Determinants of self-rated health among elderly patients with hypertension: a cross-sectional analysis based on the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The total number of elderly patients with hypertension in China has been increasing year by year, it is necessary to adopt simple and valid measures to evaluate the health status of elderly patients with hypertension to reduce the heavy burden faced by this group. Method This study is a cross-sectional analysis. Participants aged at least 65 years were included. Self-Rated Health (SRH) assessment of respondents was classified into two groups: participants who responded as “very good” and “good” were considered as having good SRH, and participants who answered as “average,” “poor,” and “very poor” were considered as having poor SRH. Chi-square tests were used to determine differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with SRH. Results The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that having a spouse, better economic status, exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, nighttime sleep of 7 to 9 hours, good living environment, interaction with friends, and hypertension with comorbidity such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, stroke or hyperlipidemia were influencing factors of SRH (P < .05). Another finding was that alcohol use significantly affected SRH (P < .05). Depression, anxiety, and community nursing services did not figure as determinants of health in this group. Conclusion The findings of this study provide evidence for the need to develop effective health promotion programs for the well-being of hypertensive patients.