Determinants of self-rated general health among men and women 70 years or older in Sweden 2017

Abstract

Abstract Background Goal 3 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being at all ages is essential. But health and well-being still vary between different groups. The aim of this study was to find factors associated with self-rated health that can explain the differences among people 70 years or older in Sweden. Methods The study is based on a cross-sectional population survey conducted in five counties in Mid-Sweden in 2017. An age-specific questionnaire for persons 70 years or older was used. The response rate was 65% and the study population included 9 482 persons who answered all questions used in the study. Multivariate binomial logistic regression with outcome good or very good self-rated general health was used for the analysis. Results The overall prevalence of good or very good self-rated health was 54%. The factors with the strongest positive associations with good/very good self-rated health were: good appetite (OR: 4.48; 95% CI: 3.41-5.88) and physical activity (2.07; 1.87-2.2 9). The strongest negative associations were found for: need for help in everyday life (0.37; 0.24-0.57), troubled by loneliness once a week or more often (0.40; 0.34-0.47), obesity (0.55; 0.48-0.63), troubled by loneliness some times a month (0.59; 0.50-0.71), sedentary 10 hours/day or more (0.61; 0.52-0.72), and being patronized (0.65; 0.55-0.76). Other statistically significant positive factors were e.g. to have someone to confide in, participation in activities with others, trust in people in general, feeling safe in residential neighbourhood and access to personal support. Included in the analysis, but not statistically significant, were sex, country of birth and care of relatives. Conclusions Good self-rated health is more common among persons 70 years or older who have good appetite, are physically active and have good social relations. Key messages To promote good self-rated health in persons 70 years or older it is essential to enhance possibilities for social interaction and social support. Also promoting healthy lifestyle in form of physical activity and healthy eating habits is important.