Self-rated global health in the Norwegian general population

Tore Bonsaksen,Inger Schou-Bredal,Laila Skogstad,Tine K Grimholt,Øivind Ekeberg,Trond Heir,Anners Lerdal

doi:10.1186/s12955-019-1258-y

Abstract

BackgroundPrevalence studies are needed to assess the distribution of diseases. However, in a contrasting health promotion perspective, self-rated health is in itself an important field of study. This study investigated self-rated global health in the general population in Norway.MethodsAs part of a national survey, a two-item measure of global health (score range 0–100) was administered to a general population sample, and 1776 of 4961 eligible participants (response rate 36%) responded. Group comparisons were conducted using independent t-tests and one-way analyses of variance, whereas factors associated with global health was investigated with linear regression analysis.ResultsIn the adjusted analyses, better global health was associated with higher age (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), having higher education (β = 0.10, p < 0.001), being employed (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), and living with a spouse or partner (β = 0.05, p < 0.05).ConclusionsWhile global health was similar for men and women in the Norwegian general population, other sociodemographic variables were linked with global health. In particular, the link between employment and self-rated global health was strong. The findings are considered representative for the Norwegian population.

Highlights

The health status of a population is frequently estimated by prevalence of major diseases
The wider impact of diseases has been assessed by other measures, including disability adjusted life years (DALY) [1], which serves as an aggregated measure of disease burden
Study aim This study aimed to investigate differences in self-rated global health between groups and segments in the Norwegian general population, and to assess global health in relation to sociodemographic characteristics

Summary

Introduction

The health status of a population is frequently estimated by prevalence of major diseases. Data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) were recently disaggregated to estimate the burden of disease in Norway in 2016 [3] The findings reflected those of the global study: noncommunicable diseases, like heart- and coronary disease; Knowledge about the distribution of diseases is needed; in a health promotion perspective, prevalence rates of diagnosable diseases provide limited information about the perceived health of a population. As outlined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) [5], health is a product of the ongoing interaction between the person, the environment and relevant disease conditions Resulting from this interaction is the ability to function and cope with daily life, and to participate in desired activities and in society in general. This study investigated self-rated global health in the general population in Norway

Objectives

Results

Conclusion