Associations between self-rated health and health behaviour among older adults in Estonia: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesThe population of Estonia has one of the lowest life expectancies and health statuses in Europe. This is reflected in a lower perception of health among older adults. This study focuses on the role of health behaviour (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and nutrition) in self-rated health, accounting for sociodemographic characteristics, activity limitations and long-term illnesses as well as satisfaction with life of older Estonian men and women.DesignWe use representative cross-sectional data from Wave 4 of the Estonian Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, conducted mainly in 2011.ParticipantsFrequencies, χ2 tests and logistic regression models include respondents aged 50 years and older, with no upper age limit (n=6660).ResultsMen have 20% higher odds (CI 1.02 to 1.43) of poor self-rated health. Being of foreign origin (OR 1.48; CI 1.24 to 1.77), having a basic (2.50; CI 2.06 to 3.00) or secondary (1.71; CI 1.43 to 2.04) education, being retired (2.00; CI 1.65 to 2.44) or staying at home (1.49; CI 1.16 to 1.93) and having activity limitations (3.25; CI 2.77 to 3.80) or long-term illnesses (4.78; CI 4.08 to 5.60) are related to poor self-rated health. Never being involved in vigorous (2.30; CI 1.90 to 2.79) or moderate physical activity (1.41; CI 1.02 to 1.94), and consuming legumes and eggs less frequently (1.25; CI 1.08 to 1.45) is associated with poorer self-rated health. Lower satisfaction with life accounts for some of the variation (2.28; CI 1.92 to 2.71).ConclusionsThere is a strong cumulative effect of one’s previous life course on the self-rated health of older adults in Estonia, suggesting that public health policies have long-term consequences rather than immediate consequences. Health services supporting health behaviours and targeting vulnerable population groups with specific sociodemographic characteristics and health problems may influence self-rated health for some. Public health services emphasising social activities or psychological aspects may be most successful in improving self-rated health of older Estonians through satisfaction with life.

Correlates of Poor Self-Assessed Health Status among Socially Disadvantaged Populations in Poland

“…Self-rated health status was lower in men than women, which is similar to the results of a study performed in Estonia [23]. Estonian men have poorer self-rated health than women [23]. Previously published studies were not consistent, with some performed in the United Kingdom showing that women tend to rate their health lower than men [24][25][26], and others performed in countries of the former Soviet Union reporting better self-rated health for women [27], or else no gender differences [28].…”

“…Self-rated health status was lower in men than women, which is similar to the results of a study performed in Estonia [23]. Estonian men have poorer self-rated health than women [23].…”

Mode Equivalence of Health Indicators Between Data Collection Modes and Mixed-Mode Survey Designs in Population-Based Health Interview Surveys for Children and Adolescents: Methodological Study

“…Survey modes can differ in selection (different population groups prefer different modes) and measurement (different answers are given by the same person under different modes of administration), so these differences are confounded [ 42 ]. Additionally, health status and health behavior differ by sex, education, and other sociodemographic characteristics [ 43 , 44 ]. To eliminate the risk of confounding, we adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics by calculating adjusted prevalence rates using predictive margins [ 45 ] based on logistic or linear regression models with sociodemographic factors as covariates.…”

Mudanças de comportamentos relacionados à saúde como preditores de mudanças na autopercepção de saúde: estudo longitudinal (2011-2015)

“…A mudança negativa no consumo de frutas e hortaliças aumentou a incidência de APNS, e a manutenção do consumo regular associou-se à incidência de APPS, resultados que reforçam o que a literatura evidencia 7,30 . Segundo o Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira 16 , o estudo dos efeitos individuais dos nutrientes se torna insuficiente na relação entre alimentação e saúde, sendo considerados outros aspectos relevantes que influenciam a saúde e o bem-estar dos indivíduos, como questões de combinação e preparo dos alimentos, modos de comer e também dimensões culturais e sociais das práticas alimentares.…”