Factors Affecting the Self-Rated Health of the Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Self-rated health is rated as an important indicator of the older adults' health status, as it combines physical, cognitive, and emotional components as well as aspects related to satisfaction with life and well-being. Exploring factors associated with SRH is vital as it will help in promoting health of the older adults. Aim: Identify the factors affecting the self-rated health of the community dwelling older adults. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas affiliated to Mansoura city, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. From urban areas, 4 health centers out of 12 were selected. While from rural heath units, 4 villages out of 58 were selected. The study included a purposive sample of 300 older adults living in the community. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection; Sociodemographic and health related data structured interview questionnaire sheet, Functional Independence Measure Instrument, and Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living Scale. Results: Nearly half of the studied older adults' age ranged from 60 to less than 75 years with a mean age of 66.74 ± 6.21 years. Good was the most frequent self-rated health rating among the participated older adults. The mean total score in the good self-rated health group was 92.99 ± 5.32 points with respect to functional independence measure. The study participants' gender, residence, income, presence of chronic diseases, social support and functional status were significantly associated with self-rated health P ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Self-rated health is a good indicator of perceived health status of the community dwelling older adults. As well, good self-rated health was significantly associated with female gender, rural residence, high economic status, fewer chronic diseases, presence of social support and high level of functional status. Recommendation: Develop and implement a health intervention programs are needed to provide physical, emotional and social support to older adults living in the community.