Social and Housing Determinants of Dengue and Chikungunya in Indian Adults Aged 45 and Above: Analysis of a Nationally Representative Survey (2017-18)
Abstract BackgroundDengue and chikungunya (CHIKV) are the two major vector-borne diseases of serious public health concern in India. Studies on socio-economic and housing determinants of dengue and CHIKV at a pan-India level are lacking. Here, we took advantage of the recently carried out Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) carried across all the States and Union Territories of India to study the social determinants of dengue and CHIKV in India.MethodsLASI-1 (2017-2018) data on the self-reported period prevalence of dengue and CHIKV from 70,865 respondents aged ≥45 years were used for this analysis. The State-wise distribution of dengue and CHIKV was mapped. Prevalence was estimated for each study variable, and the difference was compared using the χ2 test. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of the socio-economic and housing variables for dengue and CHIKV were calculated using a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsUrban residence is the major socio-economic determinant of dengue and CHIKV (dengue: AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.17-2.10; CHIKV: AOR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.20-2.02). Wealth status (richest) and less than primary schooling are associated with dengue and CHIKV prevalence. In addition to these factors, social group (scheduled and forward castes) is also associated with CHIKV prevalence. Water-source outside the dwelling (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.96-1.50), pucca or semi- pucca house type are also associated with increased odds of CHIKV. ConclusionsDespite the limitation that the data is only from adults ≥ 45, this analysis provides important insights into the socio-economic and housing variables that increase the odds of dengue and CHIKV in India. Understanding these determinants may assist in the national planning of prevention and control strategies for dengue and CHIKV.