M Shields1, S Shooshtari. 1. Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6. shiemar@statcan.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This article examines determinants of self-perceived health. Factors associated with very good/excellent rather than good health are compared with those associated with fair/poor rather than good health. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the household cross-sectional and longitudinal components of the first three cycles (1994/95, 1996/97 and 1998/99) of Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey (NPHS). ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Cross-tabulations from the 1998/99 NPHS cross-sectional file were used to estimate the prevalence of very good/excellent and fair/poor health by sex and age group. Based on the longitudinal file, predictors of health perceptions in 1998/99 were studied in a multivariate model using generalized logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: While physical conditions were strongly related to health perceptions, some lifestyle, socio-economic and psychosocial factors were also statistically significant. Heavy smoking, irregular exercise and overweight were associated with fair/poor health ratings. Unhealthy changes in lifestyle were associated with fair/poor rather than good health. Distress, low self-esteem and low socio-economic status were negatively associated with very good/excellent health.
OBJECTIVES: This article examines determinants of self-perceived health. Factors associated with very good/excellent rather than good health are compared with those associated with fair/poor rather than good health. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the household cross-sectional and longitudinal components of the first three cycles (1994/95, 1996/97 and 1998/99) of Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey (NPHS). ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Cross-tabulations from the 1998/99 NPHS cross-sectional file were used to estimate the prevalence of very good/excellent and fair/poor health by sex and age group. Based on the longitudinal file, predictors of health perceptions in 1998/99 were studied in a multivariate model using generalized logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: While physical conditions were strongly related to health perceptions, some lifestyle, socio-economic and psychosocial factors were also statistically significant. Heavy smoking, irregular exercise and overweight were associated with fair/poor health ratings. Unhealthy changes in lifestyle were associated with fair/poor rather than good health. Distress, low self-esteem and low socio-economic status were negatively associated with very good/excellent health.
Authors: N Emaus; C G Gjesdal; B Almås; M Christensen; A S Grimsgaard; G K R Berntsen; L Salomonsen; V Fønnebø Journal: Osteoporos Int Date: 2009-11-25 Impact factor: 4.507