20% for all conditions. Females with diabetes or CRD had greater odds of seeking care than men. Muslims, the unmarried, and individuals with health insurance had greater odds of seeking cancer treatment than Hindus, married and the uninsured. Conclusion: Less privileged individuals generally had lower odds of ever seeking treatment for the four major NCDs in India. The findings in the present study suggest that efforts toward reducing wealth-related inequities are particularly pressing