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

Abstract

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 lifeandwell-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; Socio-demographic 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 healthrating 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 ofsocial 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.