Factors Related to Self-Reported Health Status in Low Income Midlife Women

Abstract

Transition throughout midlife can affect women's perception of their health status. Multiple factors are potentially related to self-reported health status (SRHS), but it was not clear what factors are related to SRHS for midlife women, especially those with low income. This study examined factors related to SRHS in low income midlife women over time. A multi-step linear regression of longitudinal Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) data (n = 310) from July 2000 through November 2006 was used. Participants completed SRHS at initial (baseline) enrollment into MMC (T1), with a second assessment completed 11 to 23 months later for those retaining MMC eligibility (T2). Results indicated that disability and number of medical conditions were the factors most related to SRHS. SRHS scores differed significantly between non-disabled and disabled women. For disabled women, SRHS improved significantly between T1 and T2 (p < .001), but not for non-disabled women. Those with lower SRHS scores used community agencies more often. Further studies of SRHS and health-related factors are needed as SRHS is frequently an indicator of population health. Greater evidenced-based knowledge of SRHS in midlife women will inform preventive interventions for this population.

Racial-ethnic disparities in self-reported health status among US adults adjusted for sociodemographics and multimorbidities, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014

“…A recent study found reduced odds of discrepancy between reported health status and actual health with an increase in age (Loprinzi, 2015) and stability in health-related quality of life among older adults (Modig, Virtanen, Ahlbom, & Agahi, 2016). Previous studies reported women to fare worse than men in self-reported health (Banerjee et al, 2010;Barry Hultquist, Laux Kaiser, & Rajaram, 2015;Hosseinpoor et al, 2012), however, in our study, after adjusting for other factors, women were less likely to perceive moderate health status than excellent/very good health status. Improvements in functional problems (daily activities) among women have been recently studied (Modig et al, 2016), however, it is not clear which factors are related to improved self-perception of health among women in our study.…”

Personal Perception of Health in Urban Women of Low Socioeconomic Status: A Qualitative Study

“…Supporting literature shows that those with a decreased self-perception of health had a greater number of medical conditions. 11 Women in our study were consistent with these findings, as those who perceived themselves as not healthy had the greatest number of comorbidities. Further, these conditions especially burdened the not healthy women, making them feel defined by their illnesses.…”

“…Interventions that incorporate and build on women’s personal perceptions of health can potentially empower and improve women’s success in changing health behaviors. Those with a lower self-related perception of health use community agencies more frequently, 11 emphasizing the importance of agencies (such as FQHCs) in positively impacting a patient’s personal outlook on health.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] Self-perception of health is an important factor associated with patient outcomes, including quality of life, mental health, and physical health. [8][9][10][11] Chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease contribute to a lower self-perception of health compared to those without chronic conditions. 8,9,12 Economic status is associated with perception of health, with a greater income linked to a higher self-perception of health.…”

“…13 Many studies have explored self-perception of health, associated health outcomes, and health promoting behaviors in different populations. [8][9][10][11][12][13] However, there is a gap in the literature regarding this experience specifically in women of low SES. It is important to explore this experience in order to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in this population.…”