OBJECTIVES: Self-rated health (SRH) is a robust predictor of subsequent health and mortality. Although age, gender, and race differences in SRH have been explored, less work has examined ethnic differences, particularly in the US. DESIGN: The current study uses representative data from six Chicago communities to compare levels and determinants of fair-poor health for Blacks, Whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans (n=1311). RESULTS: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were at least three times more likely to report fair or poor health than Whites, while African-Americans were over twice as likely. In adjusted logistic regression models, only Mexicans remain significantly more likely to report fair-poor health than Whites (OR = 4.3, CI = 1.8-9.8). However, this effect disappears when controlling for acculturation. No variable predicted poor subjective health for all groups, though depression was associated with poor health for most. CONCLUSION: Together, these analyses suggest that the single item measure of SRH might not be appropriate for comparing health status across members of different race/ethnic groups. More research is needed to understand what factors influence how an individual perceives his or her health.
OBJECTIVES: Self-rated health (SRH) is a robust predictor of subsequent health and mortality. Although age, gender, and race differences in SRH have been explored, less work has examined ethnic differences, particularly in the US. DESIGN: The current study uses representative data from six Chicago communities to compare levels and determinants of fair-poor health for Blacks, Whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans (n=1311). RESULTS: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were at least three times more likely to report fair or poor health than Whites, while African-Americans were over twice as likely. In adjusted logistic regression models, only Mexicans remain significantly more likely to report fair-poor health than Whites (OR = 4.3, CI = 1.8-9.8). However, this effect disappears when controlling for acculturation. No variable predicted poor subjective health for all groups, though depression was associated with poor health for most. CONCLUSION: Together, these analyses suggest that the single item measure of SRH might not be appropriate for comparing health status across members of different race/ethnic groups. More research is needed to understand what factors influence how an individual perceives his or her health.
Authors: Ana P Martinez-Donate; Niko Verdecias; Xiao Zhang; Gonzalez-Fagoaga Jesús Eduardo; Ahmed A Asadi-Gonzalez; Sylvia Guendelman; Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes; Gudelia Rangel Journal: Med Care Date: 2020-05 Impact factor: 2.983
Authors: Nita Vangeepuram; Michelle A Ramos; Kezhen Fei; Ashley M Fox; Carol R Horowitz; Lawrence C Kleinman; Maida P Galvez Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2016-07
Authors: Janeth Juarez Padilla; Chelsea R Singleton; Cort A Pedersen; Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-22 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Jane E Gallagher; Adrien A Wilkie; Alissa Cordner; Edward E Hudgens; Andrew J Ghio; Rebecca J Birch; Timothy J Wade Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-07-26 Impact factor: 3.295