Epidemiology of self-rated health in rural China: a population-based cross-sectional study

Fangfang Liu,Yaqi Pan,Ruiping Xu,Tao Ning,Hong Cai,Xiang Li,Ying Liu,Mengfei Liu,Lixin Zhang,Zhonghu He,Dong Hang,Chaoting Zhang,Yongmei Liang,Qiuju Deng,Chuanhai Guo,Yang Ke,Jingjing Li

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-04381-6

Fangfang Liu, Yaqi Pan + Show 15 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-04381-6

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Abstract

Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a good predictor of mortality. Data on SRH and its associated factors in the Chinese general population are limited. This study aims to assess the epidemiology of SRH in rural Anyang, China. SRH (categorized as “healthy”, “fair” or “unhealthy”) was measured in a population-based study of 2,814 adults (including 697 couples) aged 25 to 69 who were recruited from rural Anyang in 2014. Of 2,814 subjects, 63.1% rated their health as “healthy”, whereas 28.1% and 8.8% rated their health as “fair” and “unhealthy”. Compared to males, females had a higher likelihood of reporting a better SRH. Health ratings declined with increasing age, unmarried status, lower education levels. Poor SRH was positively correlated with medical history as well as high levels of fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol, but not with unhealthy lifestyle indicators including smoking, drinking, and obesity. High household income was predictive of better SRH in men but not in women. Among couples, a positive spousal SRH concordance was observed, although the strength of this concordance was low. These findings will be useful for formulation of appropriate strategies for improving risk perception and promoting general health in economically developing regions.

Highlights

Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a good predictor of mortality
The association with SRH increased significantly with the abnormal levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (P value for trend = 0.019) and was markedly elevated among individuals with a high level of FPG (Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) = 2.11, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 1.31–3.40, FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L vs. FPG < 6.1 mmol/L)
Poor SRH was positively correlated with disease status and abnormality of some clinical parameters but not with presence of unhealthy lifestyle indicators including smoking, drinking, and obesity

Summary

Introduction

Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a good predictor of mortality. Data on SRH and its associated factors in the Chinese general population are limited. A positive spousal SRH concordance was observed, the strength of this concordance was low These findings will be useful for formulation of appropriate strategies for improving risk perception and promoting general health in economically developing regions. The presence or absence of SRH correlation and the degree of SRH concordance in couples remains unclear To overcome these limitations and fill important research gaps, this population-based cross-sectional study seeks to (1) investigate the distribution of SRH and its determinants including socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral factors, physical status and clinical measurements in rural China, and (2) assess the correlation and concordance of spousal SRH in this population

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