Trends in Inequalities in Health, Risk and Preventive Behaviour among the Advanced-Age Population in Austria: 1983-2007

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough a number of previous research studies have focused on the long-term analysis of the health and health behaviour of the elderly, there is still a shortage of information in relation to the long-term trends regarding health or risk and preventive behaviour in the elderly population taking into account gender differences and differences in educational level.MethodsThe database comprised subsamples of the Austrian Micro-Census, including individuals aged 65 years and older, for the years 1983, 1991, 1999, and subsamples of the ATHIS (Austrian Health Interview Survey) 2007. A trend analysis was conducted for four health-related variables with the year of the survey and education as predictors. The analysis was stratified by sex.ResultsWe found a general trend towards better self-rated health, better preventive and less risk behaviour among the elderly, while the body mass index has been increasing over the years. There are indeed gender differences regarding the trend in smoking behaviour. While the prevalence of male smoking has been steadily decreasing, female smoking prevalence has not changed. At all points in time, individuals with higher education had significantly better self-rated health than those with lower education but the association between education and preventive behaviour significantly decreased over the years.ConclusionWe agree with previous research in concluding that preventive action and health promotion should aim in particular to support older women and men with lower education.

Gesundheitsverhaltensmuster der Wiener Bevölkerung

“…In aktuelleren Arbeiten mit österreichischen Daten ist das Gesundheitsverhalten eindimensional oder enumerativ thematisiert worden (Burkert et al 2012;Klimont 2016;Muckenhuber et al 2014Muckenhuber et al , 2015Walther et al 2014;Brunner-Ziegler et al 2013), während multiple Betrachtungen weitgehend fehlen (Dorner et al 2013). Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, das Gesundheitsverhalten am Beispiel der Wiener Bevölkerung multidimensional zu betrachten.…”

The Ecological Effect of Village and Biopsychosocial Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Elderly in Surakarta, Central Java

“…The higher level of education of a person is expected to be better health behavior. This was studied by Muckenhuber et al (2014) in Austria in the elderly more than 65 years old using baseline data from micro census in the country which obtained the result that the elderly with higher education had significantly better self-health. A study by Li et al (2014) found that education (bachelor level or higher) is one of the variables that influence the management of personal health in the elderly.…”