Impact of functional capacity on change in self-rated health among older adults in a nine-year longitudinal study

Daniela De Assumpção,Samila Sathler Tavares Batistoni,Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo Francisco,Anita Liberalesso Neri,Monica Sanches Yassuda,Flávia Silva Arbex Borim

doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02571-6

Daniela De Assumpção, Samila Sathler Tavares Batistoni + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02571-6

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Abstract

The aims of the present study were to estimate the frequency of change in self-rated health (SRH) among community-dwelling older adults, between two measures taken at a 9-year interval; and determine factors associated with a decline and an improvement in SRH, in relation to aspects of physical/emotional health and subjective wellbeing. Data were derived from a community-based study on frailty among Brazilian elderly. Associations were investigated using Pearson’s chi-square test and relative risk ratios were estimated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. 39.3% of participants did not change their SRH at both assessment times, 21.7% rated it as worse and 39.0% rated it as better. The relative risk ratio of an improvement in SRH for individuals with disability in basic activities of daily living (ADLs) was lower than for individuals with independence in basic ADLs (IRR=0.22; IC95%: 0.08-0.63). Understanding the complex interactions between self-rated health and the dimensions that influence the improvement of health perception may shed light on key determinants of the wellbeing among older adults.

Highlights

Self-rated health (SRH) is a global estimate of one’s own health state that generally relies on judgments based on the presence or absence of disease, levels of physical and cognitive capacity, mood and emotional state [1]
The aims of the present study were to estimate the frequency of change in SRH among community-dwelling older adults, between two measures taken at a 9-year interval; and determine factors associated with decline and improvement in SRH, in relation to aspects of physical/emotional health and subjective wellbeing
82.1% did not have symptoms compatible with major depression (GDS > 5), 64.8% were very satisfied with their lives (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Self-rated health (SRH) is a global estimate of one’s own health state that generally relies on judgments based on the presence or absence of disease, levels of physical and cognitive capacity, mood and emotional state [1]. Few studies have addressed factors associated to positive change in health assessments, probably due to the rarity of such an occurrence. Verropoulo, in 2012, investigated factors which may predict a decline or an improvement in SRH of older adults and observed that male sex, low educational level and worse health have a strong predictor of subsequent decline in SHR [7]. They events are possible and highly relevant as they may signal factors that may have a positive impact in health in aging.

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