Research | Centre for Wellbeing and Happiness (CRWBH)

Understanding Subjective Perceptions of Health among Older Adults (45 years and above) in Rural Maharashtra

Abstract: The study examines the way adults aged 45 years and above understand and describe health in their everyday lives, with particular attention to their perceptions of being healthy and unhealthy, experiences of changes in health with age, practices used to maintain health, and responses to illness and healthcare needs. To understand this phenomenon, a formative qualitative study was conducted in Lavale village, Pune district, Maharashtra, between March and August 2026. Data were collected from 20 participants aged 45 years and above through in-depth interviews and observations of their everyday life. Interviews were conducted in Marathi or Hindi and data was then analysed thematically to identify recurring meanings, experiences, practices, and explanations related to health and illness. Participants described health as a multidimensional experience that extended beyond the absence of disease. Being healthy was commonly associated with the ability to perform routine activities, remain physically active, and fulfil household and social responsibilities. Health was commonly maintained through dietary choices, physical activity, work, rest, cleanliness, and other locally understood preventive practices. The findings show that subjective understandings of health among adults in rural Maharashtra are embedded in everyday functioning, ageing, social responsibilities, and culturally informed interpretations of health.

Principal Investigator - Prof. Sunil Rajpal, Director, CRWBH, FLAME University
External Advisor: Prof. Mala Ramanathan, Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, SCTIMST
Status - Ongoing

India Wellbeing Insights

India Wellbeing Insights is the flagship project of CRWBH that aims to generate empirical evidence on subjective wellbeing aspects for India, mainly utilizing secondary data sources. The first phase of the project is envisaged to provide comprehensive insights on wellbeing among older adults and elderly in India, drawing upon data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017-19) (LASI). The key focus of the first phase is to gauge the available evidence on socioeconomic characteristics, health profile, and subjective wellbeing measures for elderly (oldest old, centenarians) across Indian states and other population sub-groups. The initiative aims to deepen the understanding of subjective wellbeing in India by examining variations across demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as age, gender, caste, education, and rural-urban distinctions, marking a significant step in wellbeing research in the country.

Principal Investigator - Dr. Sunil Rajpal, Director, CRWBH, FLAME University
Status - Ongoing

Wellbeing Implications of Banning Certain Antimicrobial Drug Uses for Growth Promotion and Disease Prevention in Livestock and Poultry - Experimental Economics

This study utilizes experimental economics to examine the societal impact of banning antimicrobial drugs in livestock and poultry for growth promotion and disease prevention. The World Health Organization has highlighted antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a significant global health threat, largely driven by the extensive use of antibiotics in humans and animals. By analyzing consumer behavior and perceived wellbeing, this research aims to understand the causal effects of such bans. It provides insights into how reduced antibiotic use influences public health and economic decisions, helping policymakers evaluate the broader implications of implementing stricter regulations on antimicrobial usage in the food industry.

Principal Investigator - Dr. Anubrata Deka, CRWBH, FLAME University
Status - Ongoing

Returns on Investments from Primary Healthcare in India

Primary healthcare is the cornerstone of a strong health system. It is crucial for preventive care, early detection, and managing common ailments. Investments in primary healthcare is essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite progress in this area, India continues to face a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, underscoring the need to strengthen primary care services. Against this background, this study aims to quantify the health and economic benefits derived from primary healthcare investments and to inform strategic decisions for future investments.

Principal Investigator - Dr. Abhishek Kumar, CRWBH, FLAME University
Funding Organizaton - Health Systems Transformation Platform, New Delhi, India
Status - Ongoing

Reducing Neonatal, Infant and Child Mortality: Malnutrition and Morbidity in Vulnerable Urban Slums of Kolkata – An Impact Evaluation

In collaboration with the Child in Need Institute (CINI), this project addresses maternal and child health in Kolkata slums. It targets high-risk pregnancies, inadequate antenatal care, and malnutrition over two years. Key interventions include early pregnancy registration, high-risk pregnancy management, nutrition counseling, and promoting institutional deliveries. The centre is working on the project’s impact evaluation which shows significant improvements in antenatal care, breastfeeding practices, and nutritional health, guiding future health initiatives in urban slum settings.

Co-Principal Investigator - Dr. Sunil Rajpal, Director, CRWBH, FLAME University
Funding Organizaton - Child in Need Institute, Kolkata, India
Status - Completed