Multilevel analysis of covariation in socioeconomic predictors of physical functioning and psychological well-being among older people in rural Vietnam

Abstract

BackgroundThere remains a lack of research on co-variation of multiple health outcomes and their socio-economic co-patterning, especially among the elderly. This papers aims to 1) examine the effects of different socio-economic factors on physical functioning and psychological well-being among older adults in a rural community in northern Vietnam; and 2) investigate the extent to which the two outcomes variables co-vary within individuals.MethodsWe analyzed the data from the WHO/INDEPTH study on global ageing and adult health conducted on 8535 people aged 50 years old and over in Bavi district of Vietnam in 2006. A multivariate response model was constructed to answer our research questions. The model treats the individual as a level two unit and the multiple measurements observed within an individual as a level one unit.ResultsLower physical functioning and psychological well-being were found in 1) women; 2) older people; 3) people with lower education level; 4) people who were currently single; 5) respondents from poorer household; and 6) mountainous dwellers compared to that in those of other category(ies) of the same variable. Socioeconomic factors accounted for about 24% and 7% of variation in physical functioning and psychological well-being scores, respectively. The adjusted correlation coefficient (0.35) indicates that physical functioning and psychological well-being did not strongly co-vary.ConclusionsThe present study shows that there exist problems of inequality in health among older adults in the study setting. This finding highlights the importance of analyzing multiple dimensions of health status simultaneously in inequality investigations.

Multimorbidity and its social determinants among older people in southern provinces, Vietnam

“…Multimorbidity was significantly less common among literate people even adjusting for other variables showing that it is an independent factor and one that would be important to target in the preventative space. Studies conducted in Northern Vietnam [ 5 , 7 , 24 ] and other developing countries [ 16 , 21 ] indicated that people with better education have less risk of chronic diseases. Education empowers an individual with knowledge and skill thus educated people can be more able to access health promotion information, and adopt healthy lifestyle [ 25 ].…”

Gender differences in functional disability and self-care among seniors in Bangladesh

“…Research on gender differences in health and disability are of considerable interest to researchers and policy makers, and a number of studies have been conducted on these issues in different settings [11, 14–20]. Previous studies found several socio-demographic variables, including gender, that are associated with disability [11, 12, 14, 20–27].…”

“…Previous studies found several socio-demographic variables, including gender, that are associated with disability [11, 12, 14, 20–27]. Older adults with multiple chronic diseases, poor self-assessed health conditions, and who practice sedentary life styles had high prevalence of functional disability [28].…”

Emerging, transitory or residual? One-person households in Viet Nam

“…16 Hoang et al (2010) document, for instance, how living alone may jeopardize both the physical and the psychological situations of the elderly after controlling for the effect of other socioeconomic and demographic factors. Poverty is indeed more frequent among elder women living alone (World Bank 2011).…”