Non-communicable disease comorbidities (NCDCs) among youth in South Africa: the causal contribution of not being in school or work and other socioeconomic characteristics

Aim The purpose of this study is to examine the causal factors associated with non-communicable disease comorbidity (NCDC) development among youth in South Africa. Subject and methods Data are from the South African National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS) in 2007 and 2017. In 2007, 1103 youths had one NCD and 297 had developed NCDC by 2017. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of youth are controlled for, and frequency distributions are used to show the profile of youth with NCDCs. A logistic regression model showing odds ratios (OR) is fit to determine the causal factors. Results More females (55.06%) than males (41.07%) develop NCDC. Further, in 2017, 91.25% of youth who were not in school and not employed had NCDC. The likelihood of NCDC progression is higher for those not in education and not employed (OR: 1.455, CI: 1.256079–1.692377), females (OR: 1.343; CI: 0.843291–1.503960), and youth with no medical aid or insurance (OR: 1.245, CI: 1.013948–1.502166). Conclusion The results of this study highlight social inequalities that need to be addressed in order for youth who are already diagnosed with one NCD to prevent further disease development. Policies and programmes engaged in the National Health Insurance debate should be aware that through non-medical responses, the potential strain of NCDCs on the system could be prevented.