Factors Influencing the Perception and its Impact on Self-rated Health: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Objectives: A cross-sectional survey was made on self-rated health, which is a simple and easy-to-administer measure of general health. It is a valid and reliable measure among those without cognitive impairment. Initially, it replaced clinical assessments in survey research and clinical settings. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey and the study was conducted in a community-based online survey of 6-month duration. Psychologically ill patients, pregnant women, and pediatrics were excluded from this study. The sample size was set to be >800, and the collected data were 806. The data was procured from every willing individual in the age group of 18-60 years old. To identify the similarity and variances in their responses, they were correlated with the health rating of the responders. The physicians at RDT Hospital, Bathalapalli, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh Prepared and validated the data collection form. Results: This study was evaluated to check the impact of health literacy on one’s health. All the factors were included and taken into consideration while framing the questionnaire. The parameters and the respondent’s answers were compared and correlated they were assessed by two-tailed test and significantly correlated using Pearson’s correlation. The self-rating of the health of the responders was found to be 47%. The major factors affecting health are age, gender, body mass index (BMI), occupation, weight profile, work profile, surrounding hygiene, quality of life, physical activity, eating habits, regular sleep cycle, sleep quality, stress factor, psychological and mental health, comorbidities, side effects, nutritional supplements, self-medication or doctor’s prescription, and literacy score. Respondent’s physical activities were collected and found to be 89.7% negative and statistically significant. The BMI of the responders was classified into four categories: Underweight (16.7%), normal (51.86%), overweight (20.09%), and obese (7.94%). It was found to be negatively significant and two-tailed correlated. Conclusion: The study has now provided evidence on what factors influence an individual’s health self-rating and how these factors correlate to influence each other on the same platform.