Association of Self-reported Depressed Mood and Alcohol or Tobacco Use Among Older Adults in India: A Study Based on Longitudinal Aging Study India Wave-1

Abstract

Background: Little information exists about the association between alcohol and tobacco use and self-reported depressed mood, such as feeling sad, blue, or depressed days (SBDD), among older adults in India Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between alcohol and tobacco use and self-reported depressed mood with SBDD among older adults in India. Methods: This study uses the Longitudinal Aging Study India (LASI) Wave 1 dataset of 10,487 respondents identified with self-reported mood disorders with SBDD. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate models were performed. Results: In total, 19.7% of persons above 45 years of age experienced SBDD for 2 weeks during the last 12 months. Compared to nonusers, those who used tobacco or alcohol reported higher symptoms of SBDD. Several factors related to alcohol (e.g., illicit alcohol) and tobacco (e.g., smokeless tobacco) indicate a statistically significant association with the prevalence of prolonged sadness or depression. Conclusion: Analysis of LASI Wave 1 shows that lifestyle choices such as alcohol and tobacco use play a role in the burden and association of negative emotions such as SBDD among older adults in India.